Getting Ready to Say Goodbye

As January is almost over, I've been thinking more and more about how little time we have left here.  Although we don't have our official orders yet, we are set to leave Kenya in early May.  Life here has become so normal that I think its going to be a big change for us when we are finally back in the US.  That being said I think we are both ready for the comforts the US brings and to be closer to family and friends.  We miss being able to run to a restaurant to grab some take out, just head to Target or Walmart for a part rather than having to order it and wait 2 weeks, and being able to drive on the road without having to be hyper aware of motorcycles, pedestrians and bicycles.

We are also really excited about the new adventures this new duty station will bring.  Neither of us have lived in the Pacific Northwest before and we are excited about what it has to offer.  There are countless National Parks, hiking opportunities, mountains close by to ski, Canada to the north, etc.  We can't wait!  Its also a short plane ride away from family and friends which will hopefully encourage more people to visit.

Of course there are going to be so many things we're going to miss here; the traveling, our amazing friends, the simplicity of life, etc.  We're trying not to think about it too much and enjoy every minute of our remaining time.  In a few short days we will be heading to Morocco.  After that its back to Kenya for the elections and then the countdown to our PCS date begins.  Its going to go fast!

So what are we doing in the meantime....Just trying to live life as normal as possible, checking off the last of those Kenyan bucket list items.  I do need to start organizing the house and getting rid of some things and start looking more closely at housing options near base, but these can wait a bit.  I'm not quite ready to switch my thinking to the US especially as we're trying to soak in every last experience here.  

Weekend Recap

This weekend Josh and I had a great time hanging out with friends and celebrating Australia Day.  On Saturday we headed over to the Cowden's tiki hut, which is quickly becoming the hang out place of choice.  Our friend Travis secured the location for a little Australia Day fun.  Basically the rules for the day were to come in Australian attire and bring something for the barbi!  Josh threw together a corkie hat last minute and I decided my swimsuit plus a snorkel and goggles were appropriate as I was going to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.  :)

I love lazy weekends like this where we can hang out outside, lounge in the pool, play a game of bags, or throw the frisbee around.  And that's basically what we did all day.  By the time it came around to starting up the grill, we were starving.  We indulged in some decent meat and shrimp and threw together some kabobs.  They were absolutely delicious and we ate way too much.  The rest of the night was spent playing darts and hanging out by the fire.

On Sunday we headed over to our friend Punit's house to swim and chill by the pool.  I think the last month of Sundays has been spent by one pool or another.  What can I say?  Its our slice of paradise here in Kisumu.  Punit has an amazing house overlooking Lake Victoria.  The views from his balcony are just spectacular even with the hyacinth clogging up the port.  After a beautiful day in the sun we headed home and whipped up some stuff cannelloni for dinner.  Delicious!

Despite loving to travel around the country, I think one of the things Josh and I will miss most is weekends like this.  We love to get together with friends for some relaxation and bbq!    

Kenyan Politics

With the US inauguration on the horizon, its made me think more about the local elections currently underway here in Kenya.  This election is a historical milestone in Kenya's history.  With the passing of the new constitution  new positions including governors and senators are being established.  The Prime Minister position is being abolished leaving a system that will somewhat resemble the US Congress.

One of the major differences with Kenya politics is the number of political parties.  Kenya is composed of approximately 50 different tribes which means there are just about as many political parties.  To top it off politicians frequently "party hop" between the multiple parties to ensure they receive a nomination.  There are many benefits to being in politics in Kenya including a massive severance and funeral package.  Furthermore, Kenyan politicians are among the highest paid in the world.  Yes that's right.  THE WORLD.

This past Thursday marked the beginning of election season as the parties held their primaries.  In true Kenyan style, ballots were delayed getting out to the election sites and many polling stations had to repeat the vote the following day.  In some areas rumors of rigged elections circulated and thus some violence broke out.

Over and over again, world leaders, church pastors and even Kenyan politicians have stressed the importance of a fair and just election.  This is the only way the horrors of the 2007 post election violence won't repeat itself.  Despite these warnings it seems that history is beginning to repeat itself.  If Kenyans are already doubting the primary, what does this mean for the real elections on March 4?

Obviously there are a whole lot of other issues at play here that I don't want to get into; the corruption, candidates who are also on trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity, the immediate resorting to violence by the general population, etc.  I'm just praying that as we get closer to the elections that Kenyans will realize that this vote will change the course of their history.  That it is vital that it is fair, just and without violence.  Despite their tribal origins they are all still Kenyans.

*Note for all my family who is now officially freaked out: Josh and I will be following the US Embassy's regulations for safety throughout the course of the election.  

Kweisos House

Josh and I have gone to Kweisos twice before.  You can read about our first trip here.  Kweisos House is a great guesthouse in the Nandi Hills where you can swim, ride horses, hike and overall just relax.  We loved our first two trips here and really wanted to go back before leaving Kenya this Spring.

Foxy goes for her first swim

Last weekend we headed up there with 11 others to just sit back and enjoy the weekend.  After claiming our rooms we hit the pool and spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in the water until the rest of the crew arrived.  Dinner was delicious as always there.  Al Karim made chicken curry and Anika went out of her way to make poached pears for dessert.

The boys play a game of cornhole

The next morning we were treated to a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, banana pancakes and fixings.  Half of our group headed up to the horse stalls to do some riding and the rest of us decided to do a short hike to a nearby waterfall.  Kweisos is a beautiful sugar cane plantation with lovely hills and rolling fields.

Travis conquers the Acacia tree

The waterfall was situated in a small alcove that was covered in greenery.  The waterfall was small, maybe 20 feet but perfect for an afternoon dip.  Most of our group jumped in but I stayed out volunteering to watch Senna, Sam and Elin's 4 month old daughter.  (Had to get my baby fix)  Unfortunately our fun was cut short when Travis, a guy in our group, slipped and dislocated his shoulder.  I can't even imagine how much pain he was in.

The Dubys on our walk

After a tense hour of getting him slowly back to the house, Jess and Hilary (both docs) managed to slip his shoulder back into place.  When the excitement died down, we enjoyed another amazing lunch of chicken saute and fish.  By this time it was late and Josh and I had to pack up.  We headed back to Kisumu and spent the rest of the night relaxing at home.

Josh jumps off

Overall it was a great weekend.  I was so glad we were able to make it back up to the Kweisos house and that so many of our friends were able to come with us.  Josh and I are in full blown travel mode trying to get everything crossed off our Kenyan bucket list.  A return visit to Kweisos was definitely on there!

Honeymoon

It's official!  The money has been put down and the plane tickets booked.  Josh and I are headed to Morocco for our honeymoon!!

The sand dunes in the Sahara

I am so excited that my husband wanted to do something big and exotic.  We're not the traditional lay on the beach type of people so this trip is perfect for us.  We are super excited to explore Morocco and soak up some of the culture there.  We are planning on spending a few days in the larger cities but then going up into the mountains and out on the sand dunes.  On the sand dunes we will do some four wheeling and spend a night under the stars.  I'm super excited about doing some hiking in the mountains and shopping in the bazaars in Marrakesh 

Market in Marrakesh

Neither of us have been to an area anything like Morocco.  We are super excited about what this trip has in store and can't wait to get going!

Casablanca

Here's our plan if you're interested:

Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat
Day 2: Rabat to Fes
Day 3: Fes
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga
Day 5: Merzouga
Day 6: Merzouga to Dades Gorge
Day 7: Dades Gorge to Ait Ben Haddou
Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou to Atlas Mountains
Day 9: Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
Day 10: Marrakech
Day 11: Marrakech to Casablanca

*Photos from National Geographic

Working Out in the New Year

Those of you who have been reading for a bit know that I've been on a kick to get back into shape.  It all started because of the wedding but stemmed into a general life goal.  With so much going on in our lives the last few weeks, I've fallen behind on my workouts.  Now that I have more time at home I'm trying to recommit myself to my daily visits with Jillian Michaels.

Honestly though I am a little tired of the same workouts over and over.  Knowing my tendencies, its time to switch things up and add a few more activities into the mix.  Right now I'm planning on sticking with Jillian's 30 day shred and Ripped in 30.  I'm also going to add in a new dance video game I got Josh for Christmas (yes I know a present for him but really for me) and I'm going to bike down to the guest house occasionally to use the equipment there.

Overall I think I just need to keep moving.  I am so proud that I have lost 12 pounds since September and have KEPT IT OFF.  It just tells me that being more aware of what I eat and moving more is working.  I'm hoping to drop a little more to get back in a healthy weight range for my height but I'm not too worried about it currently.

Here's to more pounds falling off in the new year!

Goals in 2013

Now I'm not one to make a bunch of "New Year's Resolutions".  I think sometimes it can create unreal expectations and puts a lot of pressure on us as individuals.  I do however think that setting a few realistic, obtainable goals for the new year is a good idea and can help focus my priorities for 2013.

Here are a few personal "goals" I have for the new year.  I'm not kidding anyone when I say I will probably not achieve all of them but I am hoping that I can at least make an attempt at all.

1. To be a better wife

-This is a new role for me and I want to strive to be the best I can be in it.

2. Become more organized

-I'm realize this may be hard for me since currently all of my things are in the U.S.  but I have a strong desire to find systems that work for us around the house and make sure everything has its place.

3. Cook more

-I am by far not the best cook on the block.  I am still very much feeling my away around the spice rack and testing out new recipes.  I want to strive to find delicious and healthy meals for us to enjoy.

4. Read through the Bible

-I have a great devotional that separates the books into manageable chunks for each day.  I love how it pulls together chapters with similar messages.  Thus far I am loving my little quiet time in the morning with Him.

5. Be more healthy

-This one is a little loaded as it means a lot of different things to me.  After a few weeks hiatus  I am planning on starting my workouts again (post to come).  I also want to be more intentional in what I put in my mouth, aka lots of fruits and veggies.

6. Be more creative

-I am always saving ideas for crafts and scrap booking.  2013 is going to be the year of action.

7. Give more

-Sometimes I feel I can get wrapped up in myself and my needs.  This year I want to be more conscious of others and how I can help them.

8. More family time

-We love spending time with our friends but sometimes its nice to get out just the two of us.  In the new year I hope to make "date night" a priority.  Also, being a military family makes time with our families so precious.  I hope in this new year we will be able to visit more with our families and have them come visit us!

9. Relax more

-I'm a list maker and very task orientated.  Josh will tell you sometimes I just can't sit still because I feel like I need to be doing something.  This year I want to take more time to relax and enjoy the slow moments.

10. Travel

-Josh and I love to travel whether its a big vacation or somewhere in our backyard.  I am excited to see what adventures are in store for us this new year!

Happy New Years

Compared to last year, Josh and I celebrated 2013 in style.  After getting back from a weekend away, we took a few hours to rest and get ready, then headed out to our friends house.  Wayne and Jess just finished constructing a tiki hut in their backyard and we are already looking forward to many nights hanging out there.

  

The Yacht Club

After a few drinks, we headed to the Yacht club.  The grounds were beautifully decorated in white lights and the DJ was already playing tunes.  We grabbed some delicious dinner and then settled in.  After finishing dinner, we hit the dance floor.  

Trying to light the lantern

We had a great time hanging out with friends and relaxing a bit after our trips.  With the countdown to 2013, balloons came down from the sky and lanterns were released into the night.  We tried to do one ourselves but ended up burning the paper instead.  Oops!  

Fail

Overall it was a great evening and Josh and I had a great time.  This was our second New Year's together and our last in Kisumu.  We awed at what a spectacular night it was.  You really can't beat bringing in the new year on Lake Victoria. 

This little girl did a much better job

2013 is already looking to be a great year.  We are excited about what's to come and looking forward to many more memories and adventures together!

Ruma National Park and Kendu Bay

This New Years Josh and I decided to check out some of the sites around Kisumu.  After extending our trip to Uganda, we only had one day at home before heading out.  Thankfully (and with the help of Nicholas) I was able to unpack and repack all of our gear.

On this trip we invited some close friends to come along and were really excited to spend some time exploring this area.  We set off early Saturday morning to catch the ferry to Mbita.  We had planned to spend the day in Ruma National Park, camp, and do a few safaris.  The rain quickly changed our plans.  The last few days it had been uncharacteristically wet and the roads leading to the park were pretty bad.  I don't do so well on nasty roads so I closed my eyes most of the way despite Josh's amazing driving.

When we finally got to the park it didn't get much better.  Near the river the roads had basically become small rivers themselves.  We saw a few animals along the way but the park was a little bare. With Josh leading the way we made it to the campsite and set up for the night.  We decided that we would let the roads dry out a bit and not do a safari that night.  Despite the rough conditions that day we had a blast hanging out around the fire and relaxing that night.

Our Kingdom of Kingdom tents!

The next morning we woke up to rain on the tent roof.  We decided to give the roads another shot and headed out for a short morning safari.  Apparently the animals weren't as interested in being out in the rain and we didn't see much.  After packing up the tent we headed out of the park and made our way to Kisindi Lodge and Spa, a nice hotel right on Lake Victoria.

Josh and I had heard of this hotel and wanted to see what it had to offer.  After a night in the rain it was nice to be a bit pampered.  We played bocci on the lawn and everyone took advantage of the hotel spa.  The views from the hotel were spectacular as we looked out onto the lake.  You could see Rusinga Island and Mfangano in the distance.  That night we even got to participate in a proposal as the only other guests at the hotel got engaged.

View from the hotel

Sunset over Lake Victoria

The next morning we set off for Kisumu planning on stopping Simbi Lake.  Simbi Lake is a volcanic lake that is alkaline in nature.  Researchers aren't sure of its source and local legend states that an old lady flooded the lake in revenge when no one in the village allowed her shelter.  We spent some time walking around the lake and taking some pictures.

Kael throwing some stones into Lake Simbi

It was a quiet trip but it was great to get away from Kisumu for the holiday.  We ended up having a blast with friends despite the poor weather and even ended up coming back in time for New Year's Eve.  I think these past few trips has just been the start of our realization that our time here is coming to an end and we want to fill that time with as many memories as possible.

Here's to a wonderful 2013!

Corn in the Sink

This weekend we came home to something green coming out of our kitchen drain.  At first I thought it was just a leaf from the salad I had made but after close examination I noticed it was pretty attached.  I think it was from the popcorn seeds that fell down there before we left.  We pulled it out and are just hoping that more green doesn't pop up in the next few days!

Christmas in Uganda-Rafting the Nile

The second part of our trip started Christmas day as we headed from Mbale to Jinja.  After a short trip on some really nice roads, we made it to the Nile River Camp.  The Nile River Camp is owned by the Nalubale Rafting and its a great little backpackers place where you can camp, stay in dormitories or get a safari tent right on the Nile River.

Sunset on the Nile

Josh and I pitched our tent and then headed over to the neighboring camp for a sun downer and spectacular views over the river.  Not much can beat enjoying a beer on the banks of the iconic Nile on Christmas Day.  After capturing a few shots of shots of the sunset, we went over nicer hotel next door for a delicious Christmas meal.  Originally Josh and I had planned on being home for Christmas dinner and making our own pizzas, but this meal was just as delicious.  We ordered chili matoke (a potato-like banana) chips to start.  I don't know why we haven't had anything like this in Kenya yet, but I'm planning on seeing if I can replicate them.  Josh enjoyed his half rack of ribs and I dived into a plate of chicken fajitas.  Knowing we had rafting the next day we went back to the tent in hopes of getting a few more hours of sleep.  Little did we know that most of the others there didn't have the same idea we did.  I think the music went on till about 4 that morning!

Practicing before heading out.

The next morning the nerves were in full force as we caught a taxi into town for the rafting.  We headed to Nalubale's headquarters to complete the paperwork, meet with our guides and get a little breakfast.  From there we donned our helmets and life jackets and jumped in the truck.  Due to the new dam on the river, the rafting companies were forced to start their excursions further down the river than they used to.  This translates to a long bumpy ride to and from the launch sites.  Not so good on the nerves or the stomach.

Pouring down rain as we head over the first rapid.

The first hour or so was spent going over basic safety in the raft and the proper procedures in case we were to flip the raft.  About this time the clouds started to look a little darker and thunder was rumbling in the distance.  Just when our guides Bob and Abbey decided we were good to go, the skies opened up and started to pour.  We were wet already; no big deal, right? Normally yes, but it was cold.  Luckily paddling worked rather nicely to keep us warm.

Rapid Time!

Then it was rapid time!  I cannot tell you how nervous I was going over the first rapid.  I didn't know what to expect and really really really didn't want to fall out of the raft.  (Yes I know that seems rather unlikely given the situation) We paddled into the first rapid hard and all jumped down when our guides gave us the signal.  The rapid was a twisting serious of rock and we ended up going over the last part of it backwards.  After a few rapids under our belts, I was getting semi comfortable.  Some rapids were a serious of twists like the first but others were one wave after another.  The wave rapids were the most dangerous in my opinion.  They crashed down over the boat and sent it twisting in one way or another.

Here we go! Love Josh's face!

The last rapid of the morning brought some sunlight and a little more nerves.  First we had to portage the boat over some serious grade 6 rapids (grade 6 = not doable) then put in right before the waves started.  This rapid, named "The Bad Place", lived up to its name.  We hit two serious waves before floating down to our lunch spot.

Going over the first rapid backwards.

After a quick lunch we were back in the boat and headed for rapids 5-8.  The second part of the day was my favorite for many reasons.  One we were blessed with sun and two the rapids came quicker with less paddling in between.  This overall was better for my nerves.  My favorite rapid of the afternoon was called "Hair of the Dog".  It was a series of twists followed by two large waves at the end.  Luckily we managed to stay in the boat, my overall goal for the day.

Hitting some rapids.

By the last rapid we were loving being in the water.  The other guys in our boat were itching for a little more excitement and were hoping to flip the boat.  Still not wanting to go under, I bailed to the safety raft and headed down before everyone else.  As we passed by the rapids the boat would soon go through, my driver said, "Wow, its high.  They are never going to make it through.  This is going to be great to watch."  Loving his philosophy on it all I sat back and wait to see them go under.  They hit the rapid dead on but the wave took the boat to almost a vertical stance.  From there it only went down hill.  Most of the passengers had abandoned ship by this point, including Josh.  Bob, our guide, was the only one left hanging on as the boat hit another wave and went up on its side.  Finally the boat flipped completely coming down on Josh and the rest of the crew.

The boat hits the first wave before flipping.

Now it might be horrible to say, but I loved watching them flip.  All I saw was the raft go up and then come down without anyone in it.  Then here comes seven helmets floating down the river followed closely by four paddles.  The whole time the safety boat driver, Abed, was laughing. As soon as we got away from the rapid everyone jumped in the river and floated the remainder of the way down the river.  At the end we were greeted with a cold Nile Special in honor of the last rapid.  After that it was back in the truck for a long trip back to camp.

Bob hangs on till the last minute.  Note Josh is the one in front holding on to his glasses.

Rafting with Nalubale was amazing.  The guys were extremely laid back yet provided a secure experience.  I never once doubted their ability or their dedication to safety   I'm so glad that we were able to raft with them and really suggest that if you are in Jinja you check them out.  Check out their site here.

Overall the rafting and the holiday were amazing.  Josh definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone with this trip and I am SO glad he did.  I mean how many people can say they were rafting on the Nile?  Paragliding in Africa?  Yeah I thought so....

Christmas in Uganda-Paragliding

Instead of hanging around Kisumu, Josh and I decided to do a bit of traveling this holiday season.  As I mentioned before we weren't sure whether or not we would be able to head to Uganda as my passport was in process at the embassy.  Luckily we got it back the day before we left (talk about last minute) and quickly threw together the last minute details necessary to leave.

After two hours we hit the border.  From the looks of the long line of semi trucks, we knew we were in for a true display of "This is Africa".  There were no signs indicating where to go first or what paperwork was necessary for crossing into Uganda.  Handlers littered the sidewalk forcibly trying to get our attention.  At first we wanted nothing to do with them, but soon found it was necessary to get through all the steps of immigration.  Handlers were able to push themselves to the front of the line, knew that we needed to claim the vehicle both in Kenya and Uganda, and register with the police before leaving.  Thankfully the Uganda side was a bit less chaotic and we were back in the car.

From the border, we headed north toward Mbale.  Mbale is a small town on the boarder directly west of Mt. Elgon.  Here we were meeting up with Adam of Fly Mami Afrika to do a bit of paragliding.  Josh has been wanting to go paragliding ever since we spent Labor Day in the Kerio Valley last year.  I'm a little terrified of heights and wasn't so sure about the whole running off a cliff thing.  I knew that in the end it would be worth it and wanted to support Josh in something he loves to do.

The first day we spent sitting on top of the mountain waiting for the correct conditions.  The clouds rolled in and the sky got a bit too dark for comfort.  After the rain started we packed up and headed to a local's house.  The rest of the afternoon was spent huddled in a mud hut doing math problems with some of the local kids.

Our Nemesis

After a failed first day, we quickly realized that we would get really good at "para-waiting".  Day two started off with renewed hope of flying but was quickly replaced with uncertainty.  Although there was no rain, the wind kept shifting making it impossible to launch.  This waiting really took a toll on my nerves.  Josh and I had decided that I would go first so I wouldn't have to think about it too much.  A great idea in theory but after two days of high adrenaline and cycles of getting ready and then stalling, my stomach was in knots.

Para-waiting

Finally at about 3 pm on Christmas Eve, Adam gave me the command to run.  We were off!  I can't even begin to describe the feeling of soaring through the clouds off of Mt. Wanale.  We circled a large waterfall and I did my best to get some good video footage of the sites.  After catching some lift, we headed toward town doing some figure eights and 360s.

Soaring over Mbale

The whole time I was just in awe, taking it all in.  I had never done anything like this in my life and I was so excited that I had overcome my fear.  I can honestly say that I lost all my nerves the minute I was told to run.  I became so focused on my task at the time that I didn't even think, "Hey, I'm running off a mountain."

Flying with Fly Mami Afrika

As we came in to land at a local school, I heard the kids from the village screaming.  They were so excited to see two "mzungus" coming in from the sky.  I got to film the landing as we touched down and the kids went running.  One of my favorite parts of the flight were all the kids at the end.  They had a million questions and I struggled to answer everyone of them despite the language barrier.

Landing in the school

Unfortunately Josh wasn't able to fly on Christmas Eve.  By the time we got back on top of the mountain the winds had picked up again and the conditions weren't favorable.  We decided to extend our trip and see if Christmas day would bring us more luck.

Adam prepares the kite for Josh's flight

The beautiful waterfall we flew by

That morning we repeated the same schedule we had for the past two days.  Thankfully Josh was able to launch a little before noon.  It was a blast to watch him fly off the mountain and I got some great video of it.  After picking Josh up at the school, we packed up and headed down to Jinja.  Our Christmas adventure wasn't over yet!