Day Seventeen

I'm a few days behind as this week I worked my first full week from 9-5pm in 6 months. Yep it's been a long time and I returned home mentally exhausted. This is a good thing! I have taken the paid volunteer position with an INGO's Somalia country program and I am excited to contribute to the organization. I am still actively looking for a full salaried position as it would be the best gift in the world to have a full-time job before I turn 30.

Day Seventeen

Today I went to Nairobi's grand second hand clothing market -Toy Market. I went with a new friend who is one of the most outgoing and friendly French women I have ever met. Like so many expats here, she runs an eco adventure trekking company but the more eco tours that protect the environment here the better. We are headed to the market because she apparently has gained weight and needs new outfits and I am seeking retail therapy. The clothes in Toy market are primarily designer clothes that have been tossed out by expats and wealthy Kenyans. The clothes are washed and ironed and are organized by style and type. In terms of era the clothes range from vintage to current. There is also a great shoe section and the first hour I find a pair of red leather Italian sandals and purchase them for $8. I could have gone lower but I find this to be an already great deal that I can afford.

My friend spends a few hours in the jean section while I hang out with the seller who is in his mid twenties. He expresses several concerns about his government, namely the president and it hopeful that the momentum in Northern Africa will carry through to the next year when Kenya has its elections. I snap a few photos of him and make a promise to return. As we leave the market we pass a woman selling whole fried tillapia. I've had it on Lake Victoria and it's amazing. My friend tells me it's equally delicious at toy market. Next time. This place is pretty fantastic.