Kenia in the Middle

Today was day 2 of volunteering, it was different than just working in the garden, we had a special project today! So, CRES runs the community garden however they also have multiple other projects going on across the island. One of which being a local skate park and forest trail/garden that they keep intact and clean for public use. The skate park was so intriguing, filled with murals and local art. You could tell by all the color surrounding and the smiles of the people using it that there was so much life within this area. Parallel to the park was the programs forest trail leading to the water. It’s purpose is to create a beautiful trail of native plants for the community to enjoy, however due to the fact that it’s in a tourist area right next to a beach it tends to get super dirty and out of hand with trash. So our mission today was to pick up as much trash as possible as well as put up some new signs to engage the community in what the garden actually holds. We wrote the different types of species down and common reminders such as “throw out your trash” or “keep our areas clean” however translated to “tira tu basura” and “mantenerla limpia” in Spanish. We also had a group of young kids from Maryland come in and help on a school trip. It’s a bigger area than the garden so it was super helpful having the extra hands. By the end of the day we had filled over 5 bags full of trash. This was a disappointing realization of how much we consume on a daily basis, however definitely a good reminder to be aware of what you’re using as well as how you go about disposing your personal waste. Belle and I have spent time everyday with a local volunteer named Jonathan. He is only 14 and dedicates time everyday to CRES helping them with whatever they need. So today when we finished up work he showed us a small Acai bar called Superfoods, apparently it’s like their “active culture.” If you don’t know what active culture is, I’m sorry. This place was so affordable and delicious honestly, I was missing my smoothies from home so this definitely was one highlight of my day. I got a small bowl with Acai, granola, and bananas for only $3.60!! Crazy compared to the $8 bowls the same size from home. The prices aren’t much different here than from home which is another reason this place was such a sick spot. The beach next to the skate park is like a small cove with rocks blocking the current so it felt like swimming in a pool. We went their ate our bows and swam for a couple hours. I’m definitely already getting a tan! (Trying not to burn). Belle and I went to the store got her some groceries then head back to the hostel. Later that night, we decided to go out with this guy named Pat from Australia that be met the night before. He offered to give us a ride to see the bioluminescence bay that supposedly is a must see while you’re here. We headed off on our small 45 minute road trip with Pat and needed up just driving around this tiny neighborhood for hours trying to find this bay but we hit about 5 dead ends and people telling us to turn around. So after a long attempt we decided to just walk around on the beach for a little and headed home. Definitely was a fun night though just chatting, driving around a new area! (Plus I’ve never met someone from Australia, I tried my best to get him to teach me his accent and local slang lol). I’m going to look at it as something to come back to see. As my mom and dad always tell me to do.