Secret Agent Man

**Cue the music**

I think I could be a secret agent. Every time we see a sign in Chinese, we take a picture. Every time we spot a Chinese person on the street, we try to follow them or eavesdrop on their conversation. Sometimes we write down license plate numbers of cars that have Chinese stickers or passengers. We are becoming creepy Chinese stalkers. Despite the fact that Kyla and I are two extremely white girls among a sea of Africans, people hardly notice when we take pictures of signs or ask taxi drivers to pass by Chinese businesses so we can take pictures of the outside. Hence my conclusion that I could be a secret agent. 


On a separate note, I need to brush up on my swahili bargaining skills. Kyla and I went to a market behind Adams Arcade that is gigantic. All of the stalls are made of wood and dirt, the paths are filled with giant rocks and are very narrow. Basically, it is a typical Kenyan market but nothing you would find even in the nicer parts of town. I tried to bargain for a purse, as mine is falling apart, and all the stalls wanted over $20 for poor-quality used purses. I tried to bargain in swahili and they hardly budged. I told them those were more expensive than in the U.S. and they smiled while responding "of course". I know there has been some inflation in Kenya, but this seems quite absurd. I used to be able to say I was a student and quote numbers in swahili to get a more "local" price but apparently I need to step up my game. New personal goal for the week! 


Another happening of today worth noting: As we waited for our taxi after purchasing food (for the American dinner we are cooking tonight), an older homeless man approached us and refused to leave. I was surprised first that he would not leave us alone. Typically people will leave you alone if you say no, sorry in swahili. Second, several men in their twenties hollered, "give him something" as they passed by, instead of shooing him away. Never before have I experiences someone not reaching out to others in Kenya, regardless of their color. They have always been very aware of those around them and ready to step in if anyone gets out of hand. I'm intrigued to see if this is something that occurs more often or was a one-off experience. Also, I've very rarely seen older homeless people in Kenya begging. Children are one thing, but the older people were extremely rare to see last time I was here. Again, I'm interested in keeping track of these types of thing throughout my short stint here.


Other Randoms:
*My skin is reacting to the mosquito bites very severely and I have giant welts on my legs. I don't really mind, they just make me look like I have gumballs growing under my skin. 


*Nakumatt (the Walmart of Kenya) has many many more foreign products than last time I was here. I feel strange always comparing to last time, but I think it could be a helpful way of seeing changes in the demographics, culture, and economy. Plus, I can't help it. Another thing that make me think the economy is generally better is that wayyyyyy more women have weave and colored hair. 


*Last night we talked extensively to a Pakistani military pilot who works for the UN in Congo and is staying in our hostel. He has some very interesting opinions about American military operations and the Chinese intentions in Africa. Mainly everything is security related and we are all screwed. Afghanistan was a particularly strong sticking point for him, as he blamed it all on the Indians. I love travelling and meeting new people because I think it helps keep your brain fresh, especially if you remain curious and openminded to what they are saying. Though I didn't agree with a lot of what he said, I've not really talked to anyone in the Pakistani military before, so it was quite interesting.