Napuku Waterfall Hike

Matt’s home.  We had nothing planned.  We started Sunday Family Adventure day.  Although, admittedly, after it rained all night long, I was slightly less than enthusiastic about a hike that I knew brought us through steep and muddy terrain.  I am happy to say that I’m glad that we went.  We did this as a family hike over 3 years ago.  It was fun to go back through pictures and see how much the kids have grown.

It wouldn’t be a true adventure without some drama.  We got stuck in one of the rain/run-off ditches (sliding backwards down the hill).  Had lots of ‘helpers’ appear.  Was all good until one of the ‘helpers’ used his hoe/pitchfork to stab a hole in one of the tires.     

 

As soon as we got to where we’d start the hike, Anderson made friends and was playing soccer while Matt checked in at the village office. 

 

After all the recent rain it was very green and lush.  The kids were happy to find the wild raspberries again.  We even saw some blue monkeys. 

Steep and slick (the kids said it was ‘slickery’) down to the river

 

We made it!  And, holy cow, was there a lot more water than the last time (this is the rainy season). Last time we were able to sit next to the waterfall and eat lunch.  This time, even huddled behind a rock, just around the corner we were getting very wet.  It was fun.

 

Last time

We were totally soaked for the hike out.  I don’t even know why we attempted to stay dry the first part of the hike,  but the sun was out and it was fine.  The kids also figured out that if they just give a container to Peter (and slip him a few shillings), he’d go fill it full of wild raspberries. 

 

 

View of Arusha from above

 

Tierney giving her respectful greeting to one of the village elders. 

T:  Shikamoo

Elder:  Marahaba

[literally “I hold your feet”, “You are welcome (to do so)”]

 

Hair cutting AND music and video library.  I think he’s got it covered. 

  

One of those weeks: #Thirdworldproblems

Mom left on Wednesday (with a few minor flight issues/detours thanks to ‘Vulcan’), and Thursday was the eight month anniversary of Mike’s death, so my mood was fragile anyway. It went downhill from there. 

The dogs escaped and got attacked by some wild animal.  Not a fun sight to return home to after dropping the kids at school on Friday morning.  I thought one of them wasn’t going to make it.  Even though I spent several hours with the vet we still didn’t have any great guesses as to what it was…Mongoose?  Genet?  Honey Badger?  Wild cat? Poor girls are still in a lot of pain and pathetic looking, but luckily they are pretty drugged up and will recover just fine. 

Ashlyn’s first inter-school swim meet was cancelled Saturday.  We got the call as we were walking out the door with rain jackets and umbrellas.  We’d received 4 inches of rain in about 48 hours. Mixed emotions on this one.  It would have been wet and chilly, but she was geared up and ready to go. 

Since we now had a free day we decided to head to the movies in town (about 30 minutes) only to get there and find out that they were having electricity issues. We were told that they had the workmen on the way.  We waited about 30 minutes before we gave up and came home.  I’m glad we bailed when we did because another friend said it still wasn’t fixed by the later showing.  Kids were certainly disappointed.

Then I return home to a message from our landlord that says the water pump is broken (again) and they will be unable to pump more water to the house until Tuesday.  We’re in strict conserve mode to make what we have left in the tank last.  Maybe the lack of water will kill the little worms/caterpillars that seem to be showing up in the bathwater (I try not to think about it when I’m taking a shower). 

The kids and I had a quiet night last night snuggling and watching a movie.  Matt comes home this afternoon (albeit for a full 14 hours before leaving again), and we’ll have dinner with friends.  So, I think that’s a good start to this week.  It has to be better, right? 

~~

Happy picture.  Repurposed Christmas gingerbread houses feeding the superb starlings in our yard. 

International Fair

Every Year the kids’ school host an International Festival to show off the diversity of the school.  We helped in the ’Americas' tent…USA, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and the Dominican were all represented (I’m sure I’m forgetting someone).  Best seller…Margaritas…by far. 

Dressed and ready

Matt in charge of margaritas

 

Next year…more tequila and more ice

 

Henna added to USA and Canada flair

Lost in translation (from Danish)

 

Some of the girls’ best friends…Belgium and Israel

Primary Swim Gala

Today was the ISM Primary Swim Gala that shows off what they’ve been learning this term in the pool.  It’s so fun to watch the kids progress (and to hear them cheer each other on).

Showing their house colors

P1 (Kindergarten) relay. Anderson also did an amazing crawl.

P4 (3rd Grade) – Ash showed off back and breast strokes and killed it!

 

P5/6 (4th and 5th grades) – Tierney did crawl, breast and back strokes.  They even made her race her best friend (Udine).

 

Fun way to spend a hot afternoon.