Term Break (Easter) Trip

During the term break, we traveled to the north coast – Watamu and stayed in an area called Turtle Bay. Watamu is located approximately 2 hours north of Mombasa. The drive for the most part is pleasant as the surrounding area is lush farm land. However, about 30 kms outside of the district of Watamu, the terrain becomes very dry and unsuitable for planting. There is a little townsite called Getty that is a typical African town with the huts and small markets.

Staying right near the ocean and having a large space for exploring is exactly we needed for our holiday. The boys purchased small bow and arrows and had fun attempting to shoot monkeys in the trees. Having a games room and large swimming pool allowed the children and adults to have some independence.

We also went to visit the Gedi ruins located 5 minutes away. Gedi Ruins are considered a ‘must-see’ in the Mombasa area. This is a large 13th to 17th century Swahili town. Legends state that initially the Arabic and Swahili never realized the existence of the area due to being set back from the sea and is located deep into the forest. The area had an outer and inner wall to enclose the prestigious zone, which housed the following: Palace, Court Room, and Tombs.

Golfing in Africa

Grampa Bud, Jordan, Kyle and Scott enjoyed 9 holes of golf on the Mombasa Golf Club course. The course is situated parallel to the ocean. Although the grass is much different than Canada (fairly rough and sparse), it was very enjoyable. Now that is golfing as you look over the ocean and see freighters entering the port.

Senior School - Sports Day

During the Sports Day in the Senior School to end the second term, there was a student (Year 11) staff volleyball match. The students used their height and youth to their advantage to take the match. It was enjoyable to play volleyball again as in Africa other sports such as football (soccer), cricket and swimming are leading sports.

Book Commentary about Africa

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller

Settings in Zimbabwe, Zambia as well as Malawi.

I have plucked a new, different, worldly soul for myself- maybe a soul I found in the spray thrown up by the surge of that distant African river as it plummets onto black rocks and send up into the sun a permanent rainbow. Maybe I found a soul hovering over the sea in Africa.

In the hot, slow time of the day when time and sun and thought slow to a dragging, shallow, pale crawl, there is the sound of heat. The grasshoppers and crickets sing and whine. Drying grass crackles. There is a sound of breathing, of an entire world collapsed under the apathy of the tropics. And in the later afternoon, when the sun at last has started to slide west, the cool waves of air are mixed with the heat.

We frequently see children bent backward, as easily and rigidly as twisted paperclips, with cerebral malaria, from which, if they immerge alive, they will rarely recover completely. And here we see the effects of malnutrition and the effects overcrowded, unsanitary shantytowns and over-filled garbage dumps and we see thin, ribby, curly-tailed dogs (and goats) digging on the heaps of decomposing rubbish on which children play and pick as well as adults.

The rains are rhythmic, coming religiously (especially in the rainy season). The rains are gray solid sheets of water, slamming into houses and soaking everything in its way. Everything seems heavy and turning- green with moisture.

In spite of the devastation, Africa – as an idea- dawned on m e gradually. I appreciated that as whites, could not own a piece of Africa, but I knew, with startling clarity, that Africa owned me.

Community Service

Students in the Senior School participant in CAS (Community, Action, Service) activities within the school and the local community. In particular, the IB students have established a partnership with the members of the Bombululu community. This is a district near Mombasa that has an extremely high level of poverty, unemployment as well as Aids. Each week students from that area come to the school campus. Ty is pictured assisting students passing out sweets to children as part of the Valentines celebrations.

Hoodwinked Production

On Saturday April 08, 2006 the Junior School presented a play entitled Hoodwinked based somewhat on Robin Hood. Tait, with the entire Year 4 class, were the choir throughout the play. Jordan had a part as Lord Posh. It was a very large production that included all students from Year 5 and Year 6. At the school, there is an outside theatre for plays and assemblies. Great Show!

International Player - Jordan

Jordan was fortunate enough to play football and basketball against Aga Khan Academy of Tanzania. These were his first international matches. There is some discussion that the AKAM team may look at traveling to Tanzania for the future matches.

Nursery School Swim Gala

Ty and his school peers participated in a swimming gala. It included some typical races as well as games and swimming stories. Watch out for the shark or Ty will get you!

Activities with Grampa Bud and MeMe

Since Grampa Bud and MeMe have arrived, we have seen some sights and have had some fun in the Mombasa area. Some of these pictures are taken during our visit at Ngomono Village, Hallier Park and in our community.