buses, pick-up trucks, matatus and boda bodas

we've been moving around a lot in the last few days.

Sunday morning we visited an orphanage in Nyaharuru for children with HIV AIDS. Our visit, although short, was a powerful experience. The kids seemed really excited to have visitors.
We made up games and just tried to give some personal attention to each child.
There are clearly way too many orphanages like this one in this region.
Its a sad state of affairs, but it was good to see that the staff there really cared about the children and there are many organizations here trying to make a change.

From Nyaharuru, we went back to Nakuru to catch a matatu to Kisumu on the west of africa (the coast of Lake victoria). The ride was somewhat hellish. There wasn't too much to do in Kisumu.
we walked down to the shore and watched lots of people fry fish in huge vats.
We also found an excellent 100% veggie restaurant.

From Kisumu, we headed north to the town of Kakamega, on the outskirts of The Kakamega Forest - which was our next stop.

Getting the forest was an interesting experience. It involved riding in the back of a converted pick up truck (with a small child plopped in my lap). The truck, of course, stalled a few times on the way.
Then from the truck, we had to get on the back of bicycles (called Boda Bodas) for the remaining 5 km.

The forest was pretty excellent.
Lots of birds, monkeys and butterflies.

From Kakamega, we headed south to Homa Bay (where we are now).

The ride was one of the worst yet.
My little day bag got snatched, but i managed to get it back.

We were on a bus that was crammed with people.
It is illegal in Kenya to overfill busses and there are police all over the roads who stop the busses t0 check.
So, when we got close the police, everyone in the aisle would just duck and hide.
the police clearly know that they are there.
Its all a game.

At one point, an officer kicked a whole bunch of people off.
The bus then drove about 1 km down the road and waited for the people to arrive by foot or boda boda (in view still of the officer).

Somewhat ridiculous.

THats it for now.

Hope all is well.
Chaim