Misafara

"Oppdater!"

2008-09-22T10:00:00.003+02:00

Thanx Nelly, for getting me to update my blog again. Your comment worked. ;)

So for those who are still reading my blog and wondering what I'm up to nowadays.. Right now I'm actually planning my journey back home for my brother's wedding. Really looking forward! The first of the kids in the family to get married, just have to be fun!

In Kenya the work is going on. The classes I've been teaching are finished, and now it's time for the students to become the new teachers, and for the old teacher to sit on the sideline observing and evaluating the new teachers. It's not many months left until my work here is done, so I have to do my best to make sure when I'm leaving, things will still run, and the knowledge I've given will be passed on to others. But it will still be a bit hard letting go, after having been here for 2 years.

I'm trying to get my mind set for Norway, and NAV and Finn are once again the most visited websites, in my search for a job in Norway. Had forgotten how I hated the whole job-searching stress.. Think I will need some time in the beginning just getting used to being in Norway again, and being a Norwegian. I actually have problems picturing how life normally is back home, but the weeks I'm going for the wedding will probably help a lot. Until then I'll just enjoy the rest of the time here in Kenya. :)

Tagged

2008-06-08T22:13:00.004+02:00

Thanx Denise and Randi, for giving me the honour of receiving this challenge. He, he.. Always a pleasure. Or at least it causes some activity on the blogs around. Anyways, here is the challenge;

Pick up the nearest book. Open on page 123. Find the fifth sentence. Post the next three sentences. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

"Blant flere ansvarsområder er det viktigste kontinuerlig oppdatering av "kjendisregisteret".
Her finner du hele alfabetet av norske kjendiser med så mye personalia som mulig. Personnummer, adresse, fjorårets ligning, alle mulige slags telefonnumre, ofte med navn og nummer på ektefelle, søsken og foreldre. "

Welcome to the secret world of the Norwegian magazine "Se og Hør". Scary isn't it? Happy I'm not a celeb. This is taken from the book I'm reading now. "En helt vanlig dag på jobben" written by Håvard Melnæs.

Then 5 more people who are still blogging.. hard task, but I choose; Oddrun, Nelly, Torgrim, Ida and Siv.

And then it was gone...

2008-05-30T18:42:00.002+02:00

I have to admit, many times I’ve been telling people how long I’ve been staying in Nairobi, without ever being robbed or stolen from. I bit proud perhaps, that I’ve been able to avoid it. Thinking I’m not so naïve, and by now I have learned to read situations and avoid dangers.
But maybe it was just bound to happen, and at least it has taught me to always be alert.

Now I’m sitting here with a new phone, my old one has gotten a new owner, together with my wallet, cards and money. People are clever, and the wazungu girls might be slightly stupid and naïve.

Anyways, the story goes like this. I have just visited the ATM to withdraw some money, and top up the credit on my phone. I meet Solfrid and we board a matatu heading towards town. 4 other guys enter, one is limping. After being asked to help the poor limping guy, Solfrid moves further back in the matatu. The limping guy sits down next to me, the remaining guys place themselves strategically around in the vehicle, one seated next to Solfrid, in the backseat. Suddenly the guys start talking about the police further down the road, and are stressing putting on their seatbelts to avoid a fine. They shout to the wazungu girls, and say we have to put on ours as well. Of course the seatbelts are not working, and confusion rises. The matatu conductor is also very eager to make sure we are busy trying to put on the safety belt. Very helpful people, indeed..

They keep talking about wanting to avoid the police, and in a few seconds the 4 guys have jumped out of the matatu, and disappeared. I move back to Solfrid, saying “These guys, they are so afraid of the police..” Still trying to find a seat belt that is working, I suddenly notice that my purse is so light. I open the zipper, and nothing is left inside. Solfrid checks her purse as well, and the phone and some money have disappeared.

Those guys are clever..

There and back again

2008-05-20T16:17:00.004+02:00

Two weeks ago I went back to Norway to say goodbye to my dear grandfather. A man who I have always been proud of, and who has lived a life showing that it actually is possible to put the needs of others higher than your own.
A sad reason for going home, but still so nice to meet my whole family and my friends again. Grandpa - I will miss you!

Sitting in front of the computer in my apartment in Nairobi, I feel quite exhausted. A lot has happened lately and my mind is occupied by so many things.

We've had uninvited visitors, that actually forced us to move. BEDBUGS.. Not my favourite bugs.. They clung on to our beds, not willing to give in, even to the company that sprayed the whole apartment. So the result was washing ALL our clothes and blankets and... you name it.. Then we moved to a new apartment - without bedbugs, and actually with a much better view, so after all the moving we were quite happy.

Going home to Norway, already tired after moving, luck was definitely not on my side. While running away from bedbugs in Nairobi, I was running to catch my flight in Amsterdam. Chaos at the airport with people and long lines everywhere, resulted in sprinting throught the airport, reaching the plane 10 min before it was supposed to leave. Happy to be inside the plane, I found a lady sitting on my seat. In my confusion I wasn't even sure I had boarded the right plane. But it turned out to be an even more confused non-english speaking lady sitting on my seat, so I got a new seat and could sit down and start breathing again.

But the story doesn't end here. With one more plane to catch from Oslo to Trondheim, I was happy when I could actually sit down and wait before boarding the last plane. Things seemed to be going well. But entering the plane, there was once again a lady sitting on my seat. This one was speaking both English and Norwegian so communication was not the problem - but double- booking.. So I sat down on a temporarily seat, waiting to see where the promised free seats would appear. Then suddenly two crutches fell down from above, and hit my already tired and heavy head. A girl had opened the packed luggage room above my seat, and now my head was pounding, and I was fed up with travelling, airports and stupid aircrafts..

The story still ended well with a nice dinner at my friend's place back in Trondheim. :)

Inspiration

2008-04-28T19:17:00.004+02:00

Okey, I admit it. I've become a lousy blog writer. But inspiration has finally found its way back, and there is still much to be said.

More than one month has been spent in Kenya. A new apartment at Blackrose is once again occupied by two Norwegians. The peace is back in the country, though the Mungikies have been busy killing people and burning vehicles, while politicians were occupied with seemingly more important discussions about seating arrangement in Parliament.

Per-Steinar and Jens Gunnar came for a visit, and left again back to Norway, and back to Rwanda.
The classes I was teaching last year are up and running with Solfrid as the new teacher for the year.

Camping in Meru with a huge tent and some good Norwegian friends was the activity last weekend. Seven-months anniversary has been celebrated with boyfriend, and I've said "Hi" to my friend the giraffe at the giraffe center.

The squash racket in my closet is a witness of my new hobby. Though the squash ball; last seen heading for the roof on Friday, has gone missing.

Call of the wild

2008-02-26T08:46:00.000+01:00

The call of the wild is answered, and I’m back in East-Africa. While waiting for better days in Kenya, I’m still in Kampala in Uganda. Even if this is a temporary situation, it feels good to be working again. I have really missed preparing first aid work shops, drinking African tea, walking on dusty, red, roads, pole-pole, hot weather, enjoying fresh fruits, hanging around in a CHRISC office chatting with people, and travelling around on bumpy roads.

I hadn’t noticed how much I had missed everything until I was killing time at the airport in Amsterdam, waiting for the plane to Nairobi. Suddenly surrounded by a bunch of Kenyans, I started to smile, just looking forward to another exciting year, full of surprises.

Though I have to admit, almost reaching one month in Uganda, I am getting quite fed up with waiting for politicians to agree in Kenya. I am really looking forward to moving out of a hotel room, and into my own apartment, replacing dry white loaf with homemade brown bread (might be a bit ambitious, but should be able to bake at least one bread..). Letting a washing machine take care of my clothes, instead of me using many hours sweating, also seems quite tempting. Will be so good meeting all my Kenyan friends again, and get back to teaching the classes. Patience, patience..

Did you floss today?

2008-01-25T01:27:00.000+01:00

There is no one who can make me feel guiltier than a dentist. I really don’t know how they are able to do it, but it happens every time. Luckily I’m not paying the dentist a visit too often.

This week it was once again time for nursing my teeth. After having consumed a large amount of extremely sweet tea over the last 14 months, I have to admit I was quite worried before meeting the dentist face to face.

I could vaguely remember the last words from the dentist 2 years ago. “So then you are promising me to floss your teeth? And me, smiling, nodding and walking straight to the shop to buy dental floss. But as usual, after reliable flossing the first days, it was soon forgotten.

On my way to the dentist I still had one hope; my old dentist had quit, maybe the new one wouldn’t notice that I hadn’t flossed?

The hope faded quickly as I arrived and the following dialogue took place:

D: “Are you flossing your teeth?”
M: “Ehm..”
D: “It says here that you need to floss your teeth to avoid further damage. Have you been flossing?”
M: “Ehm, hehe.. From time to time, but you know it is so easy to forget.”

The dentist, obviously used to talking with school kids, then started to give me a detailed story about the teeth and why they needed to be flossed.

D: (showing me a picture of a hand with two dirty fingers)
“……and you know your teeth have more than three surfaces, if you are only brushing them it is like washing three fingers instead of five. That you don’t want, do you?”

And it went on and on, until I felt like an eight year old, having done something really bad.
I blame this strong feeling of guilt and the thought of having disappointed my dentist, for the things that happened next.

D: “How about mouthwash? Are you using that?”
M: “Yes, of course I’m using mouthwash!”

I am NOT using mouthwash.. So why did I lie to my dentist? A person I had never seen before, and probably wouldn’t see again.. The power of a dentist.. still as scary as in first grade..

Quality time

2008-01-19T00:47:00.000+01:00

Two weeks before leaving Norway again, I really treasure the time spent with my family and friends. My whole family all toghether is a rare sight nowadays, but today celebrating my father's birthday we actually managed to gather everyone. Not for long though, my brother soon flying off to Rwanda for 3 months, my sister moving to Holland and me returning to Kenya for another year. But the next time we meet it will still be the same laughter, jokes and friendly quarreling. :)

Getting ready to travel, I'm still not sure how things will work out. Greedy, ignorant leaders hungry for power, don't seem to care if hundreds of innocent people die and their country gets ruined. Kenya has suddenly changed from a peaceful country to a country where people are fleeing their homes, and fearing for their lives. I just hope and pray, that it will be possible to put pride and greede aside, and start caring again.

The whole family gathered in our favourite asian restaurant

African evening at my place, where the guests could listen to Kenyan music while enjoying meat, chapati, katchumbari and ugali.

My grandfather, still going strong at the age of 97. Who could tell? :)

Finding the Christmas spirit

2007-12-28T19:40:00.000+01:00

Trondheim is definitively one of the best places to be during Christmas. Walking through the decorated streets in the evenings, enjoying a coffee in one of the small coffee shops, watching people ice skating in the city centre, seeing frost mist coming from your mouth while walking quickly to avoid freezing your toes off.
It is Christmas time and the girls decided to search for the right holiday mood.

Motherland

2007-12-23T22:50:00.000+01:00

Back in Norway again.. It is quite interesting that it is possible to feel like a foreigner in my own country. I have done a lot of strange things since I arrived, and gotten many strange looks after repeatedly trying to pay in Norwegian stores with Kenyan money.

Suddenly I get amazed by small things, like how quick the toilet flushes and still manages to flush everything down, how all the cars actually stop two meters away from the zebra stripes just waiting for me to cross, and how it is possible to drive for 30 min without meeting a single car. I really appreciate walking alone late at night, drinking water straight from the tap, meeting my old friends over a cup of coffee and leaving my purse on the table even if there are 50 people around, knowing that it will be waiting for me when I get back.

But it is cold, and not even snow, and i really wish i could bring all my Kenyan friends with me, so i wouldn't miss them this much.

The university in Trondheim, picture taken a cold evening, brr..

My brother ready to enter his frozen car

The cutest kittens ever!

My neighbour and childhood friend Ingrid's wedding. Xmas weddings are nice!

You never know..

2007-11-22T19:41:00.000+01:00

And that is what makes life so exciting. If you could predict what would happen, life would be plain boring.

I'm entering the last weeks of my stay here in Kenya, before going back to Norway for a Norwegian christmas celebration and hopefully a lot of snow. It has been a long time..
But still it feels good knowing that in January I will once more board a plane heading for Nairobi. My one year stay in Kenya has turned into two years, and I'm not complaining.

Our crowded, but cozy apartment is slowly turning into empty rooms with suitcases as we are starting our packing, and people are moving on.
Per-Steinar has been visiting, but went to Tanzania yesterday. During the weeks he spent here he managed to impress with extremely quick adaption to overcrowded streets and loud matatus. Some of my Kenyan friends have also gotten a wider perspective on the amount of food one single mzungu can consume. :) Psht, it was really fun having you here! Good luck with your work in Tanzania!

Visitors are also a good excuse for travelling a bit more, so Masai Mara, Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu have been visited. I really needed a break from the hectic life in Nairobi, and relaxing on the beach in Lamu was just perfect!

Touring East Africa

2007-09-22T15:11:00.000+02:00

A lot of things have happened since last time I wrote. Many hours have been spent sitting on a bus travelling on bumpy roads, or standing in front of people talking about painkillers, PRICE and even leadership. New countries have been visited, new friends have met and new food has been tasted. We have toured East Africa.

In Tanzania we brought two of our students; Liz and Stephen, and visited CHRISC & EMIMA in Dar Es Salaam, and CHRISC in Zanzibar. First Aid classes were held, and thanks to the students, me and Hilde could happily relax and watch the facilitation of the classes. It was also time for exploring Stonetown in Zanzibar, sunbading, swimming, and watching dolphins swimming too quickly for me to be able to go together with them..

The beautiful sunset in Zanzibar

Liz and Stephen instructing some CHRISC youth in Dar.

After some days in Nairobi the journey continued for me and Hilde. Uganda was the next country to be explored. We went for a sports camp in Kisoro, a small place close to the border of Congo and Rwanda. A camp with many different sports activities, meetings, preachings, worship, dancing, seminars, games and people from many different countries. Great fun!

It is alwyas fun to teach when the students are interested

In Kampala I cried my eyes out, walking through smoke and teargas, caused by angry demonstrators fighting to keep their marketplace.

From Kampala we headed for Yei in Sudan, getting stuck on muddy roads for the second and third time so far on the trip, made the journey a bit longer than normal, but in the end we arrived in Yei safely.

In Yei we had seminars in first aid and leadership. Semei from CHRISC Uganda accompanied us on the trip, and helped with the seminars.

Semei teaching about leadership

In the evenings we had time to join the CHRISC group playing volleyball.

Back in Kampala on the way to Nairobi I even had the chance to watch Rosenborg draw against Chelsea, together with a bunch of Chelsea fans who barely had heard about Rosenborg. Talk about the perfect ending of a great trip!

Ngong Hills

2007-08-01T18:46:00.000+02:00

Now we have finished the two classes we have been teaching. This means more time to relax in the evening, having the opportunity to travel more, less early mornings and less time used being the strict teacher.

But still I feel kind of sad, I really enjoyed teaching those students. It was absolutely worth it; getting up early in the mornings, travelling on bumpy roads in speedy matatus, spending many late evenings preparing for the next day. I don't think for a single day I woke up, dreading to go to work, and this I have the students to thank for. Great people! :)

We had decided to do something fun together before we closed the classes, so last week both classes went mountain hiking, to Ngong Hills.

We borrowed the bus Mathare Youth are normally using, and it did the first climbing for us. On the way we picked up a Masaii who needed a lift, and he took care of the entertainment on the bus.

The climbing begins..

It was still energy left for some games when we reached the top. :)

I had never pictured myself stading on the top of a mountain giving out certificates. But why not? Much more fun than standing inside a classroom.

Any cake for me?

2007-08-01T18:25:00.000+02:00

I blame the incredible slow network at Blackrose, but tonight it decided to show some of its old greatness. Enjoy the pictures, it might be long till next time. ;)

Some time ago we were in Mathare North, celebrating Ashleys birthday. Ashley is Rebecca's charming little girl.

The little princess!

And of course the birthday cake. :)

"Mmmm... Did anyone say cake??" The whole neighbourhood showed up when it was time for eating the cake.

Woollyminded

2007-07-09T18:29:00.000+02:00

When I was in church this Sunday, the preacher said; "For those who have been wondering how a winter in Nairobi feels like, this is it. Now it is winter in Nairobi."

I have been wondering, and a winter in Nairobi is cold. The other night I was sleeping wearing a pyjamas and socks, under a sleepingbag and a big blanket. And that same night I had a dream, I was out shopping for clothes; a quilted jacket, and even quilted trousers. They looked nice though..
So the next morning, putting on a jacket, walking outside I was actually looking for frost mist from my breath. But of course I didn't see any, when it supposedly is still around 20 degrees outside.

Hmm..a bit confused.. And I was the one laughing loudly, when looking in a Kenyan magazine, showing two ladies getting ready for the winter, wearing big jackets and big scarfs. If I remember correctly I said the following words to one of my Kenyan friends; "HAHAHAHA!!! Are you actually wearing that! You should go experience a Norwegian winter!"
I definitely withdraw my rude and rather loud remarks..

And the confusion continues. After having been some days in Tanzania, during East African Cup (a great experience by the way..) one of the students gave me some Kenyan Shillings for me to change into Tanzanian Shillings. When he gave me the money I was so surprised; "Wow, where have you gotten this money?!" (Poor guy, probably thought I was accusing him of stealing..) "I have really missed looking at Norwegian money!" So standing there, believing I had some good old Norwegian money in my hand, it took some time for me to understand that the money actually was Kenyan.

And when I arrived Nairobi, after 1 week in Tanzania, I was at home. Sitting outside a petrol station waiting for my ride, I was actually wondering why so many african people were gathering in a Norwegian petrol station.

I have definitely been in Kenya a long time..

Lord of the ghetto?

2007-06-09T10:20:00.000+02:00

What makes a person turn from a normal human being, into a brutal murderer? What has happened in this person's life, since the heart has turned into a stone, and all trust in other people, even the closest friends and family has disappeared?

And trust, is it really that easy? Things get complicated when the persons you are supposted to trust, that are supposted to protect your country, suddenly turns out to be the bad guys. Everything isn't black and white, where you can point out to evil on one side, and good on the other.

Walking around, you can see the fear in people's eyes, and you hear the name Mungiki, everywhere you go. The name that causes people to hide inside their homes, and the police to raid houses in the search for justice, with the result of several innocent people being killed.

While many of my friends don't have a choice, but to live in fear, risking their lives just outside their own home, I can safely return to my apartment every day. A place where I can sleep, without having to fear that someone might tear my house down, and kill me and my family. Where I can have my meals, without constantly having to look over my shoulder, jumping at any sound. I am extremely lucky, because I had the choice to decide where to live, and I have to say, I'm happy I chose to stick to the safe side of town. But unfortunately it is very few people around here who can choose to do the same thing.

Yesterday we had some of our students visiting, and it was nice for everyone to sit down with good friends, relaxing, eating brownies and icecream, staying up the whole night watching movies. Some even managed to watch all three of the Lord of the Rings movies, without falling asleep. Good work! :)

It is nice to be able to sink into a fantacyworld, where the good actually defeats the evil. Go Frodo!

Hurra for 17 mai!

2007-05-18T20:44:00.001+02:00

The Norwegian national day, celebrated in Nairobi. Breakfast with some friends in the morning. Parade, speaches, singing, games, hotdogs, icecream, cakes, rømmegrøt, vaffel and browncheese, at the Norwegian school. Almost as if I were at home. And in the evening, dinner at the residency of the Norwegian Ambassador.

17. May, feels even more special when outside Norway.

The parade

Hilde, on her last day in Kenya.

It is not only in Norway we have bad weather on the 17 of May.. The rain was pouring down, and after running from the car to the house, I was dripping wet. The rain is a lot worse in Kenya!

Legal!

2007-05-18T20:19:00.001+02:00

Sometimes one might wonder.. Trying to give a meaning to things around me, this has been troubling my mind a bit. On the ferry to the south coast of Mombasa, you can see the following writing on the wall; "Hawking, begging, preaching is prohibited." Okey, this kind of makes sence.. At least until I'm told that whenever someone are caught red handed, trying to steal from tempting pockets around them on the ferry, they are most often killed at the spot. And the murder is performed by the people around, normal people travelling on the ferry.

Justice..

Maybe the writing should be more like; "Hawking, begging and preaching is prohibited. But feel free to kill anyone who tries to steal." This makes sense doesn't it??

Preach it brother!!!!!

So it is not always easy to understand what is legal and what is not. But at this time; I AM A LEGAL RESIDENT OF KENYA! Yeah! Finally, today I actually got my work permit, though I got a bit disappointed when it turned out that what actually shows this, is just some scribbling with pen in my passport..

Pictures from my second trip to Msambweni, this time travelling with two new students; Karis and Wambui.

Ahh, my friend from last visit. I'm a bit happy these friends don't show up at my doorstep in Nairobi.

Alien in Kenya

2007-05-04T21:25:00.000+02:00

I'm an alien, and we aliens have to go through a lot before we are approved. Not that this is any different for other aliens around the world..

Do I like walking down the streets, being stared at, shouted at, whistled at, or asked to be someones wife? Do I like not being able to walk alone after 7 in the evening? Do I like always having to explain things over and over again before anyone even have a tiny idea of what I'm talking about? And do I really like running up and down, in and out of different offices and banks, using more than 7 months, after having paid an enormous amount of money, just to be allowed to work as a volunteer in a country?

Yes, I'm an alien, just about to apply for my alien card, struggling to be a part of something different. And no, I don't like all these things.. But why then do I get sad when thinking about leaving this country? And why will I most likely join the group "I'd rather be in Africa", when I return to Norway?

Save the blog!

2007-04-18T17:15:00.000+02:00

In these facebook days, I feel the need of speaking up for the good old blog.
People: Don't stop updating your blogs! It is much more cozy to read on the blogs, than to count the number of friends you've got!! :)

Just posting some pictures to show what I've been up to lately.

Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of both Sigrid and Rebecca. "Pølsefjes" was the main dish of the day.

Last weekend I went with Stephen and Liz, two of our students from CHRISC, to carry out a first aid workshop in Msambweni. "Bjarne" the first aid doll, was the guest of honour.

Since Msambweni is on the south coast of Kenya, we also got the opportunity to relax on the beach, together with the camels. :)

Yeah! Fun for a physio! :) During the Girls Tournament in Nairobi, we were allowed to play with the emergency equipment in an ambulance. Fun-fun!

Happy Easter everyone!

2007-04-07T15:58:00.000+02:00

It is Easter, but someone has forgotten to give me holiday.. hehe..
We are actually working everyday the whole Easter, even this weekend.. It is the International Girls Tournament; much work, but also a lot of fun!

And of course we have a bit freetime in the evenings, a time that has to be used wisely. So one evening we invited some friends over for Easter dinner. Roasted lamb, followed by chocolate-fondue as dessert, mmm....

Mmmmmmmmmmm.....

Paradise Lost

2007-04-01T22:08:00.000+02:00

Traffic jam, overcrowded streets, shouting people, matatus, cars, busses, policemen, exhaust, pollution, dust, crime and a crazy amount of work..
Some time away from all this would be perfect, and actually very possible! After a crazy work week, with late evenings, and a head that feels like exploding, it was sooooo good with a break.

Paradise Lost, only a few km away from the city centre. A place with large coffee plantations, waterfalls, a lake, horses, caves, ostriches and camels. I hadn't realized how much I miss horseback riding. But today, galloping in the middle of the coffee plantation, after paddling around on the lake, a very good feeling.

Today I also had to say goodbye to my apartment. Have been using some days to clear out all my things, and now it is empty. A bit sad to leave, even if I'm not moving far. Have had so many good days in that place, and so many good people staying there. But you will still find me behind the same gates, only in another apartment. Thanks Hilde for letting me stay with you and the kids! Happy to be your new roomie. :)

A taste of the unknown..

2007-03-25T19:27:00.000+02:00

"Come on Hilde, we deserve this.."

An invitation to an orthopedic surgeon conference in Mombasa. Of course we deserved that, after all our hard work, and as if we would ever get this opportunity back home in Norway..

So now I'm back in Nairobi, my head full of new knowledge. My stomach is empty though, no more breathtaking buffets, just an empty fridge..
This weekend has been great, not time for beachwalks, but a lovely hotel, very hot weather, many new people, and a LOT to learn. I'm lucky!

These last weeks I have really begun thinking of all the things I would like to learn, all the things I want to do, places I want to live, places I would like to work.
A lot of opportunities, that's for sure. I have realised my life hasn't turned out the way I had imagined at all. Some years ago I didn't see myself doing any of the things I am doing right now. I was happy with my decision to be a physio, I would finish my education, find a work and settle down in Trondheim. A good and safe plan. And I was very happy with it. People should do the things they are happy with, right?
But of course I had to go to Mosambik, and it all started. Too many choices, to much things to do.. I have realised I'm probably not going to have the life I planned, and it is somehow a bit annoying. Many things would have been so much easier..
Luckily I'm not deciding these things by myself, if that was the case I would have been a nervous wreck by now, but..

I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

-Kirk Franklin-

Isn't that true? I'm not alone in deciding what I should do in my life. I'm not sure I should do all the things I want to, or what I think is best. So I'm trusting God to help me with everything, He has started it, He has a plan for my life, and for sure He will be walking the rest of the road with me. My job is to make sure I'm following the right path, not moving in the wrong direction.

While springtime is coming back home, I'm smelling the rainyseason just around the corner. This is the longest one, but how bad can it be?? Yesterday I was trying to find out;

- "This rainyseason it will mostly rain during nighttime right??" (Hopefully asking..)
- "No, not in Nairobi. There it is known to rain from 7 in the morning, till 9 in the evening. You should go and by some boots and proper clothes as soon as possible.."
(Smack..So much for that optimistic thought..)

And after the rainyseason, comes the winter..
But still, I'm happy! :)

"Sisten"

2007-03-14T20:13:00.000+01:00

Yepp, I saw it coming.. So here it goes:

Sisten;
The player who's been "taken", needs to write 6 weird things about him/herself, then pick 6 people who need to do the same. The "taken one" needs to write the rules on his/her blog and let the "picked"know they're next.

1. Whenever people are talking to me (it doesn't matter if it's in Norwegion, English or Swahili..), I always manage to connect a word or a sentence of what they are saying, to a song I know. And not seldom I just have to sing that particular part of the song out loud.
E.g - Random person; "nowadays I feel a bit lonely.."
-Marianne; "So lonely, I'm soooo lonely. I have nobody, ooooon my own, oohhhh"

2. Sometimes I have problems knowing the difference between what is inside my head, and what is actually coming out of the mouth. When I think I'm listening to a fantastic song inside my head, suddenly people start looking at me, and I notice that the song, or at least parts of the song are coming out of my mouth.

3. When I'm tired I can fall asleep everywhere. This can be at a restaurant, at the cinema, in a birthday party, or even during a conversation where I am the one talking.

4. I love making lists. There is nothing I can't put down on a list. Most of the things I have to do, that are not written down on my list, I will just forget.

5. I watch too much "Friends" after work. Suddenly I notice that I'm starting to compare everyone around me, with the persons in "Friends". And I'm very afraid other people will compare me to Monica, especially because I dislike people destroying the systems I have made, f.ex putting the plates in the wrong place.

6. I have no problems finding 6 weird things about myself, so I really am weird. But my last thing have to be that I don't actually like things like this. So I'm not passing it on to others. :)

And I guess you all know who is back..

2007-03-03T11:53:00.000+01:00

I still can't believe that everyone knew.. And I didn't have a clue! I can't remember having been so surprised before. So well done Hilde! I actually fell out of the chair when Hilde walked through the door yesterday.. And this morning I just had to check that she was still sleeping in the bed in the room next to mine. Karibu Kenya!! And good luck with your work down here. You really have; "Toppa heile driden!" You rock girl!

Happy birthday!

2007-03-03T11:29:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday brothers! I am so happy I got to celebrate the day with Jens Gunnar, but Johns; we missed you a lot! Hope you had a really great birthday back home. I love you both!

Mmmm... Eating as much meat as you want at Carnevore. And Jens even got the birthday song and the well known; "Jambo" performed by the waiters, accompanied with african drums. :)

Are you ready to put down the flag yet?

And of course bowling!

Siv, you really saved our game of billiard. I have decided to retire from this sport, and rather find a new career.. ;)

Sasha; Did you know that when you called Jens G to congratulate, he was actually swimming around in the pool? ;)

It was good to have you here bro! And my roomie Siv. I will miss you both a lot!

Guess who is back!

2007-02-27T18:34:00.000+01:00

When I'm at work someone else has to pick up people at the airport. Taxi Josef got this important task. Can you guess who he is picking up??

My brother!!!!!!

A weekend off

2007-02-24T13:54:00.000+01:00

I had almost forgotten how it is to have a whole weekend off.. But it feels good! Now I'm actually out of things to do for the moment, so ended up in my livingroom in front of the computer..
This week has been really busy, every day coming late from work, not able to do anything but sleeping on the sofa and waking up knowing I have to prepare teaching for next day.
So yesterday Siv and I celebrated the weekend eating ugali, onions and tomato, while watching two movies. :) Today I've been to the hairdresser, cutting my hair and at the same time getting a manicure and pedicure.. A bit luxury after a hard week..
And crazy things keep happening, I guess by the time I return to Norway nothing will surprise me anymore. The other night I woke up at 3 am, from a man running outside, screaming like a mad man. Later I found out that this was a very stupid attempt of robbery. Some men had been sitting by the pool since the evening, and in the middle of the night stealing one of the chairs by the pool, obviosly seemed like a good idea. The only problem was to get the chair over the tall electric fence, but of course another superb idea came to their minds; "We just cut the upper part of the fence!" But I have to admit I didn't know electric shock could cause a man to scream like that. At least the guards had no problems finding him!
When it comes to the moving we have decided to live on the safe side of Nairobi. After someone had dumped the dead body of a woman just outside our workplace, the decision wasn't too hard.. Now we have been out looking at several houses/apartments, still without any luck, but not giving up yet!

Last weekend Siv and I were babysitters for Hilde's lovely girls! Quite a handful, but we all survived, and it was great fun!

My best purchase here in Nairobi has earned a portrait on my blog. My fantastic, hard-working BLENDER! Don't know how I survived without it. So now my plan is to start a business selling smoothies and shakes to people stuck in traffic jam outside my house.. A good way of paying the rent, don't you think? ;)

Mmmmm... Ugali! And of course eating with the fingers. :)

The road not taken

2007-02-20T20:13:00.000+01:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Should I stay or should I go?

2007-02-12T18:00:00.000+01:00

And then there were none.. Yep, people keep leaving me. Now Hilde is back in Norway, and the sparebed in my room is empty. But it was nice having you here girl! Go sell your stories!

This weekend I've been out searching for a new place to stay. Starting to get really tired of travelling almost 2 hours each way to work, and it would be good to live a bit closer to work and the people I work with.. But the thing about Nairobi is that I can't just pick a place to stay.. Some are telling me; here it is safe to stay, no worries. Others say; Are you crazy! You can't live there! Hmm..And I just keep getting more and more confused.. But time will show, maybe this is my last month in Blackrose, maybe not.. To be continued..

Hilde.. All this after only 4 weeks... He, he..

Yes, belive it or not. This is actually the same city, even if it looks like Hilde has visited two completely different continents..

Hard to say goodbye..

2007-02-05T10:05:00.000+01:00

My apartment keeps getting emptier and emptier.. Jonathan left for Canada, and some days later Marianne left for Norway.. The livingroom is tidy, and I have an entire bed for myself.. But still..Miss you guys a lot!! Good luck in your homecountries!
Just have to say, so happy that I still have my two Hilde and Siv here.. Don't leave!!!!!

Still don't know how Jonathan managed to get all this on the airplane..

Marianne is packing...

This girl knows how to get things on the plane!

Mariannes goodbye-party

Sporty girls and an angry policewoman

2007-01-29T13:58:00.000+01:00

If anyone thinks visiting Nairobi will be relaxing, you better think again.. I'm sure Hilde can tell you all about that. The poor girl is being dragged along around in the big city, getting up at half past six just to bump her head while jumping into matatus that are about to fall into pieces, with drivers that couldn't care less and would have a much better career competing in Grand Theft Auto.
And when the matatu is being pulled over by this huge policewoman announcing; "I've arrrrrrrrrrrrested this vehicle!!!!", well what can I say, any normal person would be exhausted..
But not this girl! Hilde, I'm impressed, working out with one of Kenya's best soccerteam, after having been through all this.. Impressive..

Salsa aerobic with Mathare United

Some serious goalkeeper work outs!

Even if I'm doing my best to cope with African time, it is hard to be patient when the soccerteam is one hour late for the training..

Wageni!

2007-01-29T12:44:00.000+01:00

I love having visitors! When my brother and friends from Norway are sitting in my livingroom

eating icecream and drinking coffee, it feels like home. I have actually missed hearing my brother's voice: "Mmmm, what is this smell, is it food?? Marianne what are you making? Can I have some??"

Since I picked Hilde up at the airport some weeks ago, a lot of things have happened. My birthday party was great! A bunch of people from work, my taxidriver, a Canadian medicineman and some crazy Norwegians packed together in my apartment.

Another trip to the airport to pick up Jens Gunnar and Siv, a lot of tours in the city, safari and crazy workdays..

More pictures..

2007-01-08T07:16:00.000+01:00

Just adding some pictures from our beach holiday last week.

Dinner down by the sea in Malindi

Out sailing in a dhow on the Indian Ocean

The girls

In Malindi all the hotels were full, so as good old Norwegians, we just
slept in a tent close to the beach

Our dhow at Manda Beach in Lamu

Safari!

2007-01-06T15:25:00.000+01:00

Right now I am so exhausted, but I have experienced a lot the last weeks. So many hours on the road, and so many new places explored. Before Christmas we went to Uganda and Rwanda, and the last week I have spend on the coast of Kenya; in Malindi and Lamu. It is just so good to go outside Nairobi, and relax.. It is when you leave that you notice how tense things are in Nairobi.

I just love Rwanda, all the people are so friendly, and we could walk outside alone after dark, without being afraid. When we didn't know the way, we just stopped a car, and got a free ride to the hotel. This would never happen in Nairobi..

And Lamu.. A beautiful small town, nice people, sun, sea, sailing boats, beaches and donkeys. I am happy!

Rwanda, almost like Norway, with a lot of mountains. :)

The travellers; Ilse, me, Jonathan and Marianne

Kigali, the view from our hotel.

Is it the sun, or is it the omelette?? Better be on the safe side

Our Christmas tree

2006-12-28T09:42:00.000+01:00

This is definitely the smallest Christmas tree I have ever had..
Do you manage to see it on the picture below??

Oh yeah! Here it is!

Christmas njema!

2006-12-26T13:21:00.000+01:00

Christmas eve, on the street

This Christmas has been very different from what I'm used to.
First of all there is no snow, and when I look out my window it looks like summer.
There is no big Christmas tree in the livingroom, no familymembers, no Christmas parties at the famous Tempe-house, and even the smell of Christmas is missing..

But still, I've had a great time. On Christmas eve, sponsored by the other Marianne's parents, we made a lot of rice, bought plenty of soda and 15 chickens. It was time to give a Christmas gift to the people without food or home; Christmas day is no different from any other day when you live on the streets. Jonathan, the Canadian guy who is living on a matress in our livingroom, brought his guitar ready to play Christmas songs. Over 30 people; kids, youth and some adults, were gathered, and it was an experience I'm not going to forget. Earlier one of the kids told us he once tasted chicken, and he felt like he was in heaven..So you can imagine how they reacted when we came.. Some even started fighting over the chicken and the police showed up, but when we told them it is just Christmas food, they smiled and left. :)

In the evening we gathered some friends for Christmas dinner at our place, Lasagne was on the menu, not the typical Christmas food, but still it tasted really nice. A good party of people; two Norwegians, one Canadian and four Kenyans made this a special evening.

On the 25 of December we were invited to Rebecca's family. So after church in the morning we were off to Mathare North. On the way we stopped by a policestation to visit a policeman we have gotten to know, and in the exchange of a Christmas song, we got a free ride to Mathare. Even the Kenyan police is nice when it is Christmas. ;)

Ho, ho, ho!!

2006-12-10T16:13:00.000+01:00

Christmas holidays! And who says that only kids can sit on Santa's lap?
New hairstyle for christmas is also nice, but when it takes two days to get it done, you may start to think: "Is it really worth it?"

Rebecca, Santa and me. :)

The days of our lives

2006-12-06T17:32:00.000+01:00

When I went to work this morning I started to think about how surreal everything really is. It feels like someone have just snapped me out of my normal life, and put me on another planet, just to see if it is possible to survive.
I wake up in the morning, and rush together with my colleagues to the bus-stop to catch the bus going to town. But it is not so easy, survival of the fittest is the best explanation of what is happening. A lot of people, few buses, and everybody are running and pushing to get a seat on the bus. After some running and tactical thinking, I might get a seat on the fifth bus passing by. But the journey is not over yet, in town I'm rushing between shouting street-sellers, a moving crowd of people, cars, buses and matatus, until I reach the place where I can jump into the matatu bringing me to work. Of course they always try to trick me into paying a bit to much..
-"Ngapi?"
-"30 bop"
-"Hapana! 20!"
-"Okey, okey! Get in! Fasta', buddha, fasta' buddha!"
If I'm lucky the matatu actually drives the whole way, where it is supposed to go. If not I'm arguing as best as I can, just to realize that they don't care this time either. Money matters, not people.. So I just have to get out and walk the last bit. When I have gotten out of the matatu, the drunk man normally shows up shouting: "Why are you here! I'm so angrrrrry! I will kill you!" He's always so drunk that his feet are not moving as fast as mine, so luckily no problem there. Walking the last bit, through a slum-area, about 10 children gathers around. They know that the wazungu girls are passing every morning, and they come running as fast as they can, just to be able to shout: "How are you! How are you! How are you!" and shake our hands. Then they are happy, and we are also happy, because on the other side of the street is the MYSA-office, and we have finally arrived.

My pride!

2006-12-01T16:46:00.000+01:00

Our students! We are teaching two classes now, and I really enjoy it! They are all so thankful and motivated, great people! They are making my day here in Nairobi. Yesterday there was this Street-soccer tournament, and they were in charge of the first aid. Feel like a proud mum, hehe..

The beginnerclass, in our small overcrowded classroom. :)

Some kids playing in Mathare.

The students as first aiders yesterday.

The beauty of silence..

2006-11-21T19:08:00.000+01:00

The days are passing by, work until late evenings, but also some time for fun. Last weekend I got a free trip to Mombasa with hotel and everything. It was the annual meeting for Fredskorpset participants in Kenya. Many meetings, but also some time spent at the beach. :)
And this weekend we had time for a day in the Safaripark here in Nairobi. A muddy experience..hehe.. The pictures will tell the story!
But after having stayed here for over a month, some frustrations are also starting to steal upon me. The beauty of silence some Kenyans call it.. For me beauty is not the right word. Just a bit annoyed when some people just do whatever they want, and nobody bothers to protest.. But still, I love being here, and I really love my work!

Mombasa

When the car is stuck, someone have to be the ones trying to push it out of the mud.
Here you see the result of that attemption.

Hakuna matata! At least not when the tractor comes for the rescue!

Vi gir alt, alt for Norge!

2006-11-06T15:49:00.000+01:00

This weekend the Scandinavian sportsday took place at the Swedish school in Nairobi. Of course I did my best to defend my home country. Teams from Norway, Sweden and Denmark were competing in volley, soccer, basket, tennis, swimming and tug of war. I played volley, and even though I'm extremely multi-talented when it comes to sports (..ehm..) I was cheering from the sideline during the other sports.
It was a great day, despite the fact that we combined came second, behind Sweden..

Marianne A & B fighting for Norway!

Survival-kit

2006-10-29T14:01:00.000+01:00

After some weeks in a new city you learn a lot about how to survive. Some things you learn because other people tell you, other things you learn simply by making your own mistakes.
At this time I have invented the "Nairobi survival-kit". This kit you should always carry with you, every time you leave the house.

- Toilet-paper. There are a lot of different toilets around, but the thing they have in common, is the lack of toilet-paper. Good to know..
- Anti-bac. Often not a lot of opportunities to wash your hands during the day.
- Ear-plugs. When you're in a "disco-matatu", it might feel like someone is putting a knife into your ears.
-A bottle of water
-Sunblock, sunglasses and something to cover your head

Back in Norway I used to think wallet, phone and keys. Then I were all set to go.
Here it is a bit different, of course you need the fantastic survival-kit, but you also need to think: Have I brought anything that I can't afford being stolen? If I bring my camera, I know that the last pictures taken, is safe in my computer back home. If I bring my VISA card, I know that my other VISA is safe in my bedroom. When I bring my phone, I have already made a list with the phonenumbers. And the computer..Back-up disks, or simply always leave it at home.

Mathare and Michael Johnson

2006-10-26T16:15:00.000+02:00

The days are flying here, so little time to rest, so much work and so many things to experience..
Michael Johnson and Marcel Desailly were visiting MYSA this week, that was fun. They played soccer with the youth and we went to the Mathare slum together. Many impressions at the same time. But that is Nairobi, on one side you have these gigantic really nice houses, on the other side a huge slum area.. A bit confusing some times, you just dont't know what to think.

A hair saloon in Mathare

Mathare

Some monkeys in the City Park

Me and Michael Johnson, hehe..

Pictures

2006-10-19T13:41:00.000+02:00

Just posting some pictures from my new everydaylife here in Nairobi.

My first soccermatch as a physio

Hilde's girls Sigrid, Kristin and an african girl Ashley

This I'm passing on my way to work, not my office though

Homeoffice by the pool

Karibu Kenya!

2006-10-10T16:14:00.000+02:00

Now there is no way back, I have moved to Kenya and already started my work here. But there are few complaints yet. Today we had homeoffice by the pool, making a trainingprogramme for MYSA's senior soccerplayers. (One of the best teams in Kenya!) And the pool is in my own backyard! I can easily get used to this. The time spend by the pool is of course not the only thing I've been doing, and are going to do. I have been to the city centre and got a bit scared, I have travelled by matatu and gotten even more scared. The city is very huge and confusing, and the local bus (matatu), well, what can you say.. It is not the safest transport, with drivers driving like crazy. But I have to admit, it is fun!
My apartment is good, with water-toilet, shower and a kitchen inside. A bit different from Mozambique. I'm sharing apartment with another Marianne. She is also a physiotherapist and has been working with MYSA the last year. It is good to have a person here who knows the city, and can tell us what our work will be like. Us, for those who don't know, is me and Hilde. Hilde is the other physio I'm going to work with this year. She is here with her Kenyan husband, and her two extremely charming girls. They live in the same place we do, just in another apartment.
Tomorrow I will go to the gym at MYSA, and do some rehab training with some of the players. Guess I don't have to say that this will be a great year! And I have some spare beds, so you are very welcome!
Pictures will come later, I haven't forgotten my promise Hilde! And Larry, I live next to the YAYA centre. :)

Rondane kaller!

2006-09-25T21:58:00.001+02:00

Hva skjer når 11 ungdommer samles på ei lita hytte midt uti fjellheimen? Joda,
fjordårets påskekanin våkner til liv, Habimanasøsken gjenforenes med ukontrollert latter, Hilde
slenger dyre dolokk i do, Thomas steker vafler og fisker etter dolokk, Kristian leier et vrak, og tåka gjør at selv de sprekeste må snu før fjelltoppen er besteget. Rolig har nok en gang blitt innvadert! :)

Bowling og NRK

2006-09-18T20:47:00.000+02:00

Har begynt på min andre uke i Kongsberg, og her skjer det stadig nye ting. I dag hadde vi NRK på besøk, de holder på å lage en dokumentar om sånne som jeg, som skal reise til utlandet og jobbe der. Så i løpet av neste år kan det nok hende at jeg dukker opp på tv. :) I helga har det også vært full fart, sølvgruvene har blitt inspisert og bowlinghallen i Kongsberg ble plutselig overfylt av en haug afrikanere, og ei norsk jente som skulle lære alle å bowle. Utrolig kaos til å begynne med, har nok sjelden sett så mange ulike teknikker blitt utprøvd på en kveld..
Har gjort så mye i det siste at det liksom har føltes helt greit å skulle reise bort for over ett år. Helt greit å være borte fra alle sammen...helt til jeg bare gløttet på en blog her og en blog der.. Og det skulle ikke mer til enn et bilde av John Sverre inni gitaren til Psht, før jeg skjønte at kanskje det ikke er sånne folk der jeg skal. Sånne som blir avbildet inni gitarer, vet i verdsette en ettermiddag med brownies og is, sånne som man kan snakke med om absolutt alt.. Må bare si: Kommer til å savne dere alle!!!

Stress??

2006-09-12T20:49:00.001+02:00

Har du noen ganger følt deg analysert og konstant observert? Den følelsen du kanskje har i nærheten av en psykologistudent, eller en du vet jobber som psykolog.. en følelse av at hver bevegelse du gjør, hver ting du sier, blir notert og tatt med i noe som etterhvert skal fortelle deg hvem du egentlig er..
Der har du meg, og mest sannsynlig samtlige kursdeltakere i dag. Har forflyttet meg til Fredkorpsets kurs i Kongsberg, og her er det nok av utfordringer. Tema i dag har vært hvordan vi reagerer under stress, og vi har fått haugevis med praktiske øvelser får å få frem dette. Skummelt, spennende og etterhvert bare morsomt!
En utrolig artig gjeng som er samlet her i hvertfall. 1 ss nordmenn, 3 ss afrikanere, 2ts Sør-Amerikanere, og vips du har den perfekte oppskriften på masse forvirring, latter og spennende samtaleemner. Dette anbefales folkens!

Årets hengeplass

2006-09-09T22:52:00.000+02:00

Da har jeg gjort nødvendig research, og kårer herved leiligheten til Denise i Oslo til årets nye hengeplass. Stikkord som gir grunnlaget for denne prisen er: utmerket beliggenhet, (nærmeste nabo er kongen, masse ambassader og Bogstadveien!), god gjesteseng, stort soverom med dimmer, god hjemmelaget middag, frokost på balkongen, (med tillatelse til å glo på Oslos innbyggere), mulighet til å snylte på naboenes trådløse nettverk, og ikke minst Denise i egen person! Dette anbefales folkens!

Pakking, pakking...

2006-09-08T19:59:00.000+02:00

Pakking er rett og slett noe av det verste jeg gjør. Vet ikke hvorfor egentlig, for som regel er det jo en morsom grunn til at du trenger å pakke, men, men.. Uansett, nå er jeg snart på vei til Kongsberg. Der skal jeg kurses sammen med masse folk fra Uganda, Tanzania, Guatemala, og mange andre land. Det blir bra!!! Og ikke minst treffer jeg hun jeg skal jobbe med i Nairobi. Spenningen stiger... Og må nesten dedikere denne posten til Denise. Tusen takk for at jeg får kræsje hos deg i morgen. Blir stas, regner med frokost sammen med kongen.. hehe..

Mirakler skjer..

2006-09-05T00:07:00.000+02:00

Jepp, dette er det vel ikke mange som hadde forutsett vel.. Marianne skaffer seg en blog!
Men denne dedikerer jeg til alle mine fans rundt omkring, som forhåpentligvis kommer til å savne meg litt mens jeg befinner meg i et land langt borte. Her skal jeg holde dere oppdatert på hva som skjer i skumle Nairobi de neste 13 mnd. For akkurat der kommer jeg til å være. Lille jenta i den store uforutsigbare verdenen...