Sunday, December 12, 2004

Jamhuri (Republic) Day

After being so well looked after since we got here, today we got up early and cooked. First time in three months - good to do, but exhausting. We made 'English Breakfast' (bacon, sausages, eggy bread, fried and scrambled eggs, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, cornflakes, tea, etc.) for eleven, with one frying pan.

Heather and I made everyone hugely uncomfortable by seating all in the dining area, and not sitting ourselves - I could hardly bear the discomfort on Paul and Esther and Susan's faces, and wanted desparately to let them go back to eating in the kitchen, but Heather remained firm and by the end of breakfast she had everyone talking, letting her know what they'd liked and hadn't (sausages OK, cornflakes yeeuch!)

Washing up bacon-greasy plates and pans in an unfamiliar kitchen with no running water, limited hot water and "dish-washing paste" instead of fairy liquid or ecover is no joke. I think it took us two hours...

We headed off in the car again to call on Naomy's mother - she was out strolling somewhere, so we waited; chatted; met Robert (Naomy's brother) and Sylvia (his wife), both teachers; met lots and lots of children; and eventually caught up with 'Mama' on the way back.

More cooking - this time Sunday dinner: people a little more relaxed this time sitting together, although this might well be a slow process! Kenyan chickens are very different than what we're used to - killed and plucked for us by Paul, the meat much chewier, though with more flavour. There's also very little breast, thought the tiny bit I tried was delicious. Washing up was quicker this time with help from Rosa and Mo, (and a few pointers from Rebecca) - still, we slept well after our unaccustomed labours ...

- Mark

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