Conversation Kenyan Style

Jambo Friends!

This is a small example of a typical conversation I have  with some of the local people. Ali, the fisherman delivers fresh fish to my place, our conversation goes like this.

Friday afternoon, phone call

Maria:   Hi Ali, how are you?
Ali:        Fine Mama Maria, how are you?
Maria:    Doing well, thank you. Do you have some fish today?
Ali:        No, Mama Maria, too much wind, another day. (Tell that a customer at Giant Eagle)





Monday afternoon, phone call

Maria:    Hi Ali, how are you?
Ali:        Doing well.
Maria:   Ali, will Mama Maria eat some fish today?
Ali:        Yes, Mama Maria will eat fish today. How many kilo can I bring, 3,5,10 kg
Maria:    Good, Ali, I am happy you got some fish. Can you bring me 3 kg (about 6 pounds) please!

Ali delivers the fish and our conversation goes like this:

Maria:  How is your family Ali?
Ali:       Well thank you. The girls are all in school and my boy is getting stronger.
Maria:   How is your wife doing?
Ali:       She is well, she gets fatter, like you!
Maria:   Ali, I told you before, don't call Musungu women (white    women) fat. It's  not a compliment in  our culture, tell them they look healthy.
Ali:       Sorry, Mama Maria, I will remember the next time.
Maria:   Thank you Ali, that's good and you will  keep your friends.

(We both laugh and Ali continues with filleting the fish) I paid about 1200 Kenyan Shilling for the fish (about $ 12 for the 3 kg, another stunner for Giant Eagle customer) and had a delicious white snapper meal.  How can you not love  Kenya!