Nyamuchoma

For the first months living here there were many things that we did not notice. Now that we are more familiar with the environment we are noticing new things that have been there all along…..

Several weeks ago I noticed, for the first time, that there was a small banana tree growing near our house. I was very excited about the prospect of growing my own sweet bananas. When I shared my excitement, however, I was told that the banana tree was not mine! It belonged to James (one of the campus gardeners) – even though it was closest to my house! The staff patiently explained that each person is responsible for planting and tending his or her own banana tree, regardless of whose yard it is planted in. Emily, Timothy, and Evans all proudly showed me their trees.

Last week I announced my plan to get a banana tree. James took pity on me and unceremoniously gave me HIS tree (which is closest to MY house). I accepted his gift.

This week I noticed the leaves on my banana tree were starting to turn brown. Then today, I walked out on my deck and discovered James, Timothy, and Evans had cut down my banana tree!!
When I questioned the three amigos, I discovered that there is also a mole living in my yard. Apparently the mole had eaten the roots off my banana tree – that’s why the leaves were dying. These moles sleep during the day and dig a series of tunnels at night in order to eat the roots off plants. The only sign of a mole in your yard is a new mound of dirt each morning.

The three men were putting their arms into the tunnels created by the mole – trying to catch him. James says the mole is a `nice-looking fellow`. He says that they make a good nyumachoma (Swahili for ``meat roast``). These moles (larger than a rat but smaller than a rabbit) are a favourite BBQ for some Kenyans….