04.15.07
Aliens in Space… Literally
In letters long ago I told you that Seth and I had affectionately named our new abode “the concrete jungle”. Well apparently no one else had the same brain flash and on the naming of our compound (new construction so it hasn’t had a name all this time) some genius decided on “The Space Apartments”.
As in outer-space.
Just so you don’t get the wrong picture of our host culture this was not an example of Kenyan creativity in the least. In fact when they announced it at the compound meeting there was more than a little outrage.
Seth took the opportunity to wonder aloud at the decision when “we are the only aliens on the property”. He said there were a few chuckles but most everyone just looked at him as though he were green and had antennae sticking out of his head. : )
One man suggested that they paint the constellations on the sides of the buildings…he only barely escaped stoning.
So we can now honestly claim to be aliens in space! Some of you may think this fitting, I know.
Last night I had my official “how to make ugali” lesson. I’ll make some for any and all interested parties when we get back. It is probably one of the blandest foods I have ever eaten…but the stew they eat with it!!!! MMMMMmmmmhmmmmm!
Ugali (ooo-golly) is basically maize flour boiled in water till stiff. Kind of like what happens to corn meal mush that has sat a few hours. They then slice it and eat it with a delicious cabbage based stew. I am a convert.
Anything that goes with that stew is worth eating just to get the stew. Seth, Keziah, and Jared have not seen the light as I have and throw disdainful glances from afar whenever I indulge in the wonder of Ugali and its accompanying dishes.
~Roadsign of the Week~
Sign posted in the grocery store on a very large stop sign, “Stop Dudus!” Given our current potty training situation, there are moments when I would completely agree.
The Swahili word for insect is dudu. So the signs are just bug spray advertisements (raid or doom). But Seth and I cannot help but laugh hysterically when we see them. And every one looks at us as though we are freaks, not a terribly new thing as we stick out like sore thumbs here and are generally stared at whenever we go out in public.
~Food Find~
Other than Ugali. : ) Keziah has discovered “YoGo Ices! These handy little treats are kind of like otter-pops (you know that you can get at Wal-Mart) but are fruit juice and milk.
You can also get the pure fruit juice kind. Keziah LOVES them and is an avid fan of the after nap ice-ee tradition. Kenyans, however, are shocked that I would be giving a child so young something so cold!!! In Kenya they are of the firm belief that eating or drinking cold things will give you a cold…especially young children.
I will never forget the shock and dismay on Rahab’s face when she saw me give Jared his frozen chew toy. : )
Yes folks, he is standing…watch out world.
Kez and Rahab making mandazis.
Now if I could just get to it.
I wonder if they really read the suggestions…and what they do with them.
One small section of the city of Nairobi.