Tanzania 2008 - Update 1

We have arrived in Kenya and are enjoying our morning conversing with Mrs. Barbie Allen, a close old friend of Lew's who has graciously housed and fed us for the first evening. Her lovely house above the terrace and greenery is picturesque and simply breathtaking. We arrived at Nairobi airport around 9:30pm local time and after about an hour or so getting visas and our luggage, we were picked up by a friend of hers and we traveled out the airport, through parts of the city and finally made it to a gated community (every housing area in Nairobi is gated) called Spring Valley, where Mrs. Allen lives.

Alex and Josh slept in a small circular cottage, just below the terrace, while Dave and Lew slept in the house. The students woke up at 8am to have a simply magnificent breakfast courtesy Kenyan house staff, including mango, eggs, bacon, toast, amazing coffee, all fresh and locally grown. After which we took pictures and video of the whole property. Lew was up soon after and we all sat and conversed at the table.

In general, the people here seem very welcoming and kind, to each other, and to us. Swahili is a beautiful language to listen to, and we're hoping to speak a bit soon. At this altitude of about 6000 ft it's cool during the day and quite chilly at night (low of 48F to high of 70F). It'll get warmer as we go to Tanzania, farther from the equator, but at a lower elevation.

We've already had some great conversations with Barbie about technology needs and transfer, and some people to meet here, and talk to later. Networking is essential for this kind of work, and Lew and Barbie have opened the doors wide for that. We look forward to getting dirty and making some machines soon!

We are now getting ready to head out now, and will update when we have internet next. Pictures to come soon!

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