KCB Safari Rally

This Sunday, we went to the KCB Safari Rally in Athi River again, as the kids had so much fun the last time. The Safari Rally is considered by many to be the world's toughest rally. It first took place from May 27th to June 1st 1953 as the East African Coronation Safari and ran across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. In 1960 it was renamed the East African Safari Rally and kept that name until 1974, when it became the Safari Rally.

These Petrol-head kids just couldn't get enough of the loud mufflers, the mud and the spirit of rally!

Mungai gets a good view from the top - on the shoulders of a big brother:

We had a really good view:

Mother and daughter - Alice and Melody:

Gitau and Sylvester

Joy of my life!

Joyce, Melody and Joy get some shade:

We are all geared up for next week's QUATRO CHARGE!!!!

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: