Becoming Kenyan

The longer I am here, the more I become accustomed to Kenyan living. Small accomplishments make me excited because those small tasks made me nervous in the past. Like hailing a boda boda. Now it's not a big deal.

Two days ago, I ventured out alone to get supplies for dinner. Usually I go with someone from here so I don't get charged the mzungu (white person) price. Now that I am becoming familiar with the prices, I have the correct amount ready and just hand it to them. Most fruits, vegetables and meat are very expensive in the grocery store so you buy them at a duka, a stand on the street that sells supplies. So, I went to the grocery store for a few items and then went to the duka to buy tomatoes, onions and sakuma. Then I went to the butcher stand to get half a kilo of beef. Going to the store and duka are a daily occurrence. People here don't stock up and plan their meals for the week. Each night between 6:00 or 7:00 they ask, what should we have for dinner? Then you go out and get whatever you need. I have had to give in to the lack of planning. It frustrated me at first due to my desperate need for efficiency. Instead of getting frustrated with the differences, I am learning to appreciate them and see them in a positive light. Daily trips to the store means more exercise which is a good thing. Learning to go with the flow is an every day challenge, but I am getting better!