caves, waterfalls, downtown, Yom Kipper and a very cool map

Got out to some green this past weekend as we went for a hike/walk in the forest.  Was only about a 20 minute drive from our apartment.  It felt very safe and comfortable.  There were guards patrolling it and lots of families walking about.  We spent a lot more time there then we expected since it was so nice.  Walked through some caves and enjoyed a waterfall.

During the week, as both of the kids are now in school, I have been searching high and low for housing.  On Tuesday I convinced our real estate agent to show me the ropes on how to navigate the city via matatu as we had to go to a different neighborhood and I was sick of paying for taxis.  Very cool experience - just have to get up the gumption to do it on my own next time!  Gulp.  Also got a chance to finally walk around downtown Nairobi, which was also a welcome change of pace from our local neighborhood.  Not that there is anything wrong with Westlands -- just need to change it up every now and then....  One part of downtown has a very hectic, energizing, and vibrant feel and the other section felt quite modern and business-like.  The dichotomy of the two sections reminded me of New York, Wall Street and Midtown playing the part of the modern area and LES / East Village the more happening 'hood....

On Wednesday we went to the Nairobi Synagogue.  The setting and building itself are amazing.  It was built 100 years ago and the city has grown up right around it.  The service was mostly in Hebrew but everyone is so welcoming.  It's an awesome feeling to be part of a community that has held forth for so long in such a seemingly off the beaten track locale for Jews. (but maybe not, as my grandmother has a cousin who lived in Nairobi during the 40/50's)  During Rosh Hashanah a couple weeks ago they invited me up to open the Ark - after I got over my initial hesitation/nervousness I deeply appreciated the honor.

As a final note, here is a map showing our footprint in Nairobi...