Jambo, Kenya!

COUNTRY: Kenya
PROGRAM: GapBreak UniBreak
PROJECT: Construction, Conservation & Community Work
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Campbell

Jambo! Mambo Rafiki? (Hello! How are things friend?)

We arrived in Mombasa and were greeted by views of beautiful, blue skies and green fields. We could feel the humidity immediately with the airport recording a temperature of 38 degrees. As we navigated our way through the throng of taxi drivers we were welcomed by Yusra and our leaders who showed us to the taxi bus.

Driving through Mombasa gave us our first insight into Kenya. With no lanes or marked street signs the dirt roads were bustling with locals. Each side was lined with market stalls selling fresh, local produce or vibrant fabrics and crafts. Motorbikes weaved in and out of traffic and cars constantly tooted their horns. After crossing the ferry taxi we arrived at our camp, nestled within the heart of the community. As we pulled up local children ran past waving and yelling loudly, 'Jambo! Jambo!' It was certainly a very warm welcome.

Our placement projects began the following day. A big breakfast proved well needed as we began work in the warm climate. Split into three groups, each worked on a different project. These included building tables and chairs for the local school, building a library and building a house for a local mother who, due to divorce, had nowhere to live.

Camp staff taught us the various skills required from chiseling wood to cutting bamboo and making mud bricks. Robert, the local carpenter said after two years of training we too would be professionals, alerting us that "even the trees" feared him.

At lunch we congregated around the large table, making fun of the British accent and sharing stories of our days work. Some of us were keen to show forming blisters or muddy hands, a sign of hard work. We were served huge helpings of a delicious meal consisting of spiced rice and curry masala and thankfully the hour break was spent recovering from eating too fast.

With greater knowledge of what we needed to do, we returned to work at 2pm and worked solidly until 4pm. We heard the giggles of school children who, on their way home, passed through excitedly laughing and running. Their vivaciousness was contagious and a great afternoon pick-me-up.

After afternoon tea we ventured from camp and around the corner to houses within the village. With the sun beginning to set it was a photographer's dream as it cast a beautiful glow on the thatched roofs and coloured mud houses, parked motorcycles and the long village road ahead.

The children were excited to see us and were quick to teach us some Swahili. They showed off their flashy soccer skills and we played games of hide and seek which they enjoyed. Little girls and boys played in the sand and we were struck by just how little they had yet how happy and enthusiastic they were.

That evening as we headed back for camp and sat down for dinner we were all smiles, exchanging stories and cameras. The children had made such a big impression on us and were an indication of just how friendly the Kenyan people are.

We spent Saturday and Sunday relaxing at the beach and at various resorts. The sun was hot and it was a lovely day to enjoy the white sand and clear blue water as camels plodded past and Masai warriors strolled along. We ate amazing seafood and checked out the various items being sold by the 'beach boys'. After some practice most of us were experts at the phrase "hapana, toka" ('no thanks, go away').

With some of us sporting fresh sunburn (mainly the Brits), we headed out to the Forty Thieves nightclub. We were all quite exhausted so we spent most of the time chatting but as the DJ played some African tunes it was hard not to join in the festivities and dance. On the way home we drove past a village wedding. The road was blocked with people as all the locals came to take part. It was a beautiful scene with candles everywhere and the smell of incense and food. Our taxi driver explained that the couple was a prominent family and the occasion allowed people to celebrate and get free food, which was a huge thing for families in such a poor area.

With so much happening and only 5 days in, it is hard to imagine just how much Kenya has in store for us but we are looking forward to it. Please know parents that we are very well, safe and extremely well fed here and having the time of our lives.

Until next time,

Kwa heri!