It is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean. Everyone speaks Swahili here. We have already learned a few words to get around.
It is tropical here. Reminds me of Puerto Rico or Jamaica.
We have been snacking on tarro chips and we are drinking coconut water fresh from a coconut. So good. The indian food is amazing here- the best I have ever eaten. There is a big indian population here which was surprising.
The poverty seems clear. Yet I have been told “it is not that bad,” the poverty is worse in the rural areas of Kenya.
We are staying with Paras’ aunt and uncle. They are both doctors. I asked them what the main complaints are of their patients. They said malaria is the most common complaint. I asked them about HIV and they said they have quite a few patients who are receiving antiretroviral drugs. They said the drugs are being funded by the Clinton Foundation. Each patient takes two tablets a day (whereas they used to take up to 16 tablets).
Paras’ aunt serves the low-income population. She sees 60 patients a day! People stand in line for hours in the morning to get a number. They hand out numbers and once the numbers have been handed out the rest of the line must return for assistance the next day.
We are headed to Nairobi tomorrow!
LOVE Swahili! Bet you’ll pick it up fast. Lala salaama!