Final entry

We spent the next week at King's school with Milka. Here we talked, again, to all the classes and answered their many and bizarre questions. It's a really good school with lots of facilities and strong support from the church. Then on the Friday we set out to Nairobi centre to get our minibus to the Masai Mara. After a few complications with park fees we set off with some new friends - 3 Swedes, a Swiss and 2 English girls (also in the care of Fred).

The camp was ideal; we were in tents but with proper beds and a bathroom. It was a really nice balance of camping and hotel. The food was great too. We had an amazing time at the Mara, we saw LOADS of lions, wildebeest and vultures. Also saw elegant giraffes and magnificent elephants. It was a wonderful experience and so exhilarating to stand in the car looking at a 360 of such an ancient and timeless land. Saturday was George's birthday, and after some Cadbury Crunch and before sunrise we went for an all day game drive. As the sun was rising we came across about 10 lions all eating their kills. We managed to get a glimpse of a cheetah chasing a gazelle too. Hippos, crocs and greedy tour guides. It was a brilliant day, topped off with a lovely birthday cake Jess sneaked in. We were joined by Walter - our poole-playing, Masai friend - which was a real treat. Plenty of pictures and a wonderful 19th birthday!

On the Monday we were meant to go to Kibera but there was a mix up so we ended up sorting out our stuff, and Jess packed ready for her departure on Wednesday. The Tuesday we went to Kibera so Jess could say her goodbyes, and then we went into town to grab a delicious lunch and pick up some last minute gifts.

Nice and early Jess said her goodbyes and we drove to the airport where she departed after her 2 and 1/2 months. Excited to get back to running water and her family we hugged goodbye. That day I wasn't feeling well so instead of going to Kibera I stayed home and sorted out the player profiles on the laptop that Fred had managed to borrow from a friend. The next day Milka and Steve asked if I would accompany them to a funeral of a relative. I said I would and it was easier for them too because we could use the car rather than them have to risk their lives on matatus. This was an interesting experience. The ceremony was very informal and loud. They talk and celebrate life in a different way from us; I couldn't quite put my finger on how though. One slight shock for me was when I got my picture taken with the coffin!! Milka invited me to get a "snap" and when I looked down I saw that the coffin was in front I had a slight moment of "oh dear god, what do I do?! smile?!" I took to looking around awkwardly instead. Very strange. As I say, it was interesting though - even if I didn't understand a word of the eulogy.

I said goodbye to the girls on Friday in Kibera, and typed up some of their exam papers that they were going to take. Then on Saturday Milka took me to the 2nd hand market where I was able to eat roasted maize and buy a few very cheap clothes! Then Sunday I was treated to a day out with Rose, Milka's youngest daughter. It was sooo much. She took me to her place of work, and then we walked to the park in Nairobi and sat, watching the scrawny horses carry flapping kids around the path, and whole families asleep on the grass. Finally we walked to a couple of the clubs and had a drink and A LOT of dancing. It was amazing fun; I've never seen people move like that! And it wasn't anything like England because a) the boys dance and can and b) there are no presumptions when you dance with someone...it's just that; a dance. I loved it. At one point the DJ shouted out over the music to me "We've got a brown skin with us in the club" - possibly the biggest dance compliment I've ever got! :)

Monday was spent at Milka's eldest, Tabitha's, nursery school., where I read lots of stories and helped them write number 4's the right way around. Nap time was a bit of a kafuffle, 50 kids in a tiny room will always be noisy and stressful. They called me "teacher friend" though which I thought was delightful.

On Tuesday I packed, bought my Tuskers and picked up a 700 bob (6 quid) tailor-made dress that Milka convinced me I needed - which is lovely. Had a wonderful last meal of my favourite; green grams and chapatti, then tried to sleep...unsuccessfully!The next day Fred picked us all up and we went to the airport together. Milka and Steve are good people, the best. They really feel like my Kenyan family. So it was a slightly teary goodbye, but at the same time I've never experienced such excitement to get home!

Kenya hasn't been amazing all the time, but the experience has been an adventure that I am 100% glad that I did. I probably speak for Jess as well when I say that it has been awful, inspiring, hilarious, terrifying and eye-opening. I'd recommend travel to anyone because you really cannot understand a place unless you spend time there understanding it. Sporting Chance International projects are helping people and are being administered successfully in each of the places. We've met good people and bad people and have come to the conclusion that Kenya isn't in terrible trouble, simply 200 years behind. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just progression. The government is crap but the people as a whole are welcoming, kind and good. A lot needs sorting, but I think it will happen in time; especially if Kenyans themselves start getting more involved with their own communities.

The first thing I did when I got home was to get a glass of water from the tap and drink it. I then walked barefoot on carpet and marvelled at the smooth road outside. I could flush the loo without having to worry about there being enough water for me to fill the cistern up manually, and I could be sarcastic without having to explain I wasn't being mean!

It's been a good safari (journey), thank you for sharing it with us. xxxx