So today for Politics of Culture in Kenya instead of sitting in a class room, we went to Kibera. Now, when I think about slums, I automatically think about the slums in Indonesia, especially Jakarta. I grew up with that sort of environment around and it saddens me everytime I think about it. Everybody took different route to get to ISSA and I am surprised that Kibera is a LOT better than home.
Yes, the houses are informal and made out of iron sheeting. Yes they live very close to the railroad and they sell second hand stuff. But people are happy. Kids are smiling and they greet foreigners with "how are you" and try to shake your hand. SiNae and I were the first people that get to ISSA so I decided to come downstairs and play with kids. Gosh I love kids! I played with three kids today they all oh so very adorable! I threw them up in the air, did the helicopter, played tag with them, and people even said I'm really good with kids. I love kids, they make me happy. But I am totally paying for it right now cause my back is sore and everything else is also sore.
Oh I also started a trend in Kibera today. One of the kid I played with kept calling me Mzungu. So I told her my name is Yuli and she still called me Mzungu. So I just repeated my name over and over until she called me Yuli. Well, turns out now she calls EVERYBODY Yuli because she thought Yuli and Mzungu is the same thing. So if you come to Kibera and people start calling you "Yuli" I am soooo sorry. I finally get to eat tripes again today (after a looooog time). I am quite happy about it.
Okay, so my day in Kibera is quite lackluster but I did had a fun experience :) Also, on my way back to Westland, a guy was talking to me while I was sitting in the star bus. We had a pretty basic conversation in Swahili and he asked how long I'll be in Nairobi. He also said that he likes my attitude that's open and not superly cautious because that means no one will harrass me. Actually, he said that if anyone ever harrass me in town, I should find him and he and his brothers will take care of it for me. I think I just met the head of a gang...
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