Friday, June 29, 2012

Beads and Tea and Cream, Oh My!

Recently, I visited the Kazuri bead factory.  Kazuri jewelry is produced right here in Kenya - the clay comes from the Mt. Kenya region and is brought to the factory in the Karen neighborhood of Nairobi, where the beads are molded by hand and turned into beautiful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.  The Kazuri brand has been so successful that they export to the US, UK, Middle East, and several other countries.

Upon arriving, we were met by a guide who gave us a tour of the Kazuri factory.  He showed us the machines that are used to prepare the clay, and the long tables of women molding and glazing the beads.  Below is a picture of one of the workers placing beads in the kiln for firing.



In one corner of the factory, I took this picture in front of rows and rows of jars of beads. Visitors to the factory can purchase individual beads, request to have certain beads strung together into a necklace, or even order their own custom-designed beads.


As we finished the tour, we took a picture in front of the clay-pressing machinery (From left: Lindy, Alex, Joan, Erica).  Then we headed to the gift shop, where we all purchased our fill of jewelry!  


After our exhausting shopping excursion, we retired to the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, where we enjoyed afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and pastries with jam and clotted cream.  We felt very sophisticated, and pleased with our ladies' outing!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Farewell twin husband!

This week, we bid farewell to our friend Keith.  Until we moved to Kenya, we never knew that Jeremy had a long lost twin.  As soon as we arrived, Jeremy would be walking through the Embassy and have people saying "Hi Keith" as he walked by.  Soon enough, Jeremy met the mysterious Keith and they've been inseparable since.  Well, until Keith departed Nairobi last Thursday to his next assignment.  Good luck Keith...Nairobi won't be the same without you!



The Covers with their faithful dog Keith at the Irish Ball



Keith joined us for a camel camp weekend in Nanyuki, 
where he displayed his finesse as a camel jockey



Most of our activities with Keith involved alcohol of some sort



The trio (Billy, Jeremy, Keith) at Limuru Country Club during one of their regular golf matches


Having been mistaken for each other so many times, 
Jeremy and Keith dressed up as each other for Halloween.  
Even I had to look twice to be sure who was who!