We reach our first destination – mat and carpet stalls. We review our options for library flooring and decide on a linoleum base with carpet mats for the younger children and plastic chairs for the older ones. It soon becomes apparent that a mzungu in tow is a liability when it comes to negotiating prices.
A change of strategy is required. Edgah and I peel off but stay within observation distance. Bonface and Wasike check out products and prices before waving us over. It works well but the sellers are disappointed when I appear. They have missed the opportunity to charge mzungu prices! We purchase 30 carpet mats for 6000Ks (about £45.) The mats are tied and distributed for carrying. Next, it’s the lino shop. We choose our pattern and agree the price. We will need 3x 8m strips to cover the library floor. There is some confusion as Edgah and the salesman talk in feet, Bonface and I talk I metres and Wasike talks in both! Should we buy 16m, 8m, 32m or 24m?
Time for a pad and pen. I draw out the dimensions to the general interest of the teachers, the salesman, the shop owner, passing customers and a couple of street children. Everyone gathers around and offers an opinion in Kiswahili. Eventually I persuade them to purchase 24m. I just hope I’m right!
As we walk back the mile to reach the car, Wasike carries the large roll of lino while the others carry the heavy carpet mats. I cannot believe how strong Kenyans are. A man overtakes us, carrying 2 double bed mattresses on his shoulders. Another man hauls a hand cart, laden with metal pots and pans. And the only person sweating is me! Just then, I am aware that someone has taken a firm grasp of my arm and is trying to lead me to an alley. My bodyguards step up, push him aside and roar. He gets the fright of his life!
Thirty plastic chairs later, we have completed our purchases for at least a third less than we would have paid in Ngong or Rongai. Now we just have to pack the car. Four people, thirty chairs, thirty carpet mats and a large roll of linoleum. I am the only one who thinks this may be a challenge. I don’t know how but they squeeze it all in. Wasike and Edgah may be compressed like concertinas, with their knees under their chins, but there is not a word of complaint during the 3 hour journey home. I enjoyed y adventure at Gikomba.
I continue to be in awe of Kenyan resilience on a daily basis.
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