Arrived in Nairobi a couple days ago and due to schedule changes for flights. Because of this we are staying in Nairobi a short time prior to transfer to the Somalian/Kenyan border. We finished our briefing and debriefing with the outgoing team and so we've been cramming enjoyment in between cups of tea. (tea is big here).
Nairobi is a busy town with some beautiful areas. The Kenyan people that I've met so far are friendly, curious, very welcoming and quite funny. Everyone speaks English so communication in Nairobi isn't a problem.
First day we met with the security director and went over operating protocol and the overall security situation. Our security team is excellent and I believe will be thorough and effective. We also met with the other organization we work with in the region. We spent the afternoon in traffic jams interspersed with supply shopping for final items.
Today we went to take a 'short hike' on Mount Longonot in the great rift valley (short per Bruce, an outgoing team member who is actually from Eugene). Bruce apparently understates since six hours later we had ascended the volcano, hiked around the crater and put in 18 miles in the equatorial sunshine. We did have enough water and enjoyed sharing a package of arrowroot and banana chips amongst the five of us. we just finished an excellent Ethiopian meal and I'm really tired. Tomorrow we are going to a baby animal orphanage and a short safari.
I realize his sounds more like a travelogue than a report on the medical work that I came to do. This is a highly abnormal situation because our in country flights changed after our international arrangements were made. It is frustrating not being able to immediately serve but since I can't change it, I might as well enjoy it. Monday we depart for Daadab.
