Finding Happiness in the Himalayas: It's the Final Countdown

I just got back from the independent study in Tanzania and am now back in Nairobi. Although it rained the entire time (okay, only 18 out of the 21 days) that I was there I still managed to have a great time. Kate, my IDS partner and I really enjoyed our time exploring Usa River, Arusha and working at the center. My actual work at the Seeway center was somewhat limited because we were not really needed. The center was very efficiently run and they do not rely on volunteers so they did not have much for us to do. (Good and bad, I suppose) We spent the mornings observing the methods and techniques, or perhaps lack there of, of the teachers. We ultimately were able to teach a few lessons which was a great and fun time but also a learning experience. Its very difficult to try and mimic teaching styles that are not what you would necessarily do yourself. Regardless, it was a great experience and I would not take it back.

The rest of the SLU crew here in Kenya had great experiences--the general consensus is that no one wanted to leave and they all really enjoyed their placements. Here are some cool things people did: went bungee jumping, went rafting in the Nile river, was the primary care-giver to orphaned baby monkeys, made art sculptures, worked closely with sea turtles, conducted helpful research, ran in an actual competitive running race (DANNY!!), watched a live birth of a child and started children's programs that are going to continue!! Here we go Saints!

Last night was a lot of fun catching up with each other here in Nairobi. We are all sharing the same mixed emotions about the program wrapping up--its very bittersweet. On Monday and Tuesday we have group presentations (?) and we have to finish our final IDS papers by Thursday before we leave--guess this is what finals week looks like? Crunch time.

The program officially ends on Thursday the 16th and all the SLU kids fly out then (besides those whom are staying for a longer time...there's only a handful). My dad will be flying into Nairobi at 3am on the 16th and we make our way to Tanzania on the 18th to start our quest up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here's what our itinerary looks like:

May 16 - Rob arrives and stay in Nairobi
May 17 - stay in Nairobi
May 18 - go to Arusha and stay at Marangu Hotel
May 19 - start climb six days and five nights
May 24 - arrive back to Arusha and stay at Marangu Hotel
May 25 - go to Zanzibar
May 29 - back to Nairobi
May 31 - fly out of Nairobi at 3:30(?) am.

I'll attach a few pictures from my IDS...sorry the picture selection is limited!