We're back in Kenya and the wildlife appear to have been waiting. Our flights here were pretty much uneventful save for the 1 hour delay on the tarmac at O'Hare in Chicago caused by inclement weather. Thunderstorms in the area forced the air traffic controllers to attempt to get as many aircraft in the air onto the relative safety of the ground. This caused the que for take off to grow quite large. Fortunately for us, the British Airways captain kept us informed concerning the delay. In addition, the cabin crew kept us hydrated with orange juice and water. Most importantly, we were told the toilets were open and we could avail ourselves of them as necessary. Take the hint airlines of America!
We landed safely in Nairobi; got through customs easily; and then had to wait a while for all our luggage to be off loaded from the aircraft. Eventually, we were able to assemble our 6 pieces of baggage and proceed to the "meet and greet" area of "arrivals". We were met by Jeff and Bruce Walpole, a home town friend of ours, who had preceded us to Nairobi by a couple of days. Bruce had been asked to come to RVA to do preliminary work on a project at RVA: re-decking the 115 year old administration building, Kiambogo. The ride from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kijabe was an adventure as usual. Not only were the normally aggressive drivers on the road, but the headlamps of the opposing vehicles were either misaimed or set on high beams. How Jeff drives at nite without being blinded I don't know. We arrived at RVA safely; unloaded all our luggage; and promptly went to bed. We slept in our normal accommodations, the guest room. Bruce slept in Ian's bedroom; and Ian slept in his parents' bedroom. Plenty of room for all!
Pictured here is Bruce inspecting a portion of the deck of Kiambogo. Bruce was asked to prepare detailed drawings for replacing the front and rear decks of the administration building and recommending what type of decking to use - composite or real wood. Also, he had to determine the condition of the supporting structure and decide how much of it should be replaced due to termite damage. He arrived on Saturday (we arrived on Tuesday) and left on Friday. He managed to accomplish his responsibilities in those few days and also worked in a short safari to Lake Naivasha during which he was able to see notable African animals such as Baboon, Cape Buffalo, Impala, Gazelle, Giraffe, Wart Hog, and Zebra. Bruce had a wonderful time. Africa spoke to him as it does many other visitors. We wouldn't be surprised to see Bruce return, with his wife Mary, for another visit in the near future.
Louise's leg is improving. But, sometimes she over does it and has to take it easy for awhile. Surprise! Surprise! I officially start teaching this Friday. However, today when I arrived at the classroom first hour to shadow Nate, the teacher I am replacing, I was greeted at the door by Tim Reber, the RVA principal. Seems Nate was under the weather and would I be able to take over his five classes for the day? I met five classes of great kids and the day went well. Looking forward to the next several weeks of teaching here at RVA.
Due to my responsibilities, I will not be able to blog everyday. However, I will do my best to post to the blog on a weekly basis. Until next week, Kwaheri. (Good-bye)
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