Mamba Village and Ethiopian Food

Mamba Village in Langata, Nairobi has EVERYTHING to keep kids amused for hours on end!

Boating (unfortunately, our boatman cheated us out of 10 minutes, but we believe in smiles and karma!)

Crocodiles

Yes, this is Karanja holding a baby croc - he was feeling very brave today!

Melody was happy to look on from a safe distance:

Fascinating creatures

Ostriches

A 55-year old, 15kg tortoise that Mungai just couldn't get enough of:

Reticulated giraffes:

Camels:

Fake rhino for Kennedy and Sylvester to goof around with:

After Mamba Village, we went for Ethiopian food - it was a little spicy, but something new and exciting for the kids :)

India - Zindagi Badi Meethi hai!

The year started in India for Maisha ni Matamu (or "Zindagi Badi Meethi hai" in Hindi!)

Boys playing cricket were awarded trophies, balls, bat and wicket set for staying off the streets and out of trouble:

Girls at a magical little school in Ulhasnagar were taught life lessons through origami and kendama - perhaps the only 2 things in the word that I know how to do and teach well!

I was even treated to a special impromptu dance performance:

Saw this little fella on my way out!

And finally:

Big thank you to my family and Nilu Didi in particular - you are the most inspiring beam of love and fierceness I know!

SAMOSA Kids - Mombasa

November took SAMOSA Kids to Mombasa - a phenomenal event hosted by Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa (AKAM). AKAM is one of the 16 global centres of excellence and is a stunning school where the children clearly embraced all forms of education.

The Rangoli workshop was led by Suraj Shah who is an inspiringly beautiful person.

Just have a look at what he inspired the kids to do:

The yoga workshop was led by yours truly.

I tried to channel the graceful Fazilah Bazari all day!

Music and dance workshops were led by the energetic and enigmatic SAMOSA Band and Sarakasi Dancers:

A big thank you to George Killein and the management, staff and faculty of AKAM for hosting us; the workshop leaders as always; and a special thank you to Karim Kara of Megapixels Productions for the great pictures!

Lunar Park

Because we were a little late for the Storymoja Hay Festival, we ended up next door, at Lunar Park, the amusement park.

Mungai - king of the bouncing castle

...but Naomi and Melody soon brought his kingdom down

I love it when Alice gets the chance to stop worrying about the kids and have some fun herself:

Sydney:

Gitau and Karanja whizz past...

Sydney, Naomi, Melody and Mungai:

Joy and Alice:

PS: If ever you're in the market for a jamping caso or a tlamoline (thanks Rivs!)...

SAMOSA Kids

The SAMOSA Festival 2010 event was held at Brookhouse School, Karen on 21st and 22nd November. Children from Mogra Star Academy, Mathare and from the Albinism Foundation of East Africa gathered to learn various cultural activities.

Yoga Toto's led by Fazilah Bazari:

Rangoli led by Usha Shah:

Fusion Dance led by Tribhangi:

Kendama led by Mr. Imada:

Kids Festival - Carnivore

August ended with the Kids Festival at the Carnivore grounds in Langata. There was SO much to do there, the kids were almost overwhelmed!

Other than the kooky characters...

There were a lot of educational activities for the kids.

There was also a great band
Standing for the National Anthem

Alice:

Maureen:
Mungai didn't give up with this wall...

He made it to the top on his 6th attempt!

A big thank you to Azham who came along with us and bought chips and soda after the festival: