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Made it to Nakuru!
Left the hotel in Nairobi quite early or the bus station. Got ripped off by the taxi driver, crowded by touts at the station and finally got on a old but still ok bus stopping at Naivasha on the way to Eldoret (much further away). This is 8am, and only a few seats left so told we'd be leaving soon (scheduled departure 8am). 2 hours later and we still haven't moved an inch, sat in my chair trying to read whilst numerous street sellers barged up and down the far to small aisle. Getting increasingly annoyed, as this was pushing it even by african time (slowly slowly). Eventually left at 10.30 after yes a full 2 1/2 hours sitting on the bus in the bus station. And then stopped for fuel, which for some inexplicable reason took a full 20 mins.
To add to my increasing distress, some guy stood up as we pulled off, and started shouting down the bus. I looked to my neighbour for translation as sounded urgent, and turns out this guy is preaching. Or shouting aggressively in my face, depending on your point of view. He was really yelling in an unpleasant manner, and all the kids started crying. But no, he kept on, all the way to the next stop. And at the stop (bush break...), some boys selling milk got into it with some of the passengers, ended up being pushed away, then a policemand arrived and hit them with his baton, even throwing it at them as they ran away. Argh!!!!
Just about survived til Naivasha, where I was dropped on the side of a road. Of course I don't hava clue where I am, having never been here before!! The Rev Simon, who started the Sunshine Home and local school, kindly picked me up from my spot on the highway and showed me around. The school is still being improved, with a dining hall and kitchen in the making, and the Sunshine Home itself moved last year to a new plot, also still being built. I met some of the boys, looking smart in their school unifroms, and looked around a bit. Not a big place but seperate, single storey dorms with a kitchen, with a classroom for evening study almost finished and a dining room planned when they have the funds. Also have a dirt football pitch (key) and a small playground with swings and a slide. singled out Samuel and Stephen, the boys sponsored by parents and grandparents respectively. Had a brief chat and took a pic but quite shy with outsiders and didn't feel appropriate to pry into their life stories! Gave the Rev the donations i'd brought with me, think they'll go to good use (especially the football shirts).
Rev took me to the matatu (minivan) park and put me on a matatau to Nakuru. Must remember to send him some photos! Matatu was actually not too bad, small 9-seater, and although squeezed 3 across the back, so shoulder space limited, was absolutely fine for a pound. Just lucky the others didn't have much baggage and the rucksack and holdall went in the back!
Pretty speedy journey to Nakuru, and managed to walk from the taxi park to the hotel, success! Carnation Hotel only one in LP but ok rooms and good value. Strolled aorund the centre - actually quite enjoyable as little hassle, despite yet again being seemingly the only white person in town. The market was quite hectic, and sprawls out across most streets with stalls everywhere. Eateries mainly small local bistro type plas so I opted for the single LP recommendation which was ethiopian. Had injera and wat, which sounds ridiculous but is sour flatbread with beef stew. Topped with a massive glass of avocado juice, all a bit odd but tasty at the same time!
Got up early the next day, another healthy doughnut and juice breakfast, then took a rickshaw to the akamba depot to catch my coach. Just really hope they remember to stop at Nakuru, don't forget meeee!
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