Run-In with the Kids

One of the most iconic images of Africa white people seem to send home are pictures of themselves surrounded by local children. I always thought it was a little kitchy, but then I decided to walk home from town after running a few errands.

Town is full of paved roads and wide sidewalks, but once you go into residential areas, the roads become dirt (and extremely uneven) and little kids run around playing the street playing soccer with balls fashioned from old socks and rags. They look at any white person crazy enough to WALK shouting “umuzungu” and waving their hands furiously. Some speak English, some speak French, but most speak neither and just kind of stare at you in awe.

During the walk along the dusty road to my house, I managed to collect a bunch of kids following behind me. The girls spent most of their time trying to touch my hair and rubbing my skin. The boys just played with my camera. They managed to get a few decent shots, which I’ve posted here.