I tumbled in love with the Kenyan sky. Painted with swift brushstrokes and circular sponges soaked in bright whites and faded grays dampened onto pale blue skies. From the top of the hill, after weaving a loopy path around thorny bushes, hardened piles of cow dung and neighborhoods comprised of mud huts and clothing lines […]
On my last trip outside of the Daraja bubble, Leah and I made the Laikipia County rounds, venturing into the most rural areas as the greater Rumeruti area to visit junior Irene’s home, and trekking to more touristy areas like Lake Naivaisha, where we went on boat safari. Awesome times all around. Last weekend was […]
Part II of the transportation guide! Sand trucks I treasure adventure days with Carson. The guy is this awesome, free spirit who is simultaneously all-knowing and born last night. Carson and I decided to head into town one day. We set out from Daraja and struggled to leave one of the dogs, Rasta, at the […]
The modes of transportation in Kenya have been some wild experiences. Because the San Francisco Bay Area has bridges as barriers, most of my getting around was by way of my car (oh, how I miss driving!). But should I need to ditch the wheels for a cheaper, more convenient way around, I’ll often take […]
Have you ever been to the beach that had a rip tide warning sign? Don’t swim in the ocean, because at any point, a sudden change in current could pull you out to sea. Doesn’t change how beautiful the beach is, how amazing the views are, or the peacefulness of that place. At some point, […]
When I first got to Daraja, I thought my job would be the easy part, and immersing myself in this country and culture would be the hard part. There is the culture of Kenya: negotiating prices, waving down matatus, eating nyoma choma with my right hand, ordering a warm Tuskers, saying “hi” and getting “fine” […]
There are moments here that are so unlike any other that I have tucked away in my memory bank. Ones richly colored with shades of green that my eyes haven’t registered before, with stark, white clouds against grey skies, highlighted only by the pockets of sunshine streaming through potential storms. Moments when my heart races […]
I stood next to a dusty, wood shack in Naibor, staring at the most beautiful little girl I had ever seen. She looked about 3 years old. Her sparkling brown eyes were large, but not intimidated by her extensively long, curly eyelashes. She smiled at me and held her small hand up. I returned her […]
“I’m ok.” That was the last thing I said to Matt when he walked me to my banda. At the time, I was sharing it with two other roommates, but that night, I was the only one home. “Are you sure? Need me to stay until you get settled in?” I looked at Matt, the […]
It is with a bursting sense of excitement that I announce my upcoming adventure to Kenya! I am proud and humbled to take on a communications role with the Daraja Academy (website: click here), a 60-acre campus at the foot of Mt. Kenya about 4 hours (driving) outside of Nairobi. I am thankful for the […]
