Today's destination is the Rift River Valley. This valley is flanked by mountain ranges formed by volcano's - some extinct and some not. The ash formed a fertile farmland stretching from Nakuru almost all the way to Nairobi. This first view of the valley sets the stage for the next 8 days in Kenya for it is here that the students in the Running Water International team are conducting their market research and building their business enterprise. The stark contrasts are instructive. The landscape could easily be western Colorado with rolling hills covered in green grasses and evergreen trees over rich red soil. The large lakes and abundant wildlife show an area rich in potential. But the roadside shacks which dot the road and form "photographic overlooks" indicate a life not quite as rich. The "restrooms" consist of home brew outhouses set on an overhanging deck with only the ground 10's of feet below to catch the waste. Local merchants subsist on the willingness of visitors to pay too much for a cheaply produced trinket. I am not entirely sure what I will see as I travel to villages, homes, and schools to see what the local people need in the way of clean drinking water. But I believe that I am beginning to get a clue as I see this stark contrast between natural beauty and human struggles.
Today's destination is the Rift River Valley. This valley is flanked by mountain ranges formed by volcano's - some extinct and some not. The ash formed a fertile farmland stretching from Nakuru almost all the way to Nairobi. This first view of the valley sets the stage for the next 8 days in Kenya for it is here that the students in the Running Water International team are conducting their market research and building their business enterprise. The stark contrasts are instructive. The landscape could easily be western Colorado with rolling hills covered in green grasses and evergreen trees over rich red soil. The large lakes and abundant wildlife show an area rich in potential. But the roadside shacks which dot the road and form "photographic overlooks" indicate a life not quite as rich. The "restrooms" consist of home brew outhouses set on an overhanging deck with only the ground 10's of feet below to catch the waste. Local merchants subsist on the willingness of visitors to pay too much for a cheaply produced trinket. I am not entirely sure what I will see as I travel to villages, homes, and schools to see what the local people need in the way of clean drinking water. But I believe that I am beginning to get a clue as I see this stark contrast between natural beauty and human struggles.
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