Pool side

Well, I was going to boast about sitting by the pool drinking a cappuccino, but now it's beginning to storm and I'll probably be forced to relocate to dry ground. Today and yesterday I attended the PSI meetings and it's really been amazing. I've met so many smart, creative, passionate people and it's been so wonderful to see how scientific research has been translated into so many different behavior change programs. I've spent the last three days in a room full of people who are all working toward the same goal, and who have brought examples of their work, tales of lessons learned and challenges overcome, and it has been both energizing and astonishing. The most remarkable thing has been to see how Martina and her colleagues' work has taken on a life of its own, in dozens of languages and culturally nuanced forms. We have seen movies, posters, bumper stickers, T-shirts, billboards, TV ads, television series, magazines, comic books, radio ads, press kits, and research reports about concurrent partnerships and HIV. It's really an amazing opportunity to be a part of this scientific and public health movement, and to think about how to move forward, and how the scientific community can support our public health counterparts.

I have not seen much of Nairobi other than the flat, the hotel, and the interior of a number of cabs. This morning our driver was really entertaining. He apparently spent some time working for a Houston-based company, and developed a love of cowboy hats, boots, and country music. He finds today's music worthless, and bemoans the fact that the youngest generation of Americans doesn't know of Jimmy Reeves. Apparently he loves the Nairobi country western bar, where one must wear the full Texan regalia to gain entree.

In other news, I've become rather fond of two stray cats, instant coffee, and the Kenyan national dish which is a combination of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and maybe corn and/or peas. It's all sort of mushed together so I'm not clear on the precise ingredients, but it beats pinto beans and posho any day! I have seen only about 5 children thus far, just in case you were wondering why there are no small friends dominating my narrative and photos. Don't worry, I'll come through with the baby stalker photos as soon as possible. :)