So I have to get a research permit. No biggie, I understand that we shouldn't just be left to roam around. What I hate is the process. I am single-handedly killing patches of the Mau Forest. The permitting authority needs two copies of everything and I thought I had is all when I went to their office today. As Nelson from the Simpsons would say "Ha, Ha." I've learned some valuable lessons along the way:
Lesson #1: Never assume that instructions are complete.
I
went to the permitting authority's office last week to talk to a live person about
what I needed to submit and was handed a checklist. This list was different from the one on the front page of the application form that I need to fill. Neither the checklist nor the application form mentioned that I had to submit bound copies of my research proposal so when I showed up today, that was one of at least three things that needed to be done which brings us to...
Lesson 2: "Letter" is not the standard paper-size.
When I went to get my proposal bound in a spiral booklet, it looks like one of those Art projects you took home in pre-school. Especially since I had to print the cover page separately here where the standard paper size is A4. This brings us to...
Lesson #3: Always read the application forms before you set off for the field
I knew I needed the permit before I left so I had the foresight to print the forms What I neglected to do was actually go through the forms and see if I needed any signatures. Of course I did. So yours truly was frantically sending e-mails to get some papers signed and e-mailed back. Karlyn. Best. Advisor. Ever.
Lesson #4: Never underestimate the power of a parking stamp.
The quest continues...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Mini-FAQ
1. How do we get a hold of you?
You're in luck! We have e-mail in Africa! (I have been asked whether there is e-mail in Africa). Send messages to my U of MN address.
2. What is the weather like?
Right now it is hot, hot, hot. We are in the 80s F. Boo hoo, Val, Boo hoo.
You're in luck! We have e-mail in Africa! (I have been asked whether there is e-mail in Africa). Send messages to my U of MN address.
2. What is the weather like?
Right now it is hot, hot, hot. We are in the 80s F. Boo hoo, Val, Boo hoo.
The First Five Days
Man, did I hit the ground running or what? I have all sorts of people lined up to speak with, meetings to attend and I'm just trying to keep up!
Just kidding, I slept for most of Friday (I got here late Thursday evening) and Saturday. Apparently it takes a day for every hour time difference for your body to fully adjust to the new time zone. Here's to nine days of waking up at 3:00 in the morning and hitting the wall mid-afternoon. I feel like I am getting closer to adjusting and even managed to get some work done on Monday.
Just kidding, I slept for most of Friday (I got here late Thursday evening) and Saturday. Apparently it takes a day for every hour time difference for your body to fully adjust to the new time zone. Here's to nine days of waking up at 3:00 in the morning and hitting the wall mid-afternoon. I feel like I am getting closer to adjusting and even managed to get some work done on Monday.
A Tale of Two Plane Rides (My Apologies to Dickens)
MSP to AMS
After paying for a sandwich that better have come from France for what I paid at the MSP French Meadow, I settled in for one of my favorite pastimes. People watching. I say, the quality of the experience at the airport is second only to watching people at the Minnesota State Fair. You can always tell the people who just flew in from Hawaii or some other warm climate. They're the people in shorts looking freakishly tan compared to everyone else. As per usual, a kid threw a tantrum of epic proportions and there were some questionable wardrobe choices. I also like to make up stories about people's lives.
After what seemed like 10 security checks (Really, I haven't mysteriously changed into someone else in the ten steps it took to get from that guy to you, Sir) I eventually boarded the plane and much to my delight, I had a whole row of seats to myself. What a joy! Even Boozehound McThomas in the row next to me couldn't ruin it for me. I am a fan of the complementary alcohol but four Heinekens before we are halfway there is going to catch up with you pretty fast.
AMS to NBO
Schipol in Amsterdam is a fantastic airport, I mean the place even has a museum. I also love the efficiency. Rather than having Athens to Zanzibar passengers going through the same security line, each gate has a crew that works with passengers boarding that flight. On this 5 hour stop, I also discovered the Comfort Chairs located on the second level.
I wish those comfort chairs could have boarded the plane with me because this 7 and a half hour flight was packed and the seats were so close to each other that when the person in front of me reclined, I had to as well so my nose wouldn't hit their chair. Should have sprung the extra moolah for the Economy Comfort seating.
After paying for a sandwich that better have come from France for what I paid at the MSP French Meadow, I settled in for one of my favorite pastimes. People watching. I say, the quality of the experience at the airport is second only to watching people at the Minnesota State Fair. You can always tell the people who just flew in from Hawaii or some other warm climate. They're the people in shorts looking freakishly tan compared to everyone else. As per usual, a kid threw a tantrum of epic proportions and there were some questionable wardrobe choices. I also like to make up stories about people's lives.
After what seemed like 10 security checks (Really, I haven't mysteriously changed into someone else in the ten steps it took to get from that guy to you, Sir) I eventually boarded the plane and much to my delight, I had a whole row of seats to myself. What a joy! Even Boozehound McThomas in the row next to me couldn't ruin it for me. I am a fan of the complementary alcohol but four Heinekens before we are halfway there is going to catch up with you pretty fast.
AMS to NBO
Schipol in Amsterdam is a fantastic airport, I mean the place even has a museum. I also love the efficiency. Rather than having Athens to Zanzibar passengers going through the same security line, each gate has a crew that works with passengers boarding that flight. On this 5 hour stop, I also discovered the Comfort Chairs located on the second level.
I wish those comfort chairs could have boarded the plane with me because this 7 and a half hour flight was packed and the seats were so close to each other that when the person in front of me reclined, I had to as well so my nose wouldn't hit their chair. Should have sprung the extra moolah for the Economy Comfort seating.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
D-Day
The frantic final hours before this trip include:
- Last of the three Rabies shots
- US Bank
- Target
- One of the U Libraries
Friday, February 3, 2012
F.A.Q.s Part 1 (of Many)
I feel like now that the day is approaching and I am catching up with all my friends once more before I take off, I've had to talk about what it is that I will be doing during my time in Kenya. What a great opportunity to do an FAQs entry.
1. So which program are you in?
I am in Natural Resources Science and Management. That is what the degree will say.
2. Are you at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs?
No. NRSM is housed in the College of Natural Resources Science and Management. It is an interdisciplinary program.
3. What is your research on again?
Short Answer: I am studying local community participation in water development projects in western Kenya.
Longer Answer: I will be learning about how gender and customary laws influence evaluation and monitoring of water projects implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). I am curious how NGOs interact with people in the communities they visit and how they keep track of the effects of their projects on the people in those communities.
Longest Answer: See dissertation.
4. What are customary laws?
They are norms/rules/codes of conduct observed among a group of people. What makes them fascinating is they are typically unwritten but they govern social behavior and sometimes supersede written law.
5. How is it that you get to do research in your home country?
I am a super genius.
6. So you're a super genius, eh?
No. I am very lucky to have fantastic advisors and a fabulous examining committee who have encouraged and given me the freedom to build my curriculum and project from scratch.
7. Does being a woman/Kenyan/someone who hasn't lived in Kenya affect your research?
It can help and hurt depending on the situation.
8. Where will you stay?
When in Nairobi, I'll probably stay with my aunt and her family. When I am in western Kenya, I will be kicking it at my parent's house.
9. When was the last time you were home?
I was there in August 2011 for about five weeks. This will however be the first time I have ever lived in Kenya for that long. Ever. Yes, it is weird.
10. How long will you be gone for?
6 months this time.
11. Do you think you will have to go back?
That remains to be seen.
12. What do you think is going to be the hardest thing for you?
Learning how to balance field work and family life.
13. How do you get there?
Minneapolis is a Delta hub so I fly from MSP direct to Amsterdam. The flight is seven and a half hours. I am in Amsterdam for five hours. Then it is another seven and half-hour flight to Nairobi.
1. So which program are you in?
I am in Natural Resources Science and Management. That is what the degree will say.
2. Are you at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs?
No. NRSM is housed in the College of Natural Resources Science and Management. It is an interdisciplinary program.
3. What is your research on again?
Short Answer: I am studying local community participation in water development projects in western Kenya.
Longer Answer: I will be learning about how gender and customary laws influence evaluation and monitoring of water projects implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). I am curious how NGOs interact with people in the communities they visit and how they keep track of the effects of their projects on the people in those communities.
Longest Answer: See dissertation.
4. What are customary laws?
They are norms/rules/codes of conduct observed among a group of people. What makes them fascinating is they are typically unwritten but they govern social behavior and sometimes supersede written law.
5. How is it that you get to do research in your home country?
I am a super genius.
6. So you're a super genius, eh?
No. I am very lucky to have fantastic advisors and a fabulous examining committee who have encouraged and given me the freedom to build my curriculum and project from scratch.
7. Does being a woman/Kenyan/someone who hasn't lived in Kenya affect your research?
It can help and hurt depending on the situation.
8. Where will you stay?
When in Nairobi, I'll probably stay with my aunt and her family. When I am in western Kenya, I will be kicking it at my parent's house.
9. When was the last time you were home?
I was there in August 2011 for about five weeks. This will however be the first time I have ever lived in Kenya for that long. Ever. Yes, it is weird.
10. How long will you be gone for?
6 months this time.
11. Do you think you will have to go back?
That remains to be seen.
12. What do you think is going to be the hardest thing for you?
Learning how to balance field work and family life.
13. How do you get there?
Minneapolis is a Delta hub so I fly from MSP direct to Amsterdam. The flight is seven and a half hours. I am in Amsterdam for five hours. Then it is another seven and half-hour flight to Nairobi.
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