Lize's final weekend in Nairobi and throw a holiday in there...

Sorry I have been tardy on posting this week! Monday I left my camera at home and yesterday was a holiday, so did not have the chance to post anything on the blog- pictures or words.

Lize, flatmate, is leaving Nairobi on Saturday after living in Kenya for 2 years. This past weekend we decided to do everything in town that she loves to do and then go on a hike that she hadn't gone on- so we managed to do things of "Christmas Past and Christmas Future".

Tia, Dana, Lize, and I went on a shopping spree on Saturday. We hit all of the great markets, shops, and funky Indian Sari places in town. We began our shopping spree at 10 am and returned home at 7:00 pm. It was quite the day! In between shopping we went to this amazing Indian marketplace called "Diamond Plaza"- excellent Indian food and a marketplace that reminded me of every "Bollywood" film I have seen. The only slightly annoying thing is that when you go to the food court- rather than choosing which restaraunt you want to eat at, the waiters all rush to your table- and shower you with menus and yell at you why you should eat at their restaraunt vs. another one. Thank goodness I have lived in Pakistan- because the swarm of people was intense and I basically pictured my mother's assertiveness in marketplaces in Pakistan. Lize and Dana were quite impressed with my stern voice and assertiveness- we managed to order chicken tikka, chicken curry, naan, and palak paneer. YUM!

Sunday, 10 of us, rented a matatu (which we dubbed the Mzungo (white) express) and hiked Ngong Hills. We were a mix of Europeans, Canadians, and New Zealanders. The Ngong Hills are less than an hour outside of town and are absolutely breathtaking. There were so many moments on the hike that I thought "Pinch me- I live in AFRICA!". We had to hire two armed guards to take us on the hike as apparently there are numerous buffalo and robbers along the way. Thankfully we didn't run in to either. Due to the rains, the scene was breathtaking- lush forests and green landscape. It reminded me of pictures I have seen of Scotland and/or New Zealand. We ended the hike at a great spot overlooking the Ngong Hills, called Ole Polos- a famous Yoma Choma (Roasted meat) joint. Generally you go there to eat roast goat (after individiually picking you live goat they then kill it and roast it for you).... hmmm... not sure how brave I am yet for that. We stopped there for a beer and then had to head on back to Nairobi. While we were there a group of Masai tribespeople danced around our table. See picture below of a Masai woman:

The weekend concluded at another friend's house for supper and a movie- all in all another great and action packed weekend in Nairobi.

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Ethiopian Rug Shopping on the Holiday

Yesterday was a holiday, in fact it was Kenyan Independence Day. However, there were no fireworks or BBQs so it didn't feel like a typical Independence Day. After a long brunch at our favorite joint- Lize, Dana, Martin, and I hit the Ethiopian Rug Shop that we have heard about.

We were awed by the quality of the rugs, the price, and the fact that we had the opportunity to watch the women make the rugs- which is a great selling feature as you appreciate the time and quality of work that goes into each rug. Lize walked away with 4 rugs and I have my eye on one that I plan to buy later this week or early next week.

We then came back to our flat, had naps and lounged by the pool- ahh... a great holiday in Nairobi. Tonight is another farewelll dinner for Lize, followed by Salsa dancing, and Friday night is a Hannakuh party at Tia and Ben's...and then Lize flies home (Nelson, BC) on Saturday :(

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Pictures: http://amandakenya.shutterfly.com

(FYI: there are 2 new folders- weekend pics and ethiopian rugs- enjoy!)