17 April 2011

End of First Term

First term finished, break until May, then second term begins. Compared to the beginning of the term, students are more responsive, teaching is becoming easier, and overall things are just meshing. Hopefully things will continue this way next term.

Right after term ended, the school BOG sponsored a trip to Mombasa (coast area) for the teachers. We spent a few days in Mombasa, visited Haller Park, Mtwapa, and Kenyatta Beach. Then, we spent a night in Malindi (North Coast) where we saw a lot of historical sites, went to a beach, Malindi National Marine Park, and took a boat ride to a sunken island. Teachers left back home the next day and I made my way back to Mombasa. 

Now, without the teachers, I spent a few days with some other volunteers in Mtwapa in this hostel where we slept in swahilibeds (hammock-like) in a tree house a few steps from the beach. It was beautiful waking up to the sunrise, watching the tide come and go while still in bed, and going for a dip whenever we wanted. But, it is the coast so of course the weather is HUMID. We would all wake up in the middle of the night in a pool of our own sweat and mosquitoes feasting on whichever part they can reach. The swahilibeds were also not the most comfortable but overall it was a nice experience. The fresh seafood was also delicious! After Mtwapa, I headed to Diani Beach (south coast, past Mombasa) which is more expensive, but way more relaxing. You're not bothered by beach boys and just a more relaxing atmosphere. We stayed in a cottage at Stilts hostel and even though we kept our doors locked and windows closed, there was a daily battle with monkeys somehow getting into our house and ripping open our food.

After a few days in Diani, I headed into Nairobi a day early and had myself a delicious sandwich with meat and cheese! Watched the Man U vs Man City and Real Madrid vs Barcelona football game at a bar and had a very nice evening with other volunteers in town. After traveling from city to city everyday for the last week and a half, I can finally put my large bag down and relax in the same city for the next 2 weeks. Tomorrow is the beginning of training and it has been great seeing the rest of the group and catching up/learning about their crazy schools and towns. I am with free fast Internet, so let me know when you guys want to Skype!

Finally able to upload pictures so click to see!