New Years

For New Years, we traveled with George's family to their rural home in Kendu Bay. Most people who live in the city, have a home on their family's land in the rural village they grew up in. On New Years Eve, a bunch of us loaded up the cars and headed "upcountry." We arrived mid-day and had time to get set up. On family land, the male children inherit a portion. Girls don't inherit any. It is assumed they will stay on their husband's land. Traditionally, each male builds a "simba" which is a simple starter home, often made of mud and cement. So, we all spread out to find the place we would sleep. Because there were a lot of us, we had to share spaces. I shared a room with Eli, Suzy and Adi. George and Andrew camped out in the yard. The younger boys all went to one of the simbas. No doubt that was the party house! Others claimed spots in the main house.

The rest of the time was spent hanging out, eating, laughing, playing games and having fun. Eli loved it there because there was a nice dog to pet (Usually dogs are not safe to pet. Because Eli is used to Nala, it's challenge to keep him away from dogs.), chickens to chase, cows to watch and dirt piles to play in. What more is there to want? After dinner, I hit the hay. Eli had been waking up very early every day (before 6:00am) so I was beat. This was one of the first years in a long time that I didn't stay up until midnight. I was bummed, but I just had to sleep. Unfortunately, the walls of the rooms don't go up to the ceiling so even with ear plugs, I could hear everyone laughing and the music blaring until the wee hours of the morning!

The next day we hung out more before packing up and returning to Kisumu. It was a great way to celebrate the New Year.