Kisumu and Tilapia

The journey to Kisumu from Kisii was an experience of sardines in a tin, but the occupants kept moving and changing( except me). Arriving at the matatu station early, tickets purchased.(KES 500 each), and seats selected. As the bus kept filling I was a little concerned for my bag that had been placed in the rear compartment. I had noticed staff securing a rope through the windows on both sides of the bus, obviously securing items on the roof, and thought no more about it. After a few stops I tried to check for my bag. Kijea came back with...'Its OK..on the roof." I kept a close eye on the rope making sure it did not grow slack as that meant..no more bag!!!

I had nothing to worry about as this is it all 'snug' on the roof.

This gives you an idea of how we were IN the bus....sometimes 4 adults and two babes in arms across my section of 3 seats. Everyone very friendly and orderly. When I sometimes noticed room to breathe, the tout on the door (not sure what was securing it to the side of the bus as it kept coming off the tracks) would be hailed down by a family going to town. OH MY, somehow they just fitted in , still trying to sit even though we had taken off again. 

The terrain changes once again as we leave the lush climate of the highland area to the plains close to Lake Victoria and Kisumu. The plains leading to the Lake are a vast  area for growing corn, sugar cane, millet and irrigated rice.  The rice paddies were in various stages of use, from fallow, preparation for planting, planting and rich green rice fields.

With the rain, comes the weeds and many corn fields contained workers tending them, a back breaking task in the hot sun, (suppose they are used to it.)

The expansion of a reliable road system is taking shape in Kenya. Shame it is still under construction. I'm told 5 years so far...To be noted. Maybe the engineers have never heard of the type of shoulders for roadways we have.

 It just drops away here, pity if you have to stop and try and park off the road.

Where the sealing has been completed in sections, there are no signs to mark the different levels between old and new......can be a difference of up to 300mm, requiring extreme caution on the part of the driver as hitting these bumps at speed is challenging to both vehicle and passengers.

a section to negotiate.

we had to pick our way through the road works. No lollypop people, speed signs  etc etc.

Here on a section a dump truck decided to stop, reverse and dump his load....as you would....

This being a major arterial route through the country, joining Tanzania and Uganda, there are huge container trucks negotiating these sections. A task, I bet they do not enjoy.

Arriving in Kisumu around lunchtime, Lake Victoria was our first stop.

Kijea negotiated an hour boat ride along the shore( maybe a Hippo may appear for us) to experience the lake and relax after a hot bus ride. The water was warm a little murky but calm.

Looking back to shore where the restaurants are.

 An Eco tourist resort, Kisumu Yacht Club, and houses with fabulous views including the official Presidential residence in Kisumu, all share the lake shore.

Back after ride I just had a little chuckle to myself as to the local CAR WASH...the lake...

everything from tuk tuk, motor bike, truck and cars, all share the spot by just driving into the lake shallows.

Never known for my balance, evidenced here as I disembark after our cruise on the lake.

Late lunch of Tilapia was ordered after our accommodation was organised. This is the fish of the area and known and desired all over Kenya. Freshwater fish and sweet. 

Our order of Dry Fry, Ugali, chips for me, kachambali,(forgot the chilli) with a few drinks KES1200...cheap.

Kijea and I shared this plate.

These Tilapia, slashed and cooked , ready to be chosen by customers in the restaurant, are then reheated and served.

On leaving the restaurant(through the kitchen) these were lined up ready for preparation.

I did not see a cool room or ice for cooling, so these fish must have magical powers of self preservation........

On our way back we visited the market area and the small masaai market. This little girl was fascinated  with my hair. My 'going grey gracefully' must have some charm!
I found some traditional pots for sale stacks up. I am reliably informed these were used to keep water cool.

A little out of focus .....

 

These Tilapia, fresh, being sold in the market at the roadside. They were divided according to size and were splashed continuously with water from a bowl. We had no way of carrying them back to Nakuru, however they were double the price here.

The journey back had us experience the major road contruction areas again. More comfortable this time as we were on an express matatu. cost KES800 each.

Tea picking at Kericho

An example of the levels while construction is underway. Not a good idea to travel at night as there are no reflective signs and you are at the mercy of the driver and his knowledge of the area.

Well, another of my 'bucket list' ticked off...........Lake Victoria. Kenya.