School Ceremony and Saturday Shopping !!!

Bahati PCEA Girls School was our destination on Friday to attend a Thanksgiving and Presentation Day. One of the girls from M.I.A. now attends as a boarder.
Ivan, her Foster Dad now Guardian, along with 2 muzungu volunteers( myself as one) and a member of staff from M.I.A., travelled the 40 minute drive north of Nakuru to the rural setting of the school.

Ivan has a wonderful relationship with Doreen which was obvious when we arrived as it was a surprise that he attended.

Walking to the assembled masses we quickly realised this was a major event.The field had been slashed but still quite long. We made our way to the other side of the gathering and were then ushered into the main guest of honour tent(the blue/ green on the left) Wazungu it is recognised do not cope with the heat of the day. (white people).... so we had front and centre seats for the presentation. I did appreciate the shade as we left after about 2 hours and they were definitely running on African time as the proceeding suggested a finish by 1pm for lunch.....the entertainment was part way through by that time.

Girls from one of the forms with their song and dance routine. 

Academic presentation....The students performing to the highest level in each subject are presented with a badge that the parent presents by pinning it on. Very proud moment for student and parent alike.

This shows in the distance the prizes to be awarded to those who graduated from the Year 4(final year) previous year. I noted the suitcase with the big blue bow, a sensible gift for students who are now at university.

I must comment on the student's hair styles. Most had been straightened. This must take a great effort if one understands the nature of African hair characteristics. Thick. coarse and very curly and tight at that.

This is Doreen sitting in the car out of view, consuming a bottle of yoghurt drink. Students  are prohibited from accepting food items on this day. Take note of her beautiful hair....... very long compared with other girls. A request came to please bring some hair gel....I did not notice any examples of braiding styles on the girls...must be old hat for them or not the fashion at the moment.

Prayers in the street literally..

Not what I was expecting in the heart of the main street of Nakuru. Police cars blocking the roadway to allow for this truck to hold a prayer for peace meeting. All the officials being members of different churches were standing under cover of the trailer with a loud speaker and volume enough almost to be heard in Australia.

Then onto shopping

......Fresh veges from the local's market...namely sweet potato.

However on the way there were some interesting views I wish to share. All you Op Shop devotees, eat your heart out.!!!

Hope you can bend to check out the merchandise.. Not sorted very well.

There was a car under all these clothes. Easy way to set up shop.

Such a neat display and at least you know they are clean!!

Row upon row of shoes , all types but these appeared to be new.

Kijea and I, note the price displayed, 50KES  approx 65c.

Now bra shopping ..you have to be in the mood for the try-ons but here! is that a hind quarter  in the window.? Not today thanks, no refrigeration.

By this stage we are just approaching the fresh food market for my sweet potato. Fruit vendors are on street corners and here with barrows parked neatly with umbrellas for shade. Plenty of mangoes, bananas, paw paw, passionfruit, pineapples, avocados, tangelos, apples, just to name a few.

 then into the vege patch...

Ann and I where we bought the sweet potato. One of the bundles for 70KES. That is less than a $ 1..... cheap.

That was it, all over now and we retreated for a cold drink and a bite to eat.
Hope your Saturday shop was as interesting as mine.
Until my next episode.......take care as I enjoy my time in Kenya.