Sunday Morning,

Well my weekend was sort of a flop. Sadly I didn't make it to Naivasha to meet the other volunteers. Sad face. I had all the intentions of going, got up early enough - well at least what I thought early was - and made it into Nairobi City Center. I made my way through the maze of matatus at the Accra Road Station and after some time found my matatu to Naivasha.

Unfortunately for me, the matatus destined for smaller towns, outside of Nairobi, only leave when they are filled to maximum capacity. They have no rhyme or reason to a schedule, only if they have made sufficient money will they make the journey and depart the station.

From Nairobi to Naivasha is about an hour and a half. I got to the matatu I wanted at 0930 thinking it would leave shortly after or, at least, withing the next 15-20 mins. Nope. I sat in the matatu for an hour and forty minutes. I had surpassed the actual time I was to meet the other volunteers and was still where I started in Nairobi. I guess it only takes one time for you to learn. Next time, whenever that may be, I will make sure to get to my matatu with hours to spare.

All was fine though, as the night before was our big night out on the town, and let me tell you, it was big. We started off by going to a fairly well known expat bar called Gypsy Bar. It was fun, lots of ex-patriots but it was more of a bar, as evident in the name. We were looking for something more in line with a club because we all had dance fever. So, two of the other volunteers, Jessie and Josefa, told us of a place they had previously gone to, called Black Diamond. The seven of us jumped into two cabs and headed that way.

Black Diamond was exactly what we wanted. It had a bigger bar with a dance floor and DJ, also a outside patio with its own bar and plenty of space. As soon as we entered the music was pumping and the best of African music, mixed with reggae, hip-hop and very limited top forty. The crowd was more of a mix of locals and expats but weighted a little heavier on the local side. It was great. The drinks were fairly cheap and we all had an excellent night. One success.

Most of this weekend, the electricity and water was off at the house. Last night we hung out in candle light and couldn't shower or boil fresh drinking water. It did come on this morning however, and thankfully so. As today is the last day of February, a new gang of volunteers are on their way to commence their own journeys. Throughout today, there will be six new volunteers coming to the house, four of which will stay, and two will go to more rural placements. Two have already arrived, a guy from Australia and a girl from Taiwan. Exciting.

Well, here is to the start of a new month. Lets hope it is equally as adventurous and that I make it through my last week in Kenya. What a journey so far. I love volunteering and what a better place to help out as nurse. I will definitely be back to accomplish some more touristy stuff, as I would have loved to go on a safari and get to the coast of Mombasa. Next time.

Love,

Jake