Author Archives: annie

Diwali

Posted on November 3, 2011 by annie

We’re staying at an orphanage in northern India. For me the word orphanage always brings up images of dirty, unkept, unloved, and malnourished children.  A place where children are begging for attention and scraps with caretakers who only give them chores. … Continue reading →

Posted in India | 2 Comments

Loving Korogocho

Posted on October 23, 2011 by annie

I never thought I’d fall in love with a slum.  When we got to Nairobi I was scared of going out there. I knew it would smell bad, that the sewers would open, and the people would be destitute.  Indeed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenya | 3 Comments

Kenyan Safari

Posted on October 21, 2011 by annie

We had a week for safari.  It was the perfect amount of time.  It was wonderful.  We explored the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and the Samburu.  We saw almost everything we were supposed to see, plus some extras. There were, … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenya | 3 Comments

Swahili Food

Posted on October 12, 2011 by annie

During our three weeks on Lamu we rented two rooms from Majid and his family. We got full board, eating three meals a day with them. Zainab, Majid’s mother, normally lives in Dubai, but luckily she was visiting at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenya | 2 Comments

Lamu Center of Preventative Health

Posted on October 1, 2011 by annie

Munib Mafazy grew up on Lamu.  He went to Chicago to become a nurse and is now a PhD candidate there.  When he came home to visit he received a lot of visitors, not just wishing him well but wishing … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenya | 4 Comments

9 Reasons to Visit Turkey

Posted on September 15, 2011 by annie

1. Beautiful views:  From the blue, salty Mediterranean to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the ancient buildings of Istanbul, Turkey is full of amazing scenery. 2.  Delicious food:  I think I’ve already blogged about this.  Our last night eating … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | Leave a comment

Swahili Wedding

Posted on September 14, 2011 by annie

Our hosts here in Kenya were excited when they were able to obtain tickets for us for the two nights of a Swahili wedding.  We were excited, too, but had no idea what would happen.  This was nothing like an … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenya | 2 Comments

Ramazan

Posted on September 6, 2011 by annie

We spent the entire month of Ramadan in Turkey. The Turks call the holy month Ramazan. We did not visit the more conservative areas of Turkey so beyond some foods unique to Ramazan we didn’t really notice the holiday. None of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 1 Comment

Lycia

Posted on August 28, 2011 by annie

I’ve been reading Classic Myths to Read Aloud by William F Russell to the kids.  We were intrigued when we read the story of Bellerophon while we were in southwestern Turkey. Bellerophon freed the world of the Chimera, that horrible fire … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | Leave a comment

Nazik, Adalet, and Turkish Hospitality

Posted on August 19, 2011 by annie

Our friend Yusuf ‘s mother, Adalet, lives in Kaş in southern Turkey. We spent three weeks with her.  Adalet lives in the main house in the winter. In the summer she moves into a cabin in the back; her guests … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 4 Comments