Back to Nairrobi

Woke up at 4.30am and again had another toilet experience. I cannot express how the village food does not agree with me! Nightmare. I got together my things and sorted myself out. I left Caroline some gifts of clothing, money and chocolate to thank her for keeping me company this week and looking after me. The driver picked me up at 5am to make the long journey to Kisumu. We picked up Pius on the way who was accompanying me. He had walked in pitch black darkness along the dangerous roads from his village to come and meet us. He says a lot of people get killed from walking the roads at night. We drove the 2 hour journey through to Kisumu. I had a sleep in the back, well an attempt anyway as the roads are so bumpy with holes there is no chance of proper sleep! It is very interesting to see how as you get closer to the big town, Kisumu, everything gets slightly better and wealthier, becoming more urban. Arrived at the airport after a beautiful view of the famous Lake Victoria. I said goodbye and left gifts of money and presents with Pius for him and Abraham and the driver. I was early for the flight! Was a relief to be able to check in and then chill for a bit, not feeling stressed that I might miss the flight!

The flight was short and quick, and very soon I was back in Nairobi for the next instalment of my journey. Arrived there, collected my things and then went to meet Mike and Fred. They had got stuck in traffic (again!) so were half an hour late. It was good to see them and their friendly faces! We chatted and laughed all the way to Mika and Steve’s house where we were going for lunch. Steve (a different one) Vice Chairman of SCI was also with us. A driving experience around Nairobi turns into a shopping one to. You can buy nearly everything from the seat of your car and vendors hang around the roadside. We bought some bananas, a newspaper and Fred even topped up his phone with more credit! Amazing!

Got to Milka’s and it was really nice to see her. She welcomed us in and immediately gave us a drink and two toasted sandwiches, and that was just a snack! I only managed one, but Fred was more than happy to help me out! We then sat and chatted while Milka prepared lunch… more food! We watched Men in Black on tv and talked with Steve and Milka a lot about teaching and how it differs in both of our countries. They still use the cane and beat here in the classrooms in Kenya, although it is technically not allowed!!!! We had a classic style Kenyan meal, the sort I was becoming accustomed to here of rice, chipati, veg and meat.

Fred also handed out the SCI t shirts I had brought out from Alan to the guys and they were happily trying them on. They seemed very proud to be wearing them and asked me to thank Alan greatly for the gifts.

We said goodbye at 2pm and drove round to the academy I had visited last Sunday where they were putting on some matches for me to watch. It all looked very professional with the SCI banner up, a tent and chairs for people to watch from. They had also marked out a pitch, using some sort of baking flour for the lines. We took photos of all of the teams and then they quickly began. We watched the U10s play, then the girls team, the U12s, U14s and then finished with an impressive and talent FULL game from the U16 team. I was so impressed with the level of play and talent amongst the boys. They only have 3 footballs between 80 to play with twice a week and yet they show so much skill. While some were playing I took the time to speak to as many of them as I could and find out a bit about them. My favourite little Arsenal supporter, 10 year old Edgar, loved to talk and have his photo taken! At the end the boys were given a soda and half a loaf of bread each. This does not normally happen and was a big treat for the boys and girls, they were very pleased. There was some left over and you could see boys taking it and stuffing it into their bags. For some that will be their only meal today.

All of the boys and girls then gathered for speeches. I again spoke to them and most had remembered my name from the week before which felt good. I told them how impressed I was and how talented they were. I also again told of the importance of education and sport and the focus it gives you, especially away from the negative activities like drugs and alcohol that the young children here are drawn to. They thanked me again for my contribution of bibs, cones and whistles they received last week and were using today. Many people spoke to them to encourage them in their football.

The day then ended and I went to James’ house with him to meet his family and stay for the night. His wife Maria, daughter Esther and son Alvin were all pleased to meet me. They also had 4 guests around, James’ brother Alex and a friend with her two children. One of the children got very attached to me very quickly and literally didn’t leave my side or stop touching me all night until I went to bed! Very sweet. I was the first muzungu he had ever come into contact with. We all ate a very nice meal and talked for a long time.