I've been making friends and playing with the kids and getting out on every trip possible. I actually don't need to buy much, but I like the bartering and helping out others. Yesterday we went to the "Maasai Market," which is twice a week at a mall in Nairobi. Megan and I made some purchases there last year so it was familiar territory. This time I was able to say "no money today, just pictures!" to the hagglers . . . and take some time for conversations.
Shukas (Maasai blankets) and Kikois for sale
Baskets from Tanzania (Iringa Baskets!)
Earrings
New friend, BernardConversation:
Bernard - Oh, Erica-America, I will just call you America. Obama or McCain? You are going for McCain.
Me - Oh, how do you know that?
Bernard - Just look at you. You are voting for McCain. I can tell.
Random guy - I like McCain.
Me - Why? I thought all Kenyans like Obama.
Random guy - I like him because he is old. Old is good.
Me - Yes, he is Mzee (old man). But did you know he is like 70?
Random guy - 70? Oh. That's too old. I like Obama better now.
And . . . politics in Africa.
Bernard - Oh, Erica-America, I will just call you America. Obama or McCain? You are going for McCain.
Me - Oh, how do you know that?
Bernard - Just look at you. You are voting for McCain. I can tell.
Random guy - I like McCain.
Me - Why? I thought all Kenyans like Obama.
Random guy - I like him because he is old. Old is good.
Me - Yes, he is Mzee (old man). But did you know he is like 70?
Random guy - 70? Oh. That's too old. I like Obama better now.
And . . . politics in Africa.
7 comments:
maasai market! love it. (is this too early to send money to your mom for you to buy my a kikapu? my pen broke in mine and ruined it.... let me know. i don't want everyone to start sending you their wish lists!)
can you take some pics of the people you are with and of mayfield?
love ya girl. :) amy
so glad you are there with time to rest! i got your post card in the mail and put it on the fridge! we are praying for you!
a.) maasai and me.
b.) your camera and you are doing marvelously. beautiful pictures, e.
c.) LOVE that conversation about obama and mccain.
d.) please remind me why i chose to still teach for CMS next year instead of moving to africa.
1) i like the pictures of the earrings. i know you have them there for me to pick mine out.
2) hmmmm, obama or mccain. it definitely sounds like you are having a conversation with a kenyan. i love the african mentality and how things "make sense" or not over there.
Oh the politics in Africa! Amen to that! The Maasai market is wonderful as are the blankets and people. Enjoy!!
Great composition in the photos!! You've got quite an eye girlie! Your blog entries are now truly...The View from Africa! Keep the pics and posts coming! Love reading every word! Oh and by the way, Noelle said yesterday..."I miss Erica!" So cute! Love you! Carla
thanks for keeping us posted on how life is progressing, thanks for that conversation, I can clearly see and hear it in my mind, accent and all. Praying for you friend! ubarikiwe!-dereck
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