Lena: Arrived in Kisumu, Kenya

Posted 10:55 AM, November 09, 2007, by lenawine

After more than 24 hours of traveling, I've arrived and all in one piece (for the most part). I even managed to meet up with my Aunt Jill in London during my 9 hour layover. So that's the good news...

The bad news is that my bags didn't make it. I guess this wasn't completely unexpected, but a girl can hope can't she. Apparently, the same happened to another student who arrived earlier this week. Upon arriving in Nairobi and going through immigration and customs, I had to walk across the street to the domestic terminal. Along the way, I picked up a 'guide' who 'showed me' where the terminal was and in return wanted a tip. Luckily, at this point, this is still a novelty that just reminds me of my past experiences here. I good-naturedly explained that I didn't have any Kenyan shillings and he of replied that he accepts pounds and dollars as well. When I got to the appropriate counter, the clerk at my paper ticket with a puzzled expression. Then she walked off with it, much to my dismay.

She returned eventually and explained that they had signed it over to another airline. Instead of flying on Kenya Airways, I would be flying with East African. Apparently, however, I gathered from some conversations in Swahili, there was no room on the flight and there was no way that my bags, which were supposed to be checked through with Kenya Airways, would make it. One of the clerks personally escorted me to the runway where the plane was waiting. As I was entering, I heard a man complaining that there were no more seats. I glanced at my boarding pass for the first time and relieved that my seat number was illegible (yes, it was handwritten). They eventually found me a seat, but my backpack had to be stowed in a different location. Needless to say, I wasn't excited to part with my few remaining possessions, but again what choice did I have.

I was very relieved to find someone (actually 3 people) waiting for me at the Kisumu airport; during the flight I had begun run through the possibilities of what I would do if there weren't someone there waiting or if I couldn't find them. I considered hiring a taxi, but realized I didn't have an address for where I was going. I then came to the realization that I didn't even really know where I need an address for as I had no idea where I was meant to go. Luckily when I arrived I didn't have to start down the line of my contingency plans.

I went to an ATM and got out some arbitrary amount of Kenyan shillings - at this point, I'm only vaguely familiar with the exchange rate and I have even less of an idea what my expenses will be and how much cash I need. Next, they took me over to the the flat where I'll be staying and it seems nice enough, although it looks like I'll be sleeping in the living room on a foam mattress on the floor. The fact that there's a refrigerator and allegedly running water were enough to make me happy. They tried to convince me that I need to rest, but I'm afraid that if I do, it will take longer for me to get adjusted to the time change. On top of that, I don't have any pajamas and with the daylight, the heat, and my nervous excitement, I don't think I'd be able to sleep anyway. My final ulterior motive was that I actually wanted to see the clinic today and meet some of the staff - I didn't want to be forgotten at the flat or have to find my way on my own to the clinic.

Now I'm at the FACES Clinic (http://www.faces-kenya.org/) where I got introduced to at least 25 people, all of whom I've already forgotten. My guide literally took me from room to room (interrupting patient visits) to meet all the staff. The clinic waiting area, which is outdoors, was very crowded. It's definitely a larger scale operation than I expected and seems to be relatively well equipped. They have a wireless internet connection here in the clinic - too bad I won't be living in Kisumu. I don't expect to find the same luxuries in Migori, three hours from here, but then again I don't really know what to expect at all, I guess we'll see.

Aunt Jill and I having lunch in Heathrow airport during my 9 hour layover - much to my surprise we were able to connect without the use of cellphones.

FACES clinic in Kisumu

Comments

Lena-

Thanks for the post and so glad you made it there safe! Hope you meet up with your bags soon!

Pauline

Comment by: Pauline at November 9, 2007 02:20 PM

Adventures abound.
So glad to hear you're safe. Your experience interrupting patient visits to meet the FACES clinic people made me chuckle. Would have loved to have seen the look on your face.
We miss you lots here in Palo Alto.
Jo

Comment by: JoAnn at November 11, 2007 10:20 AM