It's a small world!

On the road from Nanyuki to Isiolo, we entered into the Meru tribal lands. That means we had to learn a few words in Meru. Meru is a Bantu language, so it is similar to Kikuyu. The Meru have 6 or 7 clans. There is a Council of Elders with representatives from each clan. They all live in the same location so that the villagers can come to them if there are any problems. These problems inclde anything from domestic disputes to stealing cattle. The power of the Elders is great, but if the matter is not resolved, there is always civil court. Some of the Meru clans like to chew khat (a mild stimulant) and others do not. But khat (also known as chat or mira), referred to as "green gold", is grown on Meru land. The khat is so valuable, that when a truck full of khat is going to Nairobi, two trucks are always present. One truck carries the khat and the other one is empty. If the khat truck breaks down, they simply load their "green gold" onto the empty truck and
go on their way. Since most of the drivers are probably high on the stuff, they drive even crazier than matatu (minivan drivers). We clear the way when we see them coming.

On the outskirts of Isiolo, we happened upon two Somalis who were relaxing, chewing khat. Of course, I stopped and said a few words in Somali to them and showed them pictures of my students from Dugsi Academy where I teach in the U.S. I asked Osman where he was from and he answered that his family was in Kajiado, southern Kenya. I told him that I stayed in Kajiado last year on my way to Tanzania and asked him if he knew about Sizzlers Cafe. Aga and I ate several meals there last year and made friends with the owner, Fadumo. Osman brightened up and replied that Fadumo was his auntie. Since the Somalis are spread far and wide, it's common for them to have relatives in every part of the world. Osman even has relatives in Minneapolis! Small world.