Well here’s the last photo from the series. This lady was comfortably reading in the shade in her stall in the market that had established itself by the side of the road. She was quietly biding her time as she patiently waited for interested tourists to approach. Sometimes life feels like it’s a ginormous and never-ending waiting game, but in the end it’s really up to us to get back to it! And that’s what I’m going to do with my photography… gotta get back to it!

It feels like a sleepy Sunday today. I’m a bit under the weather so it’s the perfect opportunity to just relax and take a breather before a busy week of work, and, well, life starts yet again!

On a side note, the plastic bag that the man is sleeping on reminds me strongly of the plastic bags that are handed out from the 7/11 convenience stores here in Canada!

Matatu. This is the main method of transportation for most Kenyans and, until recently, the only form of public transport available in Kenya. They are minibuses, sometimes pick-up trucks, that cram as many people into them as possible and then some. They are a true sight to behold, and often greater than 25 people can be crammed in like sardines! People climb in and out of the vehicle, often while it is still moving, and usually it is so tightly crammed that the passengers often lean half of their bodies out of the windows just to be able to sit in the vehicle. The passengers also do a lot of talking to the other drivers on the road, telling them to move out of the way, signalling when the matatu wants to merge, etc… talk about back seat driving!!

Ever wonder how most buildings are built in third world countries? Well, for starters, there are no cranes in sight. Actually, there is very little, if any, machinery involved. Local construction is often accomplished as you see in the photo above, which captures construction at about the fifth storey of this building. Random scaffolding is established which allows the construction workers to climb and lay cement. Before you know it, they’ve made a building! Unfortunately, a few of these quickie local construction projects have been known to collapse after completion – and yes, people were inside… there were fatalities. Pretty scary if you ask me. It’s quite sad that they lack the resources and technology to properly and safely develop their country.

Sorry for the hiatus guys, but I’m back.

Here’s a shot of three women casually hanging out on what is considered to be the sidewalk between the road and the enclosed houses behind. In Kenya, you see a lot of people sitting on the streets, often trying to shade themselves, since there really isn’t any consistent work for them to do or any proper housing for them to live in. So they spend a lot of time waiting outside for new opportunities to arise – often, they make their money through small jobs, ie. selling corn on the street. Overall, people on this side of the world are very eager to work and very appreciative for every opportunity they receive.

Of course those who have a job in downtown Nairobi have lifestyles much more similar to our busy go-go-go lifestyles in North America. You will see them racing to work during morning rush hour, dressed in suits, with a serious demeanour on their faces! But still, incredibly nice, polite and appreciative people utterly thankful for the jobs they have been blessed with.

Also, notice very carefully that the standing woman has a toothpick in her hand. More on that to come later.