An Eye Opening Day

Today we didn't take many pictures but it was the most memorable day of the trip.  On the itinerary we were supposed to visit a library that the tour company sponsors for teaching classes for adults.  Due to a Muslim holiday, it was closed so instead our guide told us we were going to visit an orphanage.  We were terrified by the thought given how poor the conditions were in the village and these kids had parents.

When we arrived at the orphanage we did not know what to expect.  There was a bit of confusion at the gate--Jen and I quickly said we don't need to visit.  Apparently this orphanage does not normally allow visitors but was making an exception because they are friends with the owner of the library.  We finally got in and were shocked to see the cleanest, happiest, healthiest kids.  The women who ran it, one from UK and one from San Francisco gave us a tour as the kids played around us taking our hands and showing off--normal kids.  Even though the kids were happy and the place was amazingly nice, it still brought us both almost to tears by how much they were helping these 24 kids as the women told us a few of their stories.  It inspired us both to figure out a way to incorporate that excitement of charitable giving into our lives.

We then went to a place called Shanga Shangaa where disabled people have come together to make glass items, beads, jewelry, etc.  We had been to a similar place in Cambodia, but it was equally touching.  Our guide was very frank with us that they set this place up to make money and that tourists like that they help disabled people and in return everyone benefits as all the proceeds (mostly from the restaurant on site where ate and was excellent) go to help the people working there--they take no financial contributions and when they receive them they give them to another school for severely disabled people.  We always question what people tell us but this place seemed very much legitimate as the people all seemed very happy.

We then went to a cultural heritage center.  It was like a massive store and a huge beautiful museum but everything was for sale, even the stuff in the museum.  I question how much culture this place is maintaining by selling off all of these ancient artifacts.

That's the museum in the back but no pictures are allowed.

Jen requested we go to a local market.  Our guide did not disappoint.  We went to a Masai market that was massive.  Everyone was strongly requesting we enter their little stores but they were all incredibly nice and very patient as Jen did some serious comparison shopping.

Then back to the hotel to relax.  An amazing day!