Kisumu!

I traveled to Kisumu this weekend with some friends and Wendy’s host mom who has family in the area. 

Kisumu is in the western part of Kenya right next to Lake Victoria – the 2^nd biggest lake in the world, and is the home area of Obama’s ancestors. Kisumu is a beautiful area – much less congested and cleaner than Nairobi – so it was a much appreciated change of scenery. Since Kisumu is on Lake Victoria, tilapia is a staple food for the people, and it is thought that it makes them smart. The Luo ethnic group dominates the area, and they are stereotyped as being smart because they eat so much fish. Stereotypes of the different ethnic groups are very present in Kenya, but most people hope that it will change so that they all view themselves as Kenyans.

On Saturday afternoon we went for a boat ride on the lake and ate a lot of fish at a restaurant on the lake. Then we visited Wendy’s mom’s mom who was recently hospitalized. The hospital was a single room that had about 15 beds, no white walls, and no privacy between among the patients – a different atmosphere than hospitals which I am used to.  That night we went to a rural area with Wendy’s mom to listen to traditional music. We arrived at about 7 pm and met Jack La General – a traditional African musician who is quite well-known in Kenya. After waiting 3 hours because of a power outage, the music began, and we were definitely the main attraction for the night. People from the village swarmed the place, and in between songs, many people gave donations to the band and would dedicate a song to us. One of the donors asked me to marry him. I said no. 

An elder from the village even came and welcomed us. Jack La General insisted that the 6 of us students dance with him – so we did – the whole night. Afterwards we ate freshly killed chicken and ugali at his home and he took tons of pictures with us.

I have 1 week left in Nairobi and then I’m heading to Mombasa for the internship portion of the semester. I can’t believe how fast it has already gone and I know it’ll just keep flying. I’m looking forward to Christmastime when I can see everyone, but I hope that I can make the most out of these last 8 weeks. Miss you all! Hope you are enjoying the fall smells and colors for me!