Election Day

The election is now underway here in Kenya.  As is usually the case, the media outlets are reporting the bad news and very little of the good news, if there is any.  I have no doubt that there are places here in Kenya where the election is going on without a hitch, but it seems that's not true everywhere.  Already in Nairobi and Mombasa there are reports of violence and deaths.  For a really good summary of the factors at play in this year's presidential election you can read this article in the New York Times.

For those of us sheltered here in the confines of Lukenya Getaway the day is full of activity or nothing at all, depending on what you decide to do with your time.  This is one option:

Today is also the second day of Peace Corps Kenya Olympics, for the more athletically-minded.  I'm taking advantage of the unburdened internet and will probably hit the pool and watch election coverage at the poolside bar.  Peace Corps did a fine job finding a place for us to weather the election storm.  The beds are comfy, the food is plentiful and tasty (though a few people have gotten sick) and there are plenty of ways to distract oneself.  It's a dry campus but Peace Corps negotiated a deal where we can drink in our rooms.  It's true what they say about Peace Corps volunteers and a good time.  They go hand in hand.  Here's how my roommate and I prepared ourselves for this trying time:

But that's not to say that all we're doing is partying and playing games.  Our days are also filled with language trainings, information sessions and two briefings at 9am and 4:30pm on the state of the elections.

This morning I got up early, grabbed my binoculars and went for a birding walk on the savannah surrounding our resort.  There are giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and antelope lurking about.  It's a treat to be out walking around as the sun comes up over the herds of zebra.  We're not allowed to walk without an escort after dark because of the hyenas, but it's a small price to pay.  Here's a peek into the sights I encountered this morning on my walk:

I want to give a shout out to my niece Helen who turns 14 today!!!  Happy Birthday to you, my dear niece.  Hope it's a good one!!!

I'm off to go soak in the pool.  I'll have more updates as the day progresses.