Homestays: Right now I am staying with a family in Riruta Satellite. The family has a TV, a DVD palyer, and a stereo system, but no running water. To bath, I have been using buckets full of hot water. My brothers are 9, and 4 (twins). They also have a house keeper. The mother is a caterer and the father is a mechanic. We are taking classes in a house where the group leader is staying. So far, classes are going okay. Rain and Mud: The last few days, it has rained. At home the rain comes, and things just get wet, in Riruta satellite, mud is the bigger problem. It becomes advantageous to leave before the rain starts, rather than try to walk home in the rain. Riruta Satelite: Riruta satellite is a suburb of Nairobi. There are various shops and kiosks along the road. Most of the streets are not paved, which partially creates the mud problem. The people in Riruta range from poor to upper-middle class. Middle class in Nairobi is not the same as it is in the states. It seems to mean that the people have certain comforts like a TV or a house helper. My experience in Riruta has been interesting so far. I have eaten many foods that I hadn't eaten before, like Ughali. Ugahli is a starch that is eaten as a utensil and is always eaten with other things. I have had it a few times. I leave the homestay at the beginning of October, then we will go back to the guest house, and then to Mombasa.

Guest house

So far, Africa is great. Had Ethipian food last night, and went to a posh mall near the place that I am staying at. Heading to homestays tomorrow. Dinner somewhere interesting tonight. Classes are going well. Post more the next time I am in an internet cafe. -Courtney