A Mzungu Lunch

There is something magical about lunch with a beautiful woman. The other day I was fortunate enough to have two beautiful ladies join me for lunch. Yep. Lunch with the Mzungu.

Ready Made

Being an admirer of good craftsmanship, I can assure you those skills are not limited to the violin maker, or the Cartier jewelry guy with the magno eye piece.  Hell sometimes its more about the Mexican mechanic who takes your alternator apart and repairs it will an old coke can pull tab. Take that to least the same level with this street shop craftsman.  The sign says it all.  

Animal Husbandry and Fine Wine

Two photos are presented to you.  Let me explain. One a statement requiring no response and the other a question. The second is a request for the collective brain power of the masses.  Firstly, I have come in my stay in East Africa to realize that a poor glass of California Chardonnay, found in Nairobi, can take top billing on the “most important” thing in your life.  I’m just sayin….

Next, having spent an outlandish sum of Shillings on a prepackaged 500 grams hunk of “MEAT CUBES”.  (emphasis needed), I was expecting the best.  So, after a delicate saute, I was somewhat surprised that I could not penetrate this substance even with the teeth Dr. Heggen had so kindly saved for me years ago.  So, I am thinking of my possible role in the wildlife conservation effort here and it occurred to me?  Those of my friends who are culinary wizards and those animal husbandry aficionados, who will for good reason remain anonymous, why could  you not do this.  Allow the “beef” industry to take over the wildlife breeding and feeding programs.  The skin and meat would be impenetrable to projectiles of all types  Hoof and claw as well.  This would force the poacher to resort to those thin plastic bags that you get from the dry cleaners that say, “keep out of reach of children”.  Surely hanging on the back of a rhino trying to suffocate the beast with that bag would prove labor intensive enough to be a deterrent.    Your kind and thought responses are welcome.  Yours from the East African fringe.   

Move over Sergi Butka and Michael Johnson

Doing a school clinic today I was taking a break and noticed it was field day.  A little rural African pole vaulting seemed in order.  A straight heavy pole and a hard price for going high didn’t stop them from sticking the pit.  Well, no pit but you get what a mean.  The plus 400 meters was also a major burner.  The tall kid was simply world class.  The fastest 14 year old I’ve ever seen.  I hope he makes it pay off.  Just another day in Amazingland.  

Life at the Laundromat

Modern washing machines have so many settings.  Delicate, extra rinse, heavy duty, light color blah blah blah.  Dryers aren't any better.  So, being at the laundry in East Africa is much more simple.  Colors and whites all go in the same load.   Extra rinse....not likely......spin cycle...like hell.  Getting them dry is also simple....no high heat here.  Just the basic low heat with line stiffener.   When I return, I would like to just wash a load or two in someones washer and pull up a chair and appreciate the event.   Please.....

Two Days in Nairobi

Almost three weeks in my new home of Chogoria has been an eye opener on many levels.  I'm not sure what the World Health Organization says about the lack of Chardonnay on the health situation of area Muzingos. (white guys and girls) but I'm sure it is not a pretty report.  Wanting to maximize my impact on the continent I have decided to plan for the long haul and sustain myself as best I can.  That has meant a trip for R and R to Nairobi.   Yesterday I managed to make myself sick with a healthy dose of Chard, a pizza, a huge cheese burger, and yes...an entire package of Oreo cookies.  Now that I am over the slight over indulging I can progress to shopping.  I am packing most of the YA YA back with me.  If you are in Nairobi looking for Gouda Cheese then you might as well forget it.  It will be in my bag heading back to the bush tomorrow.  Some things are very nice here.  Like the scotch tasting booth at the grocery.  If you look at the photo, that was my taste....all scotch, and of course she topped me off as I took it with me.  If only America could catch up.  A decent South African chard and the phase of the day.... Back home tomorrow but I will be packing goodies..even flour tortillas.   Go figure.

Cottonwood Grocery Chogoria Style

Now I’m settled in.  I even got water AND power to the Crib last night.  The decor does remind one of a bombed out Chechnyan village but maybe the landscaper is at the coast, who knows.  My bedroom Mosquito net is just a hair too small for the bed….which means the little bastards have a fighting chance.   So, If anyone comes to visit you might want to bring a roll of duct tape and some anti-malarial breakfast bars.  All in all it’s going pretty well.  I have now been introduced to the “Cottonwood Grocery” of Chogoria.  For those that don’t know.  Cottonwood is the fine little boutique shop in Terlingua.  Rick, I will never complain about pricing again.  Chogoria has the now famous, “Wakalumia Market”.  Comprised of two floors it contains a veritable crap shoot of potential wares.  Dusty, oh yes.  Crowded, elbow to elbow.  A bit sketchy…like a Picasso drawing.   Still one can find a few things like pink ketchup, or 5 year old stevia,  or bag milk on the shelves.   Up stairs is the “hard goods” section with bits and pieces of all sorts of dead U.S. flea market goods.   So, as you can see….the gods have smiled on me.