2 NIGHTS 2 DAYS NYERI - PART TWO

I slept nicely. It was simply because i knew i had made others happy and not just others there is a whole bunch of kids out there who will have memories of a life time. I think we should have more people do this. Just go out there and just be there for somebody else. Sometimes you dont even have to do anything. Just go down to their level and listen really listen. You may not know it but you create a bridge to the world of possibilites and fullfillment of dreams.

Its 9:00am in the morning time to stop being so sentimental about the whole thing and get down to business. I think my clients have overslept. Well with the current weather -read rain and cold and a few Kenyan beers, there is the general temptation to roll over and sleep some more because these blankets tend to just be warm in all the unecessary places. I put in the call and after like 3 missed calls i get my guys up. Now that done am headed to town to buy one lucky boy his uniform of which we will be giving to him later.

I am singing a tune to myself as the cold whips my face on the motor bike. Really am not a person to board those death machines but when i took one look at the road surface i beat down my fear sat on it and asked for a ride. We meet with my guests at the petrol station. Did i mention they have a self drive? sometimes it is such a good thing you are not restricted to places. Anyway we go to the bata shop to complete the Uniform set with a new pair of Toughees for one boy called MEME.

Meme as we had been informed has not been lucky to get two parents and his mother, the one parent he has may not be able to go out and do this things. I make a mental note to ask for clothes from him from friends and  maybe buy some as well soon. Lets just say that smile you get from the child is enough to make choirs of angels sing..they are precious.

But before community today we start out at the Lord Baden Powell gardens--yap they turned it into a nice place.

 

An argument ensues...why on earth would guys have gone on to fight some war in south Africa for land that did not belong to them...I suppose that is their business. For now i like the ideals that B.P teaches young people.To be kind, loyal , i will add loving and morally correct. It is a good infection that he spread in the world. He totally ROCKS!! and to be buried in Nyeri - well ,....do i say we are an honoured bunch of people. WE SHOULD OPEN OUR EYES. Hey that is not all we discover someone else here as well

maybe someone did recognise him. Edward James Jim Corbett...they Indian Man who wrote about the man eaters of Murkomen (if i remember my history) he was B.P's friend.

There are so many others here i suspect they were all colonial masters. We are informed that only one black lady attended B.P's funeral and her name was Nyaruai. If i were her i would have felt odd to be among so many white faces.

MEME BEFORE

MEME AFTER

We progress now to the school. We are making good time. We learnt something here. It was really good. Back to Muringato Primary school and for Meme's sake. Again we are received rather warmly. I am impressed but its time for a different kind of business.


In an instant we have a boy transformed as witnessed in the picture ...it is a teary moment.. i suppose being a mother i do understand how that feels.

After Meme we go towards the secret falls of Nyeri. Pas our very own little rift in the valley to the almost 15 bends of Kiganjo before we stop briefly at the famous Police college. Unfortunately they do not have pesa point here only ATM of two banks Co-operative being one of them. Nevertheless the weather is improving and this area is drier..(thank heavens). We go towards Marua ..past the war memorial graves ---they are very well maintained by the way on past the Brade Gate chiken factory (wait a minute they have a restaurant now that is NEW and cool) oh and finally we are here.

look of suprise at the existence of this place

I mean we are at our destination. I love this place. For one it was the boundary between the Embu and the Gikuyu in times past and it is of some historical significant. Here the battle of the black river (bara ya rui ruiru) was fought i will quote from an article written in the star (http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-120441/we-were-humiliated-colonial-masters)


"He particularly remembers the Rui Ruiru (Black River) battle in Mathira where freedom fighters

rock formation with path between

part of the waterfall system at this place

were ambushed by British soldiers and home guards at Karuthi on their way from Mount Kenya to Tumutumu. “We had been spotted at a place called Kagaki and ambushed by British soldiers and home guards from Marua along the railway line to Rugathati. As we drank porridge at a home we had been welcomed to, women told us that we had been surrounded. To confront the small group that we were, the enemy was using radio calls to seek reinforcement from Nanyuki, Tumutumu and Karatina.”The freedom fighters had a few man-made guns which though not very effective as weapons, made a big racket that confused the enemy. “We also had a few conventional guns and a metal pipe weapon that shot a bullet further than a 303 could, but our main strength was the element of surprise through the loud blasts our weapons made. To make the other side think we were a big battalion, we would raise a flag and blow the trumpet. And if we were overcome, we would instead of retreating, run towards the enemy which at times scared them away as they thought we were unbeatable.”This however did not stop the Mau Mau from becoming casualties of the battle at Rui Ruiru as seven of the forest soldiers lost their lives and others were wounded. Mathenge recalls a colleague he was lying in a trench with who was shot through the eye and endured so much pain that he would keep raising his head in anticipation of a fatal bullet and thus relieve from the excruciating pain. “The man is still alive today and he still remembers how I kept pushing his head down despite his resistance.” "

The freedom fighters had a few man-made guns which though not very effective as weapons, made a big racket that confused the enemy. “We also had a few conventional guns and a metal pipe weapon that shot a bullet further than a 303 could, but our main strength was the element of surprise through the loud blasts our weapons made. To make the other side think we were a big battalion, we would raise a flag and blow the trumpet. And if we were overcome, we would instead of retreating, run towards the enemy which at times scared them away as they thought we were unbeatable.”
This however did not stop the Mau Mau from becoming casualties of the battle at Rui Ruiru as seven of the forest soldiers lost their lives and others were wounded. Mathenge recalls a colleague he was lying in a trench with who was shot through the eye and endured so much pain that he would keep raising his head in anticipation of a fatal bullet and thus relieve from the excruciating pain. “The man is still alive today and he still remembers how I kept pushing his head down despite his resistance.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-120441/we-were-humiliated-colonial-masters#sthash.S8Neufkg.dpuf

oh this place is beautiful and never ceases to amaze me just how nature tends to come out and do something to our sensenses.

so there is a lot to be explored






alot to be seen

 alot to be talked about

 

alot to be done

 alot of exercise too...

AND ALOT that will make me want to come back often.....to be continued

2 NIGHTS 2 DAYS NYERI – THE JOURNEY PART ONE

They say every journey begins with a single step. Today's  Itinerary was simple enough. First step was the INSPIRE community library. 

It has served the kids in the community for the last three years with books majorly coming from American Friends of Kenya and other friends. Our visitors were impressed not believing that one could open up their house to serve the community. My heart did a little jig here. It is good when people see beyond the bad guy to the change that can be achieved if everyone just did that little thing to change the life of a child.Being from the ghetto does not define who you are or are going to be.

We pick up the books we were going to be donating to Muringato Primary school and head out. It is our policy, on the request of a client, we put community before fun although we do note that this almost always turns out to be a fun activity at the end of the day all the time. We arrive to a resounding welcome from the children and I can see the female teachers become rather shy. Why I will never know maybe that is the effect the ‘white man’ leaves on us…(not me however). Well Frank is handsome in his own unique way. Personally I never thought tattoos would look good on a man but his were so well done it seemed almost natural.

Oh the kids were all over him, ‘pick me up’ pick me up’ oh please let me see……what are those on your hands …face…okay that would have gone on and on hadn’t the teacher so helpfully intervened. Our focus group today was the standard 7 and 8. After the questions on a little survey we had done earlier to establish what bothers children in learning it was time to hear from them what they thought as well as  to give out the books.  it was fun. Not only did we make Frank sing twinkle twinkle little star but he was asked to call out the names of the children and it came out so funny.

Kikuyu names tend to be a little hard on the tongue. 47 books were given out today to kids to spread the love of reading.Well our guest could not escape a little African hospitality. From being offered Ugali, to Githeri and finally when that failed to materialize he had bread put in a bag and was made to carry.. I was smiling all the way ..that was funny.

Next stop…Aberdare country club for Lunch

This place is always ruggedly beautiful. Everyone was so friendly and kept waving. That really has our guests impressed. We are quickly informed that back at home everyone is usually busy minding their own business to have time to be friendly…. At this point am more than glad I live in Africa. In spite of our many troubles we are still a friendly lot…this is a heartwarming opinion. Ooooh back to the travels for the day…once we pass through the gate we are met by a heard of Impala and a big well not really ugly warthog. Why on earth did someone say that this creature is ugly …We really have to stop here. 

They are so photographic and Jimmy and Frank are getting some seriously good pictures. My camera died on me after denying it National dialogue to solve battery issues. I am now regretting my momentary dementia which made me forget the other one at home. Am practically begging to be tagged, uploaded etc etc etc ..Thank goodness for technology

We are hungry at this point. I suspect anywhere where kids are being picked, played with tends to make one hungry. Kudos to teachers they are a strong lot. I can’t wait for the promised buffet. At the parking lot we come across this handsome young man Solomon. He is smiling and I like him already and oh am a bit surprised that he is the one receiving us. I am feeling nice. This is cool in most other places you have to take yourself to the reception.

 He is leading us to the Promised Land flowing with food and TUSKER. Apprently someone ……(smiles) introduced our visitor to Tusker, genuinely brewed Kenyan beer and he is totally hooked. I can understand ….there is something so authentic in Kenyan made goods although this does not apply to the lethal brews brewed in back alleys and dirty toilets that are killing people. We are shown our table a little late as eventually we find ourselves alone. This is more than nice now there can be second helpings without prying eyes.

Everyone is so hospitable. They don’t even hate on me despite being a fellow African and even the chef is willing to show me how to make the vegetable burger. We sit down with heaped plates…couldn’t help it I love fish. The guys …well that is a different story al together they are eating and appreciating everything so nicely am feeling nice to have pulled this one off. And then we hear a sound …noise that I could swear almost sounds like a cat call and ..NO it is not a cat but a peackock. Those birds are beautiful.. really beautiful. Out with the cameras snap snap snap …okay on this bit I curse under my breath because I cant raise my camera from its strike …man ……

Aberdare Country club is so relaxing, about 3 tuskers later and a soda for the lady …we are a happy happy lot. The views from the verandah are so spectacular and I could swear that thing looking and not looking like a cow just beyond the trees is not a cow. It is too big. Anyway that will just be another argument and am not about to spoil this nice time with a baseless argument about cows that are not cows.

We are leaving now heading back to the community area for the evening walk. Its been nice I want to be

back here often. Everyone has been so nice and yes I gave Solomon my number….its just networking which girl would not be tempted by that dimpled face. We are soon headed to Chania. Parked the vehicle and finally picked the other camera.

The walk begins at the top of the hill. The view is interesting you can actually see the whole of Chania from this angle. I am explaining about this children. I love these kids completely…I know their names and their character. We are going down and here comes Joseph with a tire that is bigger than him.

This kid is sweet. He can now speak English which is really amazing. Just 3 months ago he had no hope of ever going to school but he is now in nursery school a little old for his age but a blessing anyway. And behind him is timothy his little brother who also was lucky enough to get a sponsor and now is in school. My deepest respect to the people who have partnered with INSPIRE to create this difference in the lives of others.

We are moving on now and the crowd of babies is increasing. I can see Frank and Jimmy are loving every ^st century. You will not believe the things men and women do to survive. This one has decided to make some form of oven.  This is nice when people think. We are informed that his contraption does everything from baking to cooking meat and boiling water. I can already see facebook updates at this point.

 

minute of attention he is getting from the kids and the villagers here.. The girls are smiling shyly and the women are just smiling. The men are trying not to look but they cant help but stare. Then we happen upon innovativeness in the 21

The bigger kids are coming in now. Oh Teacher you have brought our guest….. yes I have. They are impressed. Today even Sammy is talking in English something I have not seen him do before. Maybe its true what they say…. (cant exactly remember what was said though I know it was said). There are photo sessions every kids wants a photo with the stranger from America. He is having fun I can see. There is no hurry here this is Africa. From the road side to rivers selfies…okay that would be funny in any other circumstance. Oh to be young and innocent…. Can you imagine if I did that ….i would be judged by the logs in other people’s eyes for life.

Its getting late now and we are walking back to my place to get the car. Time to retire for the day. It has been a good day and am grateful to God that it was. I have learnt a great deal today that is good for this young entrepreneur.

The evening will find us at the White Rhino. We are relaxed and I can imagine we are just like those who sat here before us when it was an exclusive club for the colonial masters. Even the happy valley lot sat in this places and did their mischief here. I can imagine what their faces would be like if they saw us now…there is a smug look on my face. Kenya belongs to Kenya and tomorrow we will be learning just what it took to fight for the freedom to sit here. For now let us enjoy the Kenyan beat which the DJ is so annoyingly insisting on playing and the Kenyan drink brewed in Kenya …probably to honour the Elephant.

Today it was definately about the Children. ...to be continued 

CONQUERING MT KENYA

This article caught my attention as i am a big fan of climbing Mt.Kenya. Written by Charles Thuku for the People Daily

A walk through Mount Kenya National Park through forest and moorland is, for many visitors, the most pleasant part of a trip to the mountain. Climbers are strongly recommended to adopt a leisurely pace in their search for adventure as acclimatisation problems on Mt Kenya are underestimated by many parties as they rush up to the peaks in one day and find themselves too sick to climb down.
There have been many cases of pulmonary oedema, mainly as a result of high altitudes being reached too fast. In case of oedema, rapid descent is imperative. The Xtreme Sports Adventure held on the mountain’s northern forested slopes in Buuri district, Meru County, recently was therefore not for the faint-hearted ordinary visitor; it required good physical fitness. It was sports tourism in the true sense of the word when hundreds of fun-seekers converged at the Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership (Kesal).

The day-long event consisted of the Extreme Adventure and Kesal Bush race, which was open to spectators from all walks of life, ranging from outdoor adventure enthusiasts, camping lovers to party animals who crave the thrill of dancing to a live band in the serenity of the mountain environment. A hit since inception in 2011, the adventure involved teams of five people going through a series of outdoor activities requiring stamina, agility, endurance, cognitive ability and teamwork.
Navigation using map and compass, rock climbing and abseil (or rappelling), treasure hunt, high ropes and obstacle crossing all in the serenity of the jungle required speed, fast thinking, courage and fitness. The runners in the team event had to go through various checkpoints, with Kesal’s Mt Kenya base camp being the finish line. The sky marathon, one of the events lined up for the day, was an individual event involving a jog to and from Lenana Peak in one day, starting at altitude of about 10,000 feet (3,048m) above sea level and is the ultimate athletes’ exam, testing physical, mental and psychological endurance.

After enduring freezing temperatures the previous night, many of the competitors without prior experience of such a serene jungle experience encountered wildlife while traversing through the race track, including the rare dik dik, elephant and zebra. Administration Police Training College (APTC) Sports Officer Jeremiah Kosion, whose team took part in all the events, said the event offered his team an exciting adventure to remember out of their usual military calling. Kenya Wildlife Service clinched the corporate category followed by Kenya Forestry Service, APTC, and Kenya Tourism Board teams.

The Kesal Community Bush Race was won by Ouko’s followed by Arise and Shine, Kibirichia, National Registration Bureau (NRB) 2, NRB 1 and NRB 3. Kenya Methodist University won the team challenge category while Administration Police clinched the runners-up position, with National Youth Service third. Ernest Maina, the event’s co-ordinator, said Extreme Sports Challenge, which is growing fast, was mooted to raise funds for the conservation of Mount Kenya forest through the Save Mount Kenya Campaign.