Almost at the ocean
Trip Start
Jun 20, 2008
1
14
19
Trip End
Jul 16, 2008
Mombasa,
Kenya
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I suspected Africa is wild. I travelled Egypt before, so I got familiar with that smooth taste before. And thought it cant get further on this no-rules-game. We cite T.I.A here often though - This Is Africa...
Even though 2 weeks long time to adapt myself, I still feel quite overwhelmed. Probably the fact that we try to get out of the very touristy places doesnt make situation easier - that I am different I dont need to remind myself. Each morning I step out of any house, I feel pierced with the looks. Maybe for some people its rewarding and joyfull - I feel pretty exhausted after a short while. I didnt realize I am that strange just being white...
Probably too late I realized I should collect the catching names of the shops. Faith or better sight butchery, Blessings Pub, Glorious Filling Station and thousands of others you can find in every little village.
Their religiousness is obvious - on nearly every matatu you read either a catchy quotation from the Bible or simply a humble admission "I am God's fool, whose are you?". You would think that every single person there has a strong belief.
We have noticed - many young and older people read and know Bible very well. No more missionaires are needed here - in fact, if any missionaires to be send - should be reverse direction. Europe is the one in need. For majority of people, especially those in the orphanages, faifh gives strong motivation to move on and fills up with optimism.
Which probably often associated with mzungus.
Coming from not so rich country as Lithuania, I probably really feel very awkward to be considered as rich. But the skin color is the factor. Once you are white, you must be rich. Therefore I feel quite exhausted sometimes to bargain and explain that we cannot allow ourselves a taxi or buy radio or flashlight on every corner. They do not understand how on earth we decide to walk if we have plenty of cash in their eyes. This controversial status leaves no other option just be rude sometimes.
Stephen has another strategy. He knows how to talk so he talks. If an annoying broker or street seller is too irritating, he initiates a long sharade which leaves them in bizzare position. Now they are not irrititaking, but the ones to be irritated. "You need those sunglasses!" trying to convince one with a sleezy but vain smile. "These sunglasses so much bettler look where they are, on this stall". "You need a taxi!", "we don't - but maybe you need one". And a numerous other cheeky answers - I have no idea how he comes up with that, but to be honest in some places he became almost a comedian encircled with laughing venders. Rare joy for them and some fun for us.
Kenya is a diverse country. Take the nature, picturesque views on almost every turn. We didnt take the same road so far, and got quite around reaching Victioria's lake in Nyanza and befriending lovely Luos, resting in one pastor and beekepers family home in gorgeus Rift valley, meditating at Thomsons falls in Niahururu, visiting some organisations around Meru so close to mysterious mt.Kenya which is worshiped by Kikuyu as the place where their god lives. And now - after a hard bumpy night on a way to Mombasa we are finally here, looking forward to reach and dip into Indian Ocean.
It is not easy but very exciting to try and go backpackers way. As africans are unpredictable, the road will be with no forecast as well...
Comments
cool
really seems to be there...laughing about Stephen talks and sharing amazing different seesights.
keep travelling....as someone said....when youŽll begin a trip, you will never come back to same place because, in the end you will be changed yourself!
take care :)