In Kenya: with the poorest people
Nairobi: 10ago/04 weeks in 2005 and 02/24 December 2005
This summer me and my friend we decided to leave at a time in Kenya, for my first missionary experience. Destination: Nairobi. A unique and unforgettable, the first mission, the first time in Kenya, the first time in the heart of Africa.
We have contacted a travel agency specialized missionaries (find the best rate and the company that lets you carry more baggage kg): We traveled with Brussels Airlines (from Malpensa to Brussels in 2 hours!) And we 40 kg of baggage. My compliments to the airline: on time, excellent service, staff courtesy, baggage intact and on time!
We went to do voluntary work in an orphanage not far from the center, we breathed the air of africa with the poor, the needy ... thirty girls who immediately gave us their love and their indelible smile !
We discovered, outside of Nairobi, the wonders that this country offers great ... and unfortunately, we have known the perhaps less "explored" (but perhaps it would be rather more ignored) by the tourists: the harsh reality of the slam, the poverty, street children ..
We visited Amboseli, Naivasha, Embu, Bomas .. but Korogocho (by Father Daniel) and the center of Nairobi.
I will not mention the story because it would require too much time, though worthy, but I certainly advise you all do the same: it is the best way to know a country and make a holiday! Of course, you do not do those "drawn to the sun to enjoy a cocktail ...
If you're asking if I was there twice or is it a mistake ... no, I could go back in December and is still way better than the first time! The girls have proved immediately more comfortable and more affectionate, perhaps because they mean much if a person is more white, choose x twice to devote their free time and holidays in their own .. The Africa and Kenya in particular at this time is truly fantastic: the colors are more alive, more African landscapes, wonderful climate ... that beautiful hot sun that enters the bone, it darkens the skin, not make you sweat and gives you optimism and serenity, as only you know donate Africa. And then finally my first sunset and my first African sunrise, a spectacle that even the best of the imagination could imagine, even the best writers you could describe.
I go volunteer in a mission as I have done is simply "be": to stand with them, with the poor, the orphans, give your smile, a hug, a little 'love ... and share with them the their time.
And now some technical note ...
We made the recommended vaccinations: yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid and antimalarial prophylaxis. Beware of the visa: unpleasant surprise for 40 euro!
Our luggage was essential: few kg in hand luggage if you go ... when we are in summer, bring something like a sweatshirt pesantino (two ... even if you have to wash and there is no sun, not dry easily ). It would be better to avoid the vests (but if you go when there is summer, it will be almost impossible!) And shorts above the knee, especially outside the tourist centers. Mosquitoes? Very few! Insects: never seen! Avoid running at night, especially if alone, by car or on foot! During the day, was very careful where you go or what zones crossed. Do not go Korogocho or other slam if not for some reason and indispensable, that is certainly not to do a tour and look around, maybe taking some photography!
In December in Nairobi, the problem of mosquitoes there is almost, I noticed that there were some 'more flies than in August ... which increase as we descend in altitude. Like last time, I followed the anti-(lariam) that I was not given any problems. The heat and the color of my skin (maybe too often associated only to the tourist) has helped me to run in the shirt with no problem ... the evening was a little 'cooler and windy, but never worn anything heavier than a cotton T-shirt long sleeves. I noticed that the time abb quickly changed, the sky was filled and emptied of clouds in a very short time ... but I have not seen a drop of rain!
Sickness africa hit ... and I understand to be very lucky to have the opportunity to know this wonderful country in this way so special, but so sincere: showing its positive and many negative side ... the people who suffer, the street children, girls sent into the street prostitution or exploited by the relatives, the mothers who die in childbirth and children so young and already orphans and more sick with AIDS.
The Kenya which is not only tourism, safari, sun and sea ... but above all to help a country and be known!