I like Mombasa much better than Nairobi,Kenya. On Sunday Oct.21 I got on the Coast Hwy Bus at 8:30am. My seat partner was Rama,a 63 year old Indian woman who runs a school with her sisters in Mombasa. Her brother who is married to a chinese woman owns a restaurant in Nairobi. She spent 4 days with them because the father of her brother's wife was very sick.
Rama's father came to Mombasa in 1926 when the Kenya railroad was being built. He raised a family of 9 girls and 1 boy. Six unmarried sisters live in Mombasa in the family house which is a huge house built by a German. It is called 12 steps because it is 12 steps from the Indian Ocean. She turned the house into a school when she retired from working for the government.
I was very thankful God gave me this Indian woman for a seating partner. I enjoyed her company. Having been born and raised in Mombasa she shared a lot of information about Mombasa.
I was so happy to see Martin Odhiambo waiting for me when the bus arrived in Mombasa.
Martin is with Compassion International and assigned to help with the Visitation program.
He arranged for me to stay in a local hotel while I staying in Mombasa.
Monday proved to be a very interesting and wonderful day. Martin helped me get a soccer ball for Alex Muga, the 13 year old boy I had come to meet. Then we went to a supermarket to purchase a box fill of food for the family.
We than drove to Changamwe Child Development Center where I was able to meet the staff and Alex and his sister Florence who he lives with along with 7 others in a two bedroom government housing unit walking distance from the Changamwe Church and Center. I really like the members of the staff. There was a good feeling between and among us. After coffee/tea and a briefing about the Center and it's program I was given a tour of the grounds and school and later a visit in the home. We did a lot of praying at each place. When at the end Alex was asked if he had any questions for me he surprised me by asking about my grandson Zion. In our correspondence throughout the six years I must have written to him about my grandchildren.
Before I left I taught the 6 grade class "Hukilau"which I promised to do when I visited the classroom. We danced for everyone under the huge mango tree. The kids had fun with the staff and little children watching. I learned that Moses, the project director is also a Scout Master.
I really liked Moses, a slim,tall, humble man with a calm voice. I emailed Teri Sakai saying perhaps Waimea Boys Scouts might like to correspond with the boyscouts here.
I saved Tuesday to rest. I spent the morning at the Blue Room Cyber cafe and took Elizabeth,Paula's friend out for lunch. Elizabeth is a tall 5'9" attractive girl. We spoke on the phone but this was our first meeting. We were getting together to plan our trip to visit Paula,Jean and Boyd's friend, in the next district,Ukunda. I had Elizabeth choose a native dish for me. A big dish came with multicolored rice and skinned chicken covered in a delicious sauce.
It was good but I couldn't eat it all. We also had some nice fresh juices.
Since Paula mentioned bandgages we went to the wholesalers to purchase some to take with us.
Next day Elizabeth arrived with a nice white Toyota we rented for the 2and 1/2 hour trip to Paula's place. Mombasa is much greener than Nairobi. On the bus over there were many long stretches of arid land and so as we got closer it made me feel so much better to see green fields, and lots of coconut,mango,Kumanu and banana trees; all the same kinds of plants we find in Hawaii.
It was wonderful visiting with Paula and hearing about her story and meeting her 11 girls and 11 boys and visitng their quarters. I think that I will need another time to tell you more. I think the story behind is most interesting.
It is almost 12 noon and Elizabeth and I are having lunch together again. Elizabeth is another interesting story.
So until next time,
Alooooha. Joanne
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Made it to Nairobi, Kenya
I did have a bit of a scare when I arrived because Mary, Lillian's sister was nowhere to be seen.
After waiting for a while, I decided I need to phone her,but wasn't sure how to use the pay phone here. Again God sent someone to recue me. A kind gentleman offered to use his cell phone.
She was at the airport,but in another place. Finally at a little after 5am we departed for the city where she lives. I forgot to mention that Mary's sister Lillian lives in Kekaha,Kauai. It was Pastor Olaf who told me about her. We got to know each other and then she offered to introduce me to her sister,Mary through email. Mary invited me to stay with her and her family in Nairobi. Her husband and her brother -in-law who drives a taxi came with Mary.
I was warmly welcomed. Mary has three boys,Kevin who celebrated his 23th birthday yesterday,John,19 years, and little David age 10 years.
It was still dark when we arrived at the home so I couldn't see much. Later I found a beautiful bouque of roses and a card welcoming me. It seems like I have been here a month,when infact I have been here only 5 days.
I was instructed to contact Compassion International immediately on arrival so my first day was spent at Compassion Int'l's office. I had to take a taxi to get there. It is located quite near the University of Nairobi,and the hospital. It is in a very nice section of the city.
I was very impressed with the office and Susan Ropio,my contact person. All the staff were Kenyans. A plan was discussed for my visit with Alex Muga who lives in Mombassa.
This Sunday Oct. 21, I am taking the Coast Hwy bus leaving at 8:30am which should arrive about 5pm in Mombassa. A Martin from the Compassion field office there will meet me and help arrange accommodations for my stay there as well as supervise the day with Alex and his family.
I have also spoken to Paula who I met through Jeanne Thompson from our church in Waimea.
After my meeting with Alex Muga I will be visiting Paula in Ukunda.
Paula connected me to her good friend Elizabeth who lives in Mombassa. We are hiring a car as they say here and driving to the bush country where Paula has her medical clinic and cares for 20+ children. Paula says no one has visited her except her oldest son.
Since Paula asked about bandages,I thought I would get her some,but I soon learned she really meant bandgages from America because bandgage here are not of the same quality. Just as pens here do not last long like American or foreign made pens.
Anyway I am looking forward to meeting Paula and her clinic so I can report back to Jean and Boyd when I return.
I visited the Kenyan Youth Hostel yesterday. It is very nice. I was considering staying there for a little while but they don't advise my using the public transportation. They recommend taxi.
Taxis are ten times more expensive.
Lillian will not be arriving in Nairobi until middle of November so I have decided to do a 7 days Safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostle. I will do this after I return from Mombassa.
Mary's oldest son Kevin has been taking me around because it is too difficult to travel alone.
I am planning to take him with me on the Safari.
Must close in a few minutes. The traffic is horrible here in the city of Naroibi.
Today John Mary's second son is escorting around town.
Until next time, Aloha
Joanne
After waiting for a while, I decided I need to phone her,but wasn't sure how to use the pay phone here. Again God sent someone to recue me. A kind gentleman offered to use his cell phone.
She was at the airport,but in another place. Finally at a little after 5am we departed for the city where she lives. I forgot to mention that Mary's sister Lillian lives in Kekaha,Kauai. It was Pastor Olaf who told me about her. We got to know each other and then she offered to introduce me to her sister,Mary through email. Mary invited me to stay with her and her family in Nairobi. Her husband and her brother -in-law who drives a taxi came with Mary.
I was warmly welcomed. Mary has three boys,Kevin who celebrated his 23th birthday yesterday,John,19 years, and little David age 10 years.
It was still dark when we arrived at the home so I couldn't see much. Later I found a beautiful bouque of roses and a card welcoming me. It seems like I have been here a month,when infact I have been here only 5 days.
I was instructed to contact Compassion International immediately on arrival so my first day was spent at Compassion Int'l's office. I had to take a taxi to get there. It is located quite near the University of Nairobi,and the hospital. It is in a very nice section of the city.
I was very impressed with the office and Susan Ropio,my contact person. All the staff were Kenyans. A plan was discussed for my visit with Alex Muga who lives in Mombassa.
This Sunday Oct. 21, I am taking the Coast Hwy bus leaving at 8:30am which should arrive about 5pm in Mombassa. A Martin from the Compassion field office there will meet me and help arrange accommodations for my stay there as well as supervise the day with Alex and his family.
I have also spoken to Paula who I met through Jeanne Thompson from our church in Waimea.
After my meeting with Alex Muga I will be visiting Paula in Ukunda.
Paula connected me to her good friend Elizabeth who lives in Mombassa. We are hiring a car as they say here and driving to the bush country where Paula has her medical clinic and cares for 20+ children. Paula says no one has visited her except her oldest son.
Since Paula asked about bandages,I thought I would get her some,but I soon learned she really meant bandgages from America because bandgage here are not of the same quality. Just as pens here do not last long like American or foreign made pens.
Anyway I am looking forward to meeting Paula and her clinic so I can report back to Jean and Boyd when I return.
I visited the Kenyan Youth Hostel yesterday. It is very nice. I was considering staying there for a little while but they don't advise my using the public transportation. They recommend taxi.
Taxis are ten times more expensive.
Lillian will not be arriving in Nairobi until middle of November so I have decided to do a 7 days Safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostle. I will do this after I return from Mombassa.
Mary's oldest son Kevin has been taking me around because it is too difficult to travel alone.
I am planning to take him with me on the Safari.
Must close in a few minutes. The traffic is horrible here in the city of Naroibi.
Today John Mary's second son is escorting around town.
Until next time, Aloha
Joanne
Sunday, October 14, 2007
High Lights of Egypt
Yesterday we were taken to Garbage City. Yes, Garbage City where 30-40 thousand Egyptians live. There is a church there which we were told was very different,but we were blown away by what we saw and the story behind it. A modern day miracle.
Olaf, the girl guide, told us this story. I may not have it exactly right,but here goes.
This is a story between a Muslim leader and a Christian. Christian leader wanted to build a church in Garbage City. The Muslim leader said that he didn't believe the Christian religion was real,and that he would give the Christian leader 3 days to prove that his Christian faith was real.
The Christian did nothing for 3 days but pray. On the 3 third day there was a huge earthquake which caused the mountain which is made from limestome to collaspe. This made the Muslim leader believe that the Christian faith was real. There is a huge limestone overhang(ceiling)creating a huge hole or cave. The church looks like a collosium with seats for 5,000 I think I was told. It is very impressive and everyone is welcomed,Muslims,Christians,etc and it is right in Garbage City. The first miracle is this church and how it came about and the second is that a picture of the Virgin Mary appeared in the ceiling of the cave and is there today. About 10 years ago a Polish artist has been creating murals on the walls of the church.
The church is impressive.
Intrepid Travel supports the people of Garbage City by supporting a company which recycles the plastics collected and creating new things for them to sell.
I can't remember if I told you about sailing down the Nile on a felucca. A felucca I was told was the type of boat used from way way back. It has to sails and has tol zig zak to catch the wind. We ate and slept on it for two nights. A wonderful way to relax.
Sitting and swimming in the Red Sea was real special. Watching the sunrise and sunsets,and realizing that the lights across you are from Jordon and Saudi Arabia.
What was more special was snorkling in the Red Sea. The reefs are pristine. I never saw coral reefs like this as well as many colorful fishes.
Yes, it has been a most delightful and amazing tour of Egypt and more wonderful to have wonderful companions and tour guide. Esam's wish is to have peace in the world. He wears his T-shirt which expresses his belief. Act locally, and Think Globally. He was thrilled to learn that Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Must go now. Aloha. Joanne
Olaf, the girl guide, told us this story. I may not have it exactly right,but here goes.
This is a story between a Muslim leader and a Christian. Christian leader wanted to build a church in Garbage City. The Muslim leader said that he didn't believe the Christian religion was real,and that he would give the Christian leader 3 days to prove that his Christian faith was real.
The Christian did nothing for 3 days but pray. On the 3 third day there was a huge earthquake which caused the mountain which is made from limestome to collaspe. This made the Muslim leader believe that the Christian faith was real. There is a huge limestone overhang(ceiling)creating a huge hole or cave. The church looks like a collosium with seats for 5,000 I think I was told. It is very impressive and everyone is welcomed,Muslims,Christians,etc and it is right in Garbage City. The first miracle is this church and how it came about and the second is that a picture of the Virgin Mary appeared in the ceiling of the cave and is there today. About 10 years ago a Polish artist has been creating murals on the walls of the church.
The church is impressive.
Intrepid Travel supports the people of Garbage City by supporting a company which recycles the plastics collected and creating new things for them to sell.
I can't remember if I told you about sailing down the Nile on a felucca. A felucca I was told was the type of boat used from way way back. It has to sails and has tol zig zak to catch the wind. We ate and slept on it for two nights. A wonderful way to relax.
Sitting and swimming in the Red Sea was real special. Watching the sunrise and sunsets,and realizing that the lights across you are from Jordon and Saudi Arabia.
What was more special was snorkling in the Red Sea. The reefs are pristine. I never saw coral reefs like this as well as many colorful fishes.
Yes, it has been a most delightful and amazing tour of Egypt and more wonderful to have wonderful companions and tour guide. Esam's wish is to have peace in the world. He wears his T-shirt which expresses his belief. Act locally, and Think Globally. He was thrilled to learn that Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Must go now. Aloha. Joanne
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Leaving Egypt for Nairobi,Kenya today
This has been a fantastic tour. I really like Intrepid. I sent in my evaluation via internet and already I got a reply from Darrel Wade,Intrepid's CEO. Esam's T-shirt say: Act Locally,Think Globally. There tours reflect their belief. They use only hotels owned locally,include in their tours many opportunities to meet local people which encourages interaction in a sensitive,respectfull way,the groups are small so you get to know the members of the tour quite well. We get to enjoy meals in the home of local people. Intrepid supports the Recycle program here which is managed by the Coptic Christians. I didn't know who the Coptic Christians were.
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting and talking to a Coptic Christian whoes family became Christians when Apostle Mark came to Alexandria, Egypt. Today his wife will come for me at the Victoria Hotel at 9:15am and we will walk to the church they attend. It is her husband Dr. Albert Isteerio who traces his family line to Alexandria and Apostle Mark. Jean,his wife, is from New England. She says that her church helps refuges. That is their main project.
I need to close now but will continue later. There is so much to tell.
I will have my breakfast and then wait for Jean. It should be another interesting day.
My knees are better and I am looking forward to just taking it easy in Nairobi.
Pastor Olaf, Mary,the sister of Lillian who you told me about and I met in Kekaha, is meeting me at the airport in Nairobi. I will also be staying with her. Lillian will also be in Nairobi at the end of October.
Aloha& Malama Pono, Joanne
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting and talking to a Coptic Christian whoes family became Christians when Apostle Mark came to Alexandria, Egypt. Today his wife will come for me at the Victoria Hotel at 9:15am and we will walk to the church they attend. It is her husband Dr. Albert Isteerio who traces his family line to Alexandria and Apostle Mark. Jean,his wife, is from New England. She says that her church helps refuges. That is their main project.
I need to close now but will continue later. There is so much to tell.
I will have my breakfast and then wait for Jean. It should be another interesting day.
My knees are better and I am looking forward to just taking it easy in Nairobi.
Pastor Olaf, Mary,the sister of Lillian who you told me about and I met in Kekaha, is meeting me at the airport in Nairobi. I will also be staying with her. Lillian will also be in Nairobi at the end of October.
Aloha& Malama Pono, Joanne
Sunday, October 7, 2007
The Wonders and Mystery of Egypt
On the 4th day of our tour we left the hotel at 3:30am in the morning. To get to Abu Simbel and Plilae Temples we had to join a convey. That was an experience. Police everywhere and huge buses and vans like ours all lined up for it seems miles. I was told we are near the Sudan border and this is why we need clearance and police escorts. We didn't get to Abu Simbel until near 7am. It was a good thing we got there early before the crowds and heat.
The going was fascinating. Sand,sand, sand, piles of sand,mountains of sand,miles and miles of sand in every direction. I believe we did past one green spot. It must have been an oasis. Now I know what a desert is. I live in Kekaha, Kauai which we call desert, but this is very different.
When I got there I stood in Awe. To think that these huge statues and temples were built when there were no modern equippment is unbelieveable. We also got see the Nasser lake and the hight dam.
We also experienced some drama at the time of departure. One person was missing and we needed to join the convoy. The mom would not leave without her son(I thought he was a teenager but later learned he was 22 years old.) The bus driver was in a dilnma. If we missed the first convoy we had to wait for the next convoy. The daughter said that she was very sorry and we could leave the mom to look for her son,that she had money and could find a way back later. Ofcourse many on the bus were becoming impatient. A group of Japanese tourist said that they had a train to catch at 5pm. The ride back takes 4 hours. However, the bus driver was concerned for the woman and her son. After one hour the son was found and we were finally able to leave. I must admit that I was one who felt it was unfair to hold up the whole group when we were clearly told in the beginning to be at the bus at certain time. But later I was glad that the bus driver did what he did. The family,mom,daughter, and son were from Australia, but migrated there from Taiwan. We later got an opportunity to know them better.
I will stop here to get to breakfast and we leave at 8am today.
Until next time..........Aloha.
The going was fascinating. Sand,sand, sand, piles of sand,mountains of sand,miles and miles of sand in every direction. I believe we did past one green spot. It must have been an oasis. Now I know what a desert is. I live in Kekaha, Kauai which we call desert, but this is very different.
When I got there I stood in Awe. To think that these huge statues and temples were built when there were no modern equippment is unbelieveable. We also got see the Nasser lake and the hight dam.
We also experienced some drama at the time of departure. One person was missing and we needed to join the convoy. The mom would not leave without her son(I thought he was a teenager but later learned he was 22 years old.) The bus driver was in a dilnma. If we missed the first convoy we had to wait for the next convoy. The daughter said that she was very sorry and we could leave the mom to look for her son,that she had money and could find a way back later. Ofcourse many on the bus were becoming impatient. A group of Japanese tourist said that they had a train to catch at 5pm. The ride back takes 4 hours. However, the bus driver was concerned for the woman and her son. After one hour the son was found and we were finally able to leave. I must admit that I was one who felt it was unfair to hold up the whole group when we were clearly told in the beginning to be at the bus at certain time. But later I was glad that the bus driver did what he did. The family,mom,daughter, and son were from Australia, but migrated there from Taiwan. We later got an opportunity to know them better.
I will stop here to get to breakfast and we leave at 8am today.
Until next time..........Aloha.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Mystery and Glory of Egypt
On the second day,Monday Oct. 1 we took off on a van to see 3 pyramids and the Sphinx. Our guide for the day was Olaf. Yes Pastor Olaf,her name was Olaf. A young graduate of the university in Cairo who has been working in the travel industry for 4 years. She had lots to say,but I am afraid it was difficult for me to get everything...the names of the kings,etc.
I did take some photos with the pyramids. One with me holding two pyramids in each hand.
They are amazing. Craig of Australia is a builder. Olaf pointed to the cornors of the temple where the kings were embalmed. The stone cornors overlap which makes them much stronger than matching cornors as most of our houses today are built.
We later visited the museum which held many many huge statues of the Kings. She explained all the symbolism of their head dress,beards,way their arms are held,etc. There is so much to see. The other three stayed at the museum,but I was so tired and my knees were still bothering me so after Olaf's presentations I decided to go back to the hotel with her where she parked her car.
I the museum is not too far from the hotel we are staying in so the others were going to walk back. At 1:30pm the traffic was so bad it took Olaf and I one hour to get a taxi. I wasn't able to get back until almost 3pm. I was able to get a good rest before getting ready to leave at 7pm for the train station. We were taking an overnight train to Aswan which would get us there about 9-10am the next morning
Although we had sleepers, the train was so noisy and bumpy it was difficult to sleep. But we all survived. We are now in Aswan. In the afternoon of Tuesday Oct. 2 we took a boat to Elephantine Island where we rode camels to view the St. Simeon's Monastery. My camel's name was Moon, a 4 year old camel. I talked to him a lot telling him he is a good boy and doing good.
I guess he liked that. We were last but caught up with the two lead camels.
After the camel ride(about 45 minutes) we took a boat again to visit a Nubian village and had supper at a Nubian family home; a friend of Esam, our guide. We will also be staying on a felucca for 2 nights which is owned by J.J. Santiago. Dinner was very nice,suppositely a typical Nubian meal;fish,rice,stew,lentel soup,salad,fried chicken,and lots of rice,and delicious fresh fruit juices.
We left early this morning at 3:30am for Abu Simbei,3 hours each way,to see the fabulous relocated King Ramsey ll statues,ect. The tomb of the Valley of the Kings. It is impressive!!!
I am so bushed that I think I better go to bed. Goodnight. I shall dream about these ancient Kings and their highly painted and carved tombs.
Until next time...................Aloha.
I did take some photos with the pyramids. One with me holding two pyramids in each hand.
They are amazing. Craig of Australia is a builder. Olaf pointed to the cornors of the temple where the kings were embalmed. The stone cornors overlap which makes them much stronger than matching cornors as most of our houses today are built.
We later visited the museum which held many many huge statues of the Kings. She explained all the symbolism of their head dress,beards,way their arms are held,etc. There is so much to see. The other three stayed at the museum,but I was so tired and my knees were still bothering me so after Olaf's presentations I decided to go back to the hotel with her where she parked her car.
I the museum is not too far from the hotel we are staying in so the others were going to walk back. At 1:30pm the traffic was so bad it took Olaf and I one hour to get a taxi. I wasn't able to get back until almost 3pm. I was able to get a good rest before getting ready to leave at 7pm for the train station. We were taking an overnight train to Aswan which would get us there about 9-10am the next morning
Although we had sleepers, the train was so noisy and bumpy it was difficult to sleep. But we all survived. We are now in Aswan. In the afternoon of Tuesday Oct. 2 we took a boat to Elephantine Island where we rode camels to view the St. Simeon's Monastery. My camel's name was Moon, a 4 year old camel. I talked to him a lot telling him he is a good boy and doing good.
I guess he liked that. We were last but caught up with the two lead camels.
After the camel ride(about 45 minutes) we took a boat again to visit a Nubian village and had supper at a Nubian family home; a friend of Esam, our guide. We will also be staying on a felucca for 2 nights which is owned by J.J. Santiago. Dinner was very nice,suppositely a typical Nubian meal;fish,rice,stew,lentel soup,salad,fried chicken,and lots of rice,and delicious fresh fruit juices.
We left early this morning at 3:30am for Abu Simbei,3 hours each way,to see the fabulous relocated King Ramsey ll statues,ect. The tomb of the Valley of the Kings. It is impressive!!!
I am so bushed that I think I better go to bed. Goodnight. I shall dream about these ancient Kings and their highly painted and carved tombs.
Until next time...................Aloha.
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