Fun with Language!

Index:
Number of shots so far: 8
Number of times I've been sick: 1
Number of times I've seen a Nairobi fly (aka Blister beetle) in my home: 1
Number of chickens killed: 2
Number of times I've watched WWF Raw: 3

"You are never as far away from home as when you are sick." ~The Ponds of Kalambayi

The other weekend I got sick for the first time in Kenya; despite the 8 shots I've been given so far. It wasn't a oh-my-god-I-have-MALARIA-sick, but still it wasn't pleasant. I spent most of the day in my room resting and skipped dinner that night. It seemed to do the trick because the next afternoon I was back to normal.

I don't like bugs, especially those that sting, bite or cause heinous blisters on skin. So far I've only encountered small spiders and roaches but last week I had my first encounter with the Nairobi fly... aka blister beetle. A big thank you to medical for the presentation on all things that bite and sting here in Kenya, otherwise I would've had no idea that the bug crawling on my table was a nasty bug that I needed to stay far away from! The Nairobi fly causes awful blistering on the skin when they are touched/brushed off. It quite painful from what I hear.

Last weekend I made chicken and rice soup again. It was yummy.

No comment about the WWF Raw except to say that I found out it is also shown on Sunday afternoons. Awesome. I've also gotten into a Phillipino soap opera called Imposter. It is quite ridiculous and entertaining. The plot would put American soap operas to shame.

I am having a fun time with Kiswahili, as this blog title implies. I have learned that mdudu is the word for insect (sounds like doo doo). That word caused about 15 minutes of poop jokes and much laughter from my language group and teacher. I've also had a few mishaps with language... i.e. the word for house and to fart are very similar. A week ago I accidentally asked my host mom 'how is your fart?' instead of the common greeting 'how is your home?'. Loooovely. This week I have a practice language test and the final one is in a few weeks. I'm a little nervous about it, but it's just a conversation not a written test so hopefully it won't be too difficult.

I'm really excited because next week all of the trainees (including me) are going to an HIV workshop, so we get to leave our little training town for 4 days! I forget where we're going, but it's only about an hour or two away. Then when I get back, the following day I get to go to the Coast! I'm visiting a current volunteer who lives not too far from me near Malindi. I'm so excited!! I'll be on the Coast for about a week I think. I'll also get to visit Mombasa and I'm stoked!!!

Anyways, that's all for now. I'm happy, healthy and really loving Kenya. Hope you all are doing well :)