So it's a second beginning.

I've safely arrived. Back to Nairobi, Kenya. Back in to my apartment, and because Lynsey is the best she let me stay in my same apartment.... AND I GOT THE BIG BED. I think it was completely deserved after sharing a room for last semester.

Anywho...

I was traveling from London to Nairobi with three other girls on the program who all seem fantastic and really excited, which i'm pumped about, and I met another girl who was already here. Everyone else just got in actually so pretty exhausted and trying to unpack. more bonding time kesho (tomorrow).

We all hung out in the morning and I showed them into Westie- where to exchange/ take out money/ go grocery shopping/ get good coffee, the usual. Then headed into Town where I ran into two people form the hospital project I was so excited there was a lot of jumping and yelling in the middle of the street.

Then I met up with Ian and Mandela and got to hang out with them play music and eat food (finally! I'd been going on chex mix and airplane salads for two days at this point). Ian knew before I did that all I wanted was a chapati. So that worked out perfectly.

I got them both gifts from home, which I don't think I've ever seen any two people so excited about (gifts) before- so that was beyond awesome.

Of course walking through town I got called at a few times MZUNGU, MZUNGU -- oh Nairobi how I've missed you the past two weeks.

I do have to say though, being home was a bit strange I was experiencing some culture shock- but at the same time I was only home for 10 days, not enough to get readjusted, it was almost a vacation of sorts.

On the plane I could barely sleep I was so excited to get back.

Then i walked into my apartment and realized the amazing group of people who I lived with, and went through hell and back with the past four months are no longer here. And well that was depressing- I miss everyone WAY more than I imagined. I mean -duh- I missed them, but being back here, in this apartment without them was a little bit of a reality check. I forgot this semester won't be a repeat of last semester.

But then I also realized, holy crap, I get a whole new semester to meet new awesome people,  learn more Kiswahili, experience different work, and see different parts of this crazy city. As well as hang out with some friends that are still kickin' it in Kenya. (yeah i went there, sorry the alliteration was too perfect).

So keep alert because I'm sure there will be plenty more stories and blog updates to come.

and of course,
don't forget to smile.