7km Walk, Ostriches and Motorcycles

Add to that bus and matatu and that's 5 modes of transport in one day. Wednesday this week I and a couple of other volunteers, Amber and Kylie, headed off to an ostrich farm in Kitingela (after the girls had attempted to go there on Tuesday, but ended up getting lost before they even got out of Nairobi). It took a couple of matatu rides to get to Kitengela, where we stopped off at Kylie's old host house for chai tea and chapati, before catching a third matatu to the farm...or a road 7km to the farm. From here we could either walk or jump on the back of a motorcycle, we opted to walk there.

An hour later we arrived at the farm...after the 10 mile bicycle ride at Hell's Gate, it was pretty easy, but still pretty tiring in the heat, so first thing was a cold drink. Then off to ride an ostrich. Not the most comfortable of things to ride, but still pretty fun, despite how short a ride it was. Once again I forgot my camera, so I'll have to get photos from the girls at some point to upload.

There was no way we were walking another 7km, so we called for a motorcycle ride. My first time on one here, and the road wasn't the smoothest, sand, rocks and big bumps. I'm usually OK on roller coasters and such, but this was pretty scary, not being able to see exactly where rocks were in relation to the wheels and thinking we're going to be thrown off. The driver must have enjoyed watching my facial expressions in the mirror. After the 7km road however, the road was smooth, so I was happy to continue on back to Kitengela, it's cheaper than a taxi, and more fun than a matatu (and arguably safer...no one is able to pick pocket you, but in just shorts and T-shirt, no helmet, it could be safer, I'd certainly never get on one in Nairobi the way they drive there).

In Kitengela it was back on a matatu to Nairobi, followed by a bus back home. Nothing exciting to report about that part of the day. But we got home to find we had a working DVD player in the house, so we no longer have to crowd around a laptop...unless the power is out, then it's that or playing cards.

Headed to the airline office again today hoping to confirm my flight change, however I'm now waiting to hear back from the London office to confirm the fee, as the lady I spoke to today gave a cheaper price. Hopefully I'll have that all confirmed tomorrow as most of us at the volunteer house are off to Mombasa tomorrow night for the weekend leaving very little time to sort it next week.