I have to buy sunblock for this upcoming weekend (final trip to the coast) and was thinking about getting sunburnt and how when you are a kid sometimes it is kind of funny to get a sunburn and you are kind of excited about it – because it is something new and different from the norm. Maybe it gets you some extra attention from your friends or parents. Now if you get a sunburn you only really concentrate on the fact that you are in pain and you are ruining your skin. Nothing fun or exciting.

This is the best way to explain my experiences in the really typical Kenyan bars here. Not that they are as enjoyable as getting a sunburn but rather that because it is a new and interesting environment, they are far more enjoyable and interesting (fun) than they would be if you had gone to them for years. I guess it is just all in your perspective and it turns into a cultural experience so the little things that could be seen as irritating or silly are actually quite fun and interesting.

We went to 2 bars this weekend – on Friday at Winkers – EVERYONE in the club was dancing (except for us – the table of mzungus). One guy was standing in front of the tv and dancing and pointing to the tv along to the music. Someone was dancing with a chair. I don't think that it was necessarily the alcohol that inspired this, but rather just that Kenyans love to dance. It was hilarious and fun despite the bad music and dark, dingy atmosphere. We were even inspired to chair dance due to the high energy of the other patrons. On Saturday at Club Soundd there was a live band playing covers (they were pretty good) and then when they took their break the music played was completely cheesy but everyone, including us, were completely into it. I am telling you, Kenyans LOVE Ace of Base.

Today Lauren leaves to go back to Canada (via France). Very, very sad. Last night we went for dinner and then to play pool at the Crooked Q one last time. Chokey McPhee and the Elephant completely obliterated Red-Rum and the Janitor (these are our pool playing aliases). Although we just let Lauren win because she is leaving and wanted to be nice to her as a going away present.

I can't believe she is leaving today and I leave in one week. It is the end of an era. (Or nine months - if you want to be technical.)