Sunday, November 4, 2007

The Weekend

The last two days have been great. Saturday we went out he the orphanage and spent time with the kids. There were also a group of British Airways flight attendants and captains who were also spending there day there. They do so a couple times a year. They always bring the kids fun things like masks and also do fun projects with them. Following Jennifer stayed in but I went to a BBQ that Anne and Lindsay (Friends who we have been out to dinner with) were having for one of there friends. It was great to go over and hang with a lot of different people who have been here for a while. As well as to go out on the town and see some of the local spots. We went to this place called Klub One which as oh so much fun. There were two parts to the place. One was an outside area with a band and the other was a two level building with plenty of seating inside and out with a dance floor on the bottom level and a pool and sports bar upstairs. Fun place. Even tried to show everyone that white people can dance too. It was good times. Wish there was place like this in Nashville to go dance and hang.
Sunday we went and had a great breakfast at the trustworthy Java House. Then went and wheeled and dealed at he Market. Tips for bargaining a Maasi Market or anyone for that matter in Kenya. The culture of bargaining is an interesting one in Kenya and something that they all enjoy as they tell me. I want to support the culture but $30 for a wooden spoon is mad.
1. Never ever take the first price they give you. It is usually 10 times the actual price of the minimum that they will take.
2. Bring T-Shirts or Hats and other unique goods of your own from the states. Utilizing these to trade gives you a much better price in the end even if it is just a free Jack Daniel's shirt that you got somewhere.
3. Really walk around and look for the best quality stuff. Although this is often difficult with everyone stopping you and asking the standard questions of 'Where are you from?', 'How long have you been here?', and 'What are you doing here?'
4. Start as low as possible with the bidding. They always spit the difference at least 3 times.
5. Be OK with walking away but also be fair these people need the business to support their families.
It is said that for every employed person in Kenya that they support 13 others. Quiet unreal. I accidently erased my photos of the Market but I will get some next week.
If there are any special requests for african goods just let me know. I will deliver. Masks, paintings, blankets, shirts, plates, bowls, and many more. Just email me.
Also went and hung out with my buddy who lives on the street and tried to help him out some more. I ended up giving him a blanket I bought from the market.

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