We have arrived in Kimilili, Kenya after two plane rides and one bumpy road journey. Flying from Heathrow was simple enough though our in-flight entertainment did not work. This did mean however that we were able to sleep on the flight and arrive relatively refreshed. The first challenge at Nairobi was to find the terminal for the local flight and to persuade the reluctant staff to let us take that many bags. Fortunately we had an email with us showing that we had permission from a senior staff member to carry 46kg + hand luggage each. The reason we have so much luggage will be explained later. After an hour flying over some amazing countryside we arrived in Kitale. We had expected it to be rural and basic but maybe not this basic. Waiting for us was Claire's brother Mike who welcomed us warmly. There was a slight scare as the plane almost left for its next destination with are luggage but with Mike's help and Swahili skills our luggage was rescued and loaded on to the Landrover. Our first stop was Kitale central where we had a short tour of the town and then food and drink in a local coffee shop. As we drove through the town we were amazed to see people selling maize and bananas at the road side; animals being driven along; children collecting water and push-bikes with 4 passengers. After our lunch Mike drove us the 45min to Kimilili. He had warned us it was bumpy but the potholes and road surface were very poor. This meant the traffic, bikes, pedestrians and animals were all weaving across the road to avoid the larger holes. Driving in Kenya requires you to keep your concentration. We arrived in Kimilili in the afternoon and after a quick stop in the market for some food we drove to the compound where Mike and Becky live. It is a lovely place to be with a fantastic garden surrounded on two sides by the house and on one side a large chicken run. Outside at the front grow banana trees and every direction we look are trees of types we do not recognise and the roofs of other houses. Every now and then is the lowing of cattle, the sounds of chickens scavenging and the braying of donkeys. The house itself has two guest rooms, a large kitchen and and good size lounge/diner. The owners of the house (who are away) live upstairs. There is a guard on-site most of the time and a housekeeper in the mornings. There is a gate at the compound entrance and a cattle bell to announce your arrival. Our room is usually occupied by a IcFEM worker, but she is away for a few weeks so we have been able to stay on sit with mike and Becky. The room is a good size with an on suite bathroom. I think that one we have got used to using mosquito nets and the sounds of the local wildlife we will be very comfortable here. Mike let us settle in to our room and the evening was passed catching up, cooking food and enjoying one another company.