.....Africa.....

I'll never forget the day, when I was 9 years old, that my parents informed my sister and I, that they had been called to the mission field in East Africa. I'll also never forget my first times on a plane and ocean liner! In fact, the next several years provided me with both oppportunities and experiences which I remember to this day.

I spent 6 years in the beautiful countries of Kenya and Tanzania. In these countries, one is able to step back into past traditions, or into the luxury of modern cities. The land stretches from sea level to the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches on the coast, where the climate is tropical and humid. Inland, the climate is both dry and temperate. Flowers and animals are both beautiful and abundant!

Our schooling in Africa consisted of one year of correspondence, 2 years in a British school, and 3 years at the Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school, run by American Missionaries. Since the school was set up on a year-round schecule, we were normally away from our parents for three months at a time. We always enjoyed the overnight train ride to and from our home at vacation time.

Some of my fondest memories, of our time in East Africa, involved times the family spent together. There was no T.V.,and very little radio, so our entertainment came from working together, enjoying nature, music, playing cards, and traveling. We spent a great deal of time camping out, particularly at the beach, and even went on hunting trips with my dad. My dad also played the guitar, and we sang together...still do to this day!!

After I entered College, my parents finished one more term on the mission field, before retiring, due to medical reasons. My dad and mom have returned to East Africa a couple of times, but now reside in Kentucky, where dad serves as an interim pastor. Even though, I won't have a chance to return, I have many fond memories of that time in my life!!


For more information about these beautiful countries check out the following links:


"Africa Online" "Wildlife" "City Net Africa"
"Kenya Page" "Tanzania Page" "Kenya's Online Newspaper"
"Kenya Broadcasting Corporation" "Local times around the World" "Univsersal Packing List"

Travel Tips:

Passport/Visa Requirements:

Passport and proof of onward passage required of all travelers. Visas required of U.S., Canadian and Australian travelers but not required of British citizens. Travelers from the U.S., Canada and Australia can get single-entry visas on arrival (US$30 or equivalent for U.S. and Canadian citizens, US$40 or equivalent for Australian citizens). Multiple-entry visas must be obtained in advance for around US$50 or equivalent. It's a good idea to check requirements with Kenyan embassies and reconfirm documentation requirements with your carrier before departure.
Language:

English is the language used in schools, commerce and government. Swahili is a beautiful language to listen to. A few basic Swahili words, such as Jambo (Hello), Habari (How are you?), Asanti sana (Thank you) and Si Taki (I don't want -- for street vendors), are useful to know. You may want to add Hapana (No) and Ndiyo (Yes) to your basic Swahili vocabulary as well.
Currency:

Kenya currency is the shilling and is based on a decimal system. Coins are in 10- and 50-cent and 1- and 5-shilling denominations. Notes are in 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200- and 500-shilling denominations.
The shilling was devalued by nearly 70% in 1993 and then regained some of its value. It appears to still be on the move. The most recent rate of exchange I was able to get ahold of, was 54.8 shillings to the U.S. dollar, 40.2 shillings to the Canadian and Australian dollars, and 89.1 shillings to the British pound sterling.
Dress:

You'll need to know the season to know how to pack. The cool months are late June, July and August. Rainy seasons are March through May and the "short rains" of mid October through November (sometimes to mid December); showers come unexpectedly then and can ruin your shoes (an umbrella is vital). A jacket or sweater is useful, except on the coast, for early morning and evening, any time of year (men commonly wear sport coats). People dress conservatively and can be offended by shorts, sloppy T-shirts and miniskirts. Try not to wear "safari wear" in town -- it marks you as a gullible tourist.

"Asanti sana for visiting...come back!"


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