jo Just a quick one, i'm going to mombasa on sunday. Opting for the night bus though as its that little bit cheaper. Got a day to spend there then 3 days in diani, beaches and snorkelling, and then off to lamu for 3 days, i'm very excited to go to lamu sounds awesome from what the other voulnteers have told me. I'm trying not to do stuff just for the few, except the uniforms. Donnie is coming over on the 3rd of august for a month too, last min decison, and is bringing over basic first aid and yet more clothes donations for the kids at pistis. So as not to leave the others behind. Might finally get some photos up soon, the biggest problem is having enough time to wait whilst they upload. But i've got them on disk today so that's one step closer. Jo

Dad Hi Jo, Didn't realise how long it was since I last posted. Enjoyed your 14 July blog. Sounds like you're getting into an awful lot, but enjoying it. Hope you have a chance to enjoy the coast as well - it's very different, almost Arabic in places. I worked in Mombasa for 18 months at the CITC there, designing furniture and playground equipment. Spend a day on one of the beaches (the beach hotels may do cheap entry for day visitors), wander round Mombasa Old Town, take a boat trip (maybe a traditional dhow?). It's a long way - the train used to be very civilised, with old-fashioned compartments that converted into bunk beds and a white-coated attendant who walked along the corridor playing a little xylophone to announce dinner. Try and be fair with your time & money. Your community spending like beds and parties and netball gear sounds good, but take care with individuals - it's difficult to be fair and it might be easier stating your position up front that you volunteered your time and money for the orphanage, not individuals. The idea of a poor mzungu doesn't really work! Look forward to some photos. All the best and stay safe, Dad.

Mary Williamson Hi Jo, I actually managed to access your blogs. What a way to spend your 21st! It makes my memories of MY 21st seem very tame. Your Dad is obviously reliving his experiences in Kenya through you, and enjoying your enjoyment. Have a great time. Much love, Granny and Grandad.

Dad Hi again, Sounds like you're having a great time! Mum passed on the message about repairing the beds and we're happy to contribute the amount you suggested. You don't say who's doing it - have you checked if it's a reasonable price? As you've no doubt found out, prices go up when a mzungu comes into view! Maybe you could ask if there's a local training centre that does metalwork. The place I used to work (called CITC) had several centres around Kenya. Some of them taught metalwork and welding, and the trainees did jobs very similar to what you're suggesting in addition to their training. They got useful experience under the supervision of a welding instructor, and the customer got a competitively-priced job (I did the costing and ordering of the materials). Hope you can post a few photos soon, Love Dad P.S. takataka is rubbish!

Joe I've taken quite a few photos, the kids love posing but my camera isn't the best, hopefully they'll come out okay. I completly forgot about taking photos, i put a few on my ipod but i haven't shown them to anyone. The family i'm with is the representative for changing worlds, and they're so used to loads of volunteers. I've picked up abit of swahili, just a few simple phrases, the most useful so far being no or go away! I get called mzungu by all the young kids at pistis not so much by people on the street though, although they do hassel you all the time, especially when your sat in a matatu waiting for it to leave! Whats taka taka? I still have yet to get a piki piki, i got on a boda boda the other day though, but i just felt mean him having to cycle me around! I'm meeting alot of new people around the school and havent had a chance to talk to them properly, i know at st anns they have a book detailing all the kids stories, but i haven't had a chance to read it yet. Thanks for all the messages!! :) Joe

Dad Hi Jo, Sounds like you've done lots in a short time - any photos yet? Did you take any photos with you this time? People seem to be interested in families - you could ask the people you work with about their families, and tell them a bit about your family and background. Have you picked up any Swahili? There's some great sounding words, eg. takataka, pikipiki. Have you been called a mzungu yet?! love Dad

mum Hi! sounds like you are having tons of experiences-hope you have time to process them! Say more about the people you are staying with, and have you got to the actual orphanage yet? Fran says 'go to the market and buy a mozzie net' love Mum xxx

Liz Hennessy Hey you! What are you up to now? Kenya - you lucky thing. Is it right you are volunteering? Tell me more. And take care Liz x

Bum face i do find it amusing that you have a travel blog! hahaha but also good that i can be nosey and know you are safe! and practise safe sex, oh yeh you canny have sex! hahah...love you bum faces

beth i found it :) wondered where you were doing a blog :) oh australia... sounds like you're having an awesome time, best not have too good a tan! looking forward to your return :D

Ruth Thanks for the blog sounds like you're having an amazing time over there. Hope you aren't being affected by the protests at Bangkok airport? Not sure what your itinerary is. Everything is fine in brum, abit cold, col is ok just sending off my ucas this week! applying to leeds, manc, york and edinburgh. Take care! loads of love, Ruth xxx xxx

Liz Hi Jo Loving your blog - just all sounds so cool. What a fantastic adventure you are having. V cold on the little island today - looking forward to seeing Harry on Thursday for a mad paintball/ice hockey/eating/drinking weekend. Will miss you even more. Take care Love Liz xxx P.S. We won the pirate pub quiz last night - you'd have been proud of us. Arrrrrrrrrr!

Anya Hi Joanna. Dave told me about your travels and I'm sitting here reading your blog site. Oh, it sounds absolutely fab, brings back so many travel memories! Make the most of it, enjoy! Anya xx

Dad Glad to hear you're taking lots of photos. I've taken hardly any since Bangladesh. Mum & I did a presentation to the church with the photos and my boss at work has asked me to do a presentation to all staff this week! Look forward to your next blog now you're back on your travels.....

Joe Im taking masses of photos, it will even compete with one of your collections dad. Havent got may of doors though. Ive even managed to keep most of my entrance tickets to various temples and stuf so im planning on making a journal when i get back. Ive also got a good plan for a present for everyone hopefully it will work!