Giraffes and Beads

The next day, Beth and I spent exploring a bit in Nairobi. First, we visited the Giraffe Center. If you are ever in Nairobi, this is totally worth doing. They have a platform built that puts you at giraffe head level, and you can feed any of their giraffes who are currently feeling friendly little supplement pellets.

I now more than ever want a pet giraffe. Feeding them was a lot of fun—such a crazy tongue they have! Slimy and a little rough all at the same time…

I would have dearly loved to take this little guy home, but I don’t think he would have fit in my bags…

After that, we headed to the Kazuri Bead Center. First you get a tour of the workshops and have the whole process explained,

then you get turned loose in the gift shop! Beth and I may have had way too much fun picking through the loose beads which were very shiney indeed…

After ‘falling down’ hard in the bead shop, we rejoined our patient taxi driver and headed across Nairobi to visit the Masi Market which is held in a different mall parking lot each day. After grabbing some lunch, we headed out into the terrific heat to brave the vendors. Rather like the markets in Lusaka, everyone wants to sell you something, and they make it difficult to say no. I bought a large straw hat which was to figure significantly in my time at Mombasa, and some beaded sandals that were actually my size! There was a lot of overlap with the sorts of things you can find in Lusaka, but I would say that overall the Kenyan stuff was higher quality. After roasting through the market and making a few purchases, Beth and I returned to the compound, and then enjoyed an Indian take out dinner with the Hardings and another missionary family. A full, but very enjoyable day despite the heat of the city!

Parting Shot: Can't get enough of these Twigas!