The eve of the last rotation

So last night was Erin and my first night together. As of now, 24 hours and no fighting. I call that a success. 

1.4 minutes

Knowing Erin would arrive after the registration office at the hostel closed, I left a note with the security guard telling him Erin's full name, when she was arriving, my name and room number, as well as my cell phone number. Upon Erin's arrival, the guards acted like they had no idea who she was. After questioning her intentions at the luxurious Flora Hostel, Erin noticed my note on his desk, promptly pointing it out. Naturally then he realized who she was and called me. After helping Erin navigate the dark campus into our cozy room, I gave her the grand tour. Which takes about 1.4 minutes. I had warned her previously of our living arrangements, so she had mentally prepared, but it's still a change from home for anybody. Fear not, I'll give you guys a tour soon.

Erin and my parents were actually on the same Amsterdam to Nairobi flight, and Brian kindly sent them each a picture of the others to help identify each other. The weren't actually able to tag up along the way, sadly. But since I knew Erin arrived, I figured my parents were in the lavish accommodations, so I gave them a ring. Caught up with both Mom and Dad for a bit, and agreed to stop by their hotel the next morning before they started their adventures.

Erin and I stayed up and told our travel stories and caught up on each other's lives. It's been a while since we've talked, so there's a lot to cover. We stay up decently late, but not late enough to merit celebrating St. Patty's Day unfortunately. We'll make up for lost time. After draping our mosquito nets over our beds, we drift off into sleep.

american pancakes

Waking up at 7:30 isn't too hard when you really haven't acclimated to the time. Most mornings have been stupidly early the past week or so, so it was just another morning for me, and Erin hadn't adjusted to any specific time zone yet after traveling across 7. We head over to my parents hotel, the Intercontinental in downtown Nairobi. Security to the max upon entering, but we finally spot the sweet Southern couple in the breakfast room. Hugs exchanged, introductions given, we sat down for an awesome breakfast. Strong black coffee, fresh fruit, and American pancakes. A nice reminder of home. The four of us talk for a bit and eventually head up to their room before Mom and Dad have to leave shortly. 

allergic to a/c

First thing we notice when we step in their room is how chilly it is. Soon thereafter, Erin lets out a nice sneeze. Must be allergic to A/C now. We take a few pictures, talk a little more, and bid my parents farewell as their start their whirlwind tour of Kenya. They're back in Nairobi in about 10 days though, so I'll see them again shortly. 

nakumatt

Erin and I head over to the ever-nearby Nakumatt (read: Kenya Walmart) to gather a few supplies, including a sheet to fashion a sort of privacy divider in our room. After perusing the 3 levels in a relatively small Nakumatt, we grab a cab back up to the hostel.

We quickly break out the travel guides and open the internet to begin planning our short time here. We agree that since Erin hasn't been on a safari yet, that's a must. Also, Mombasa for the beach is also required. We consider Lake Victoria and Kisumu as well. We also begin to explore the museums and cultural centers that Kenya has to offer. Our wall quickly fills with my stickie notes. Noticing that we don't have many weekends to travel, we have to prioritize. A day safari is possible for Erin in the nearby Nairobi National Park, so we'll leave that to be scheduled. I demand Mombasa be the priority, to which Erin doesn't argue. Who doesn't want to go to the beach? Reading a little more, we realize that April is the beginning of the rainy season, so despite the thought that I wanted to go to the beach for my birthday, we opt for a earlier weekend. Earlier as in NEXT WEEKEND. Flights are $125 round trip. 45 minute flight. We find a sweet lodge with open air tree houses by the beach for quite an awesome price. Plans will be finalized as soon as we know what time we're off on Friday, which we'll know Monday morning. Can't even tell you how excited we both are!

can you say iMessaging 

We grab some dinner and settle back into our room since it's not really too wise to walk around at night in our neighborhood. My favorite accomplishment of the evening was learning that I can broadcast my 3G mobile internet from my laptop to Erin's computer, as well as my iPhone and iPad. Can you say iMessaging? Yeah, me too. Now Erin and I are able to share our internet, which is actually super adequate. I even watched Breaking Bad to keep up with Colton, and Erin video chatted with Bob. 

Our weekend planned, we settle down into our beds before beginning our rotation tomorrow. Speaking of which, we start off at Kenyatta Hospital, the Grady of Kenya. Imagine my excitement! This is also our very last first day of a rotation. Only 23 days stand between us and graduation (ignoring the ever dreaded case week). 

6 pack

Also, I just have to say, Wednesday is Match day. The day I and many of my friends will know what they're doing and where they'll be for the next 1-2 years of their lives. Endless apprehension finally ends Wednesday. Be thinking of me. Because I'll be thinking of me. With a 6 pack beside me as well.

Goodnight, all.