Weeping Rock and Barasa

June 11th
Today Richard, Valerie, and Kathy Lambert had a rather long breakfast with a member of the Kenyan parliament.  In the meantime, Heather, myself, Teresa, Mesh and Garrison went to go see what's called the "Weeping Rock".  Which you can see below from the road, and that is generally the only view I've ever had of it.  It's called the weeping rock because I was told that there is a constant stream of water coming out of the rock from the top.  From the road I've always been able to see what appears to be water falling out of it, and you can see it in the below picture. 

Weeping Rock, as seen from the Road

However, once we got close we were informed that it really only weeps during August.  So we weren't able to see it weep.  Either way, that's still pretty cool.  The rock must be porous or have a thin crack running to the ground so that when the water level gets high enough surface tension draws it up.  You can see a close up picture below and one can easily see the erosion and staining that the water has done over the years.  So now, it always looks like there is a little water coming down.  Overall it cost us about $7 to go see it, as Mesh had to pay the local ladies in the area to be allowed passage through their lands to get to the Rock.  Not a bad fee to allow strangers to pass through, plus I think Weeping Rock Tourism is one of their main sources of income.  

Weeping Rock

 After the weeping rock, we picked up everyone else at the hotel and headed to the Kakamega PEFA church.  It was great fun as I got to see Simon and Grace Barasa and their family again.  I stayed with them previously during the whole election thing in 2008.  More about that Election stuff can be read here, and a little about Simon's house and Kakamega can be read here.  Pictured below are 2 members of Simon's family, Barbara, who is their eldest daughter and Gloria, their new daughter.  I say new, but obviously she's been around for awhile; just new to me.  Belated Congratulations Simon and Grace!  Heather and I took a visit to Simon's house to see Benjamin (only son) and Kristen (niece or cousin?) as well as the new improvements to his digs.  He's added a house for rental, and is working on another one.  Having 3 houses on his property is a great investment in Kenya and should secure his finances over the next few years. 

Valerie with Barbara and Gloria Barasa

 On a side bar, we finally met and talked to some English ladies who we had seen numerous times at the hotel.  They were very sweet and took us to go see some recent puppies next door.  They were quite friendly and adorable.

English ladies, who's names I sadly have forgotten.

Puppies!