Eucalyptus tree, gum tree

[ . BACK to TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Eucalyptus tree

***** Location: Kenya, Australia
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Plant

*****************************
Explanation

The eucalyptus tree is an interesting topic in Kenya today.
It is an exotic tree introduced into the country by the colonialists.

It has however, over time proven very detrimental on the environment as it uses a lot of water thus making it difficult to be inter cropped with other plants or crops. That is why in the recent years, the Kenyan Ministry for environment issued a directive to the effect that the eucalyptus tree should be uprooted, given the rapid climate change that was sweeping across the country.

However, this tree, classified as a hardwood, produces excellent timber and firewood. The only good news is that there is a new species that has been introduced in the coastal province that does not use a lot of water and farmers are once gain being encouraged to plant this species.

The eucalyptus tree has more uses here in Kenya than just providing timber and firewood. It is a medicinal tree, whose seeds and tender leaves are used to make herbal medicine for flu and cold; the leaves are also used in making mint such as PK for chewing gum. The seeds are ground into powder and mixed with other herbs to produce medicine for toothache.

Patrick Wafula



Eucalyptus tree, blue gum tree


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




Eucalyptus
is a diverse genus of flowering trees (and a few shrubs) in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia. There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus, mostly native to Australia, and a very small number are found in adjacent parts of New Guinea and Indonesia and one as far north as the Philippine archipelago. Only 15 species occur outside Australia, and only 9 do not occur in Australia. Species of Eucalyptus are cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, China and the Indian Subcontinent.

Eucalyptus is one of three similar genera that are commonly referred to as "eucalypts," the others being Corymbia and Angophora. Many, but far from all, are known as gum trees because many species exude copious sap from any break in the bark (e.g. Scribbly Gum).
The name eucalyptus comes from the Greek: εὐκάλυπτος, eukályptos, meaning "well covered", or "beautiful bark" according to linguist Ahmed Seddik.

Eucalyptus was first introduced from Australia to the rest of the world by Sir Joseph Banks, botanist, on the Cook expedition in 1770. It was subsequently introduced to many parts of the world, notably California, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa, Uganda, Israel, Galicia and Chile. In Spain, eucalypts have been planted in pulpwood plantations.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


blue gum

*****************************
Worldwide use

Eukalyptus


Australia saijiki ... Eucalyptus

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Japan

yuukari ユーカリ / 有加利
Eucalyptus globus
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


夏嵐ユーカリの鉢くつがへす
natsu arashi yuukari no hachi kutsugaesu

summer storm ...
the pot with eucalyptus
is overthrown

Chanko san ちやこさん
source : haiku.blog.livedoor.com


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


the ducklings
under the eucalyptus shade - -
i unbutton my shirt

Antony Njoroge

source : Kenya Saijiki Forum


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sunny afternoon--
lying on the blue gum's
bark strips

open air market--
eucalyptus seeds fall
in simmering chips

bear roots--
the eucalyptus leaves
withers

James Bundi
Kenya, March 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


the herbalist gives me
blue gum seeds powder--
toothache


I had a toothache and went to the herbalist outside Baba Shiro's hardware. I was given toothache medicine, only to learn later that it was pulverized blue gum seeds!


Ngong Road--
the scent of blue gum
tickles my nose


Partrick Wafula
Kenya, March 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


eucalyptus--
the sound of dead leaves
dragging on the floor


Railway Museum -
a dead blue gum leaf
on the cabin floor

Caleb Mutua
March 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


long rain--
a farmer planting
eucalyptus trees

Victor Obutho


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sunny noon--
she reads a novel under
eucalyptus shadow

Synaidah Kalahi



eucalyptus shadow-
he picks up a rusty
door hinge

Pauline Wayua



suddenly
a eucalyptus branch falls
with a bang

Dennis Oyiengo


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

more eucalyptus haiku

Kenya Saijiki Forum, November 2011


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


eucalyptus canopy
umbrella for
koalas

facebook : Lorraine Margueritte Gasrel Black



:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

humid afternoon -
the shadow of eucalyptus enters
my open window

- Shared by Surmeet Maavi, India -
Joys of Japan, August 2012

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


evening breeze-
bluegum leaves tumble
down the old hut

Siboko Yamame, Kenya, 2014


*****************************
Related words

***** Australia saijiki ... Eucalyptus


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Matatu minibus

[ . BACK to Worldkigo TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Matatu minibus

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation

quote
A Matatu is a mode of public transport in Kenya.



A Matatu is a mode of transport in Kenya that falls between private transport and conventional bus transport. Matatus have fixed routes, but "unfixed" stops and time schedules. They stop anywhere to pick or drop passengers. They operate from some time after 5am to around 9pm.

We were fascinated by the colorfully decorated matatus and also by the "real africa feeling" (as one local put it) you get when riding matatus.

Regulations and Safety
With harder regulations on passenger numbers, enforced by the Kenyan government in early 2004, it is now quite OK (and cheap!) to use matatus as a tourist. The matatus are only filled with one passenger per seat and the numerous police checks on every road help keeping these 'new' security standards.

The number of people killed in accidents involving matatus has been dramatically reduced with the new regulations in place.

The word "Matatu" comes from Kisuaheli "ma tatu", which means "for three".
For three kenyan schillings one could travel on any route in colonialization times.
source : www.squidoo.com


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Share Taxi

Share taxis are the main system of public transport in many countries (especially developing countries) and are known by many different names around the world (see table). They often are privately owned and have an anarchic operating style, lacking central control or organisation.

©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


*****************************
Worldwide use



*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


a proffered coin --
the pineapple vendor chases
after a matatu

Pineapples in Kenya


dusty matatu --
people breathing inside
to edge it forward

Dust (Swahili : tifutifu)


Isabelle Prondzynski


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


matatus full
radio stations tuned
glued to the TV

Dorine Atieno (Peacock)

Madaraka Day June 1


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sunny afternoon-
a matatu driver wipes dust
from the mirror


on a jam
dusty matatus on a stand still -
nakumatt blaze

Nakumatt blaze was a great supermarket fire in 2009.


Siboko Yamame


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


night Matatu ride --
not constitution debate
again!

the conductor opens
the umbrella at each stop--
Matatu ride

sudden rain--
the dwarf beggar limps
to the pavement

in the Matatu--
a drop of rain touches
my face

cold ride--
struggling with a stuck
Matatu window

Caleb Mutua
April 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


matatu ride --
the scent of roasting maize
wafts past me

Isabelle Prondzynski
October 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Matatu ride --
a dusty card case dangles
all the way

Sometime back in Kenya, the then Transport minister John Michuki introduced new rules and regulations to be observed by the transport sector, especially the public transport and one of the rule was that all the public vehicle drivers should have their passport photos in the Matatu in order for the traffic police and the passengers to identify them.
However, nowadays few drivers follow the regulations. In this particular Matatu, the card case was empty and very dusty...

Caleb Mutua
January 2011


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



drizzling morning--
a broken matatu window covered
with a polythene paper

~ Gloria Kerubo


matatu strike--
a long line of muddy
matatus

~ Jedidiah Nduku


potholes--
a driver slows down
the old matatu

emergency brake--
the driver stares at the crossing
Masai cow

~ Isaac Ndirangu


MORE

Matatu Competition May 2011


*****************************
Related words

*****

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Pineapple

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Pineapple

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Fruit

*****************************
Explanation

Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
is the common name for an edible tropical plant and also its fruit (although technically multiple fruit merged together, and perceived as one). It is native to Paraguay and the southern part of Brazil.
Pineapple is eaten fresh or canned and is available as a juice or in juice combinations. It is used in desserts, salads, as a complement to meat dishes and in fruit cocktail. While sweet, it is known for its high acid content (perhaps malic and/or citric). Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation.

The word pineapple in English was first recorded in 1398, when it was originally used to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees (now termed pine cones). When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit, they called them pineapples (term first recorded in that sense in 1664) because of their resemblance to what is now known as the pine cone. The term pine cone was first recorded in 1694 and was used to replace the original meaning of pineapple.

The companies Dole and Del Monte began growing pineapple on the island of Oahu in 1901 and 1917.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !



Del Monte Kenya Ltd
is a Kenyan company that operates in the food processing industry. The company previously known as Kenya Canners, owns a 5,500 acres (22 km²) of pineapple plantation and population of 6,000 employees.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Monte_Kenya



*****************************
Worldwide use

Japan

kigo for late summer

painappuru パイナップル pineapple
..... ananasu あななす ananas
..... matsuringo まつりんご
..... hoori 鳳梨（ほうり）
(with old Chinese characters)


Pineapples are grown in Okinawa.
In 1923, pineapples were introduced from Hawaii and first planted in Motobu, now you can see the Izumi Pineapple garden.
They also make pineapple sponge cake.

There is also the Nago Pineapple Park.


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


January downpour--
a pineapple vendor rewrites
his price tag

hussein haji





long day--
drops of pineapple juice
sag the plastic bag

Caleb Mutua
Kenya saijiki forum


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


a proffered coin --
the pineapple vendor chases
after a matatu


Pineapple pieces are always wrapped in thin plastic bags and protected from the roadside fumes and dust. They are already peeled and ready to eat.

Kenyan pineapples are particularly tasty, better than any others I have ever eaten. They are not exported fresh, however, as they stay green and do not look as attractive to European eyes as West African or Caribbean pineapples, which excel in terms of appearance, but not in flavour. You can't please everyone... I prefer flavour over appearance any time!
Isabelle Prondzynski
Kenya Saijiki Forum, February 2010


. . . CLICK here for Photos of a matatu bus!

*****************************
Related words


Banana Kenya. Banana (bashoo 芭蕉) in Japan

Papaya fruit. Carica papaya India, Yemen


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kenya Haiku Clubs

[ . BACK to Worldkigo TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Haiku Clubs of Nairobi

At the beginning of 2006, Nairobi saw the creation of a number of haiku clubs in secondary schools, starting in Kayole housing estate.

The very first meeting, which started it all off, can be read up here :

Bahati Club

.................................................................................

And later, in 2012

. When did Kenya Saijiki start? .

.................................................................................


Please enjoy the introductory pages of each club and browse the Kenya Saijiki Database to find the students’ haiku under a growing range of kigo.


Bahati Haiku Poetry Club, Kayole -- BAMBOOCHAS

Lorna Waddington Haiku Poetry Club, Kayole -- FALCONS

Embakasi Haiku Poetry Club, Kayole -- OAKS

St Mathew Haiku Poetry Club, Kayole -- PEACOCKS

Brookfield Haiku Poetry Club, Kayole -- SPIDERS


As the students’ activities made an impact on teachers, past pupils and other adults, the end of 2006 saw the founding of the first adult haiku club in Nairobi :


Butterflies Haiku Club, Nairobi -- BUTTERFLIES


Cocks Haiku Club


Adults are also involved in the school clubs as teachers and Patrons, and have become individual members of the Kenya Saijiki discussion forum.

New members are welcome!


ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo


Club Activities


The Clubs have already organised a number of joint activities, which have been lively and inspired. There were two main events in 2006, involving all the haiku clubs together :


Bahati Ginkoo, 27 May 2006

Meeting of the Haiku Clubs in Tujisaidie, 4 November 2006


Stars and the Night Sky in Kenya, 2007 A Challenge !

Alan Summers, the originator of the Stars and Night Sky Challenge, also published our results in his own Blog, Area 17, thus opening them to a new readership :
http://area17.blogspot.com/2007/06/kenya-africa-stars-night-sky-challenge.html



St Patrick’s Outing, April 2007


Kigo and haiku topics in Kenya --
a discussion in the Haiku Clubs of Nairob


One of the principal and regular activities is to contribute haiku and kigo information to the Kenya Saijiki Database and to discuss Kenya kigo in the Kenya Saijiki Discussion Forum.


Japanese Culture Week, 2008


Arboretum Kukai, 29 March 2008


Long Rains Kukai 2009


All Saints Kukai, November 2009


Tumaini Kukai April 2010


NAIROBI HAIKU CLUBS JUNE MINI-GINKOO 2010


Kenya Railway Museum Kukai August 2010


Traffic Park Kukai October 30, 2010


Carlile Kukai, June 11, 2011


Eleventh Kukai, St Mathew’s Secondary School
November 5, 2011


COCKS’ HAIKU CLUB OUTING
City Park, Nairobi, January 2012


. Nairobi Digest News .
Africa’s best haiku writers meet in Nairobi
about the Haiku Meeting in October 2012


Kukai at Kenya National Archives
14th Kukai - May 18, 2013


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Sucessful graduates will receive a certificate.



certificat for the students who had finished their course and passed their final examinations in both theory and practice.

source : kenyasaijiki/message - May 2012


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Home Page of Kenya Saijiki Database

Discussion Forum for Haiku from Kenya and East Africa


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

PUBLICATIONS

Apart from the Kenya Saijiki Database, the Kenya Haiku Clubs have contributed to the following publications :

Short Rains
Isabelle Prondzynski and Students of the Kenya Haiku Clubs
Haigaonline, December 2006
http://www.haigaonline.com/issue7-2/kenya/00.htm

This is fascinating and remarkable. I enjoyed everyone and every one. This is such a worthy project and I had no idea. Congratulations and kudos to all involved and you for publicising it... I would love to see more of it.
.. Kirsty Karkow



Shiki Monthly Kukai
Several of the Club members have been participating in the Shiki Monthly Kukai from mid-2006 onwards :

http://www.haikuworld.org/kukai/current.html


*****************************

THE KENYA SAIJIKI




[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

All Saints Kukai 2009

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

All Saints’ Kukai, 7 November 2009

Introduction

The seventh kukai of Kenya Saijiki was held in All Saints’ Cathedral Nairobi; the date and venue had been booked a long time in advance.

All Saints’ Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Anglican Church of Kenya, a splendid piece of architecture and one of the oldest historic buildings of the city of Nairobi. The Urban Development Programme, for which I have been working for almost twenty years, is one of the departments of this Cathedral. And so, by bringing the haiku students to the Cathedral, it felt to me that I had brought them home!


All Saints’ Cathedral



The two haiku clubs had organised a bus to bring them to the Cathedral; those few students who did not fit into the bus when it was ready, came separately by matatu. While we waited for everyone’s arrival, we set out the chairs in the meeting room in the brand new Multi Purpose Hall, had a look at the wedding preparations coming to a climax in the church (there were three big weddings scheduled for that day), and realised that the new Archbishop, the Most Revd Eliud Wakabula, would be the Guest of Honour at another meeting in the Hall.

When everything was ready, the big bus arrived, and it was an exciting moment when we greeted each other and the students took in the wonderful environment of the Cathedral compound. The weather was fine and sunny, and a great day lay ahead for all of us.



Guest of Honour

Caleb Mutua, acting as Master of Ceremonies for the first part, opened the kukai. Following a few choruses to get us into the right frame of mind, and a prayer to thank God for having brought us this far, asking him to bless this our day together, Caleb introduced our Guest of Honour, Janet Njoroge of Longhorn Publishers Kenya. Janet is the Chairperson of the Urban Development Programme Committee, and as such knows Kayole and the Cathedral’s work there very well.


Janet Njoroge

Janet gave an encouraging address to the students. She had been reading our haiku and observing its purposes. Observing nature and the environment, striving to write in clear and concise English, expressing a lot of meaning in few words -- all these are great accomplishments which help us not only towards better haiku, but also towards better study in general and towards better life chances. In order to show her appreciation for the work done by the haiku clubs, she donated twenty textbooks for studying better English and better writing, which were to be given to the twenty top prizewinners in the kukai.


The two haiku clubs then presented some of their showcase work.


Peacocks :

short rains--
two muddy cocks fight
on a deserted anthill

El-Nino rains--
a hen shelters under
the tree


Bamboochas :

silence, silence
the order of the day--
KCSE notices

rainy morning--
candidates in muddy shoes
sit in the exam room


Tuesday morning--
a pregnant candidate faints
in the exam room

silent exam room--
stickers with index numbers
on every desk


.................................................................................


Computer graduates

This had been a difficult year for computer teaching, as the cybercafés previously used, had closed down, and it had been impossible to find sufficiently large ones to replace them. The students had given their best, had studied and taken the theory exams, and the successful candidates were congratulated :

1. Otieno Aineah 122 marks Peacock (joint 1. and 2.)
2. Mutua M. Jacinta 122 marks Peacock (joint 1. and 2.)
3. Omondi Opondo Maurice 119 marks Peacock
4. Wanza Jacinta 118 marks Peacock
5. Onesmus Mutua 112 marks Bamboocha
6. Philister Namude 109 marks Peacock
7. Titus Karanja 107 marks Peacock (joint 7. and 8.)
8. Elungata Barrack Elauna 107 marks Peacock (joint 7. and 8.)
9. Aisha M. Malik 104 marks Peacock

10. Christopher Kavita 97 marks Peacock
11. Emilly Wanga 96 marks Peacock
12. Anne Wairimu 95 marks Bamboocha
13. Veronica Wayua 87 marks Peacock
14. Vivian Adhiambo 86 marks Bamboocha
15. Duncan Omoto 85 marks Peacock
16. James Bundi 79 marks Bamboocha (joint 16. & 17.)
17. Elkana Mogaka 79 marks Bamboocha (joint 16. & 17.)
18. Joseph Kilunda 76 marks Bamboocha
19. Patriciah Nduta 75 marks Bamboocha
20. Abraham Muuo 73 marks Bamboocha
21. Caroline Wanjiku 72 marks Bamboocha
22. William Odongo Mango 71 marks Peacock
23. Bernard Karanja 68 marks Peacock
24. Ann Kithu 60 marks Peacock
25. Esther Muthoni 57 marks Bamboocha

The graduates were encouraged to practise their computing skills and start sending in their own haiku to Kenya Saijiki.

As these results had only just become available, the certificates were subsequently distributed at the next kukai.



Appreciating other people’s haiku

The haijin then split up into working groups to discuss the following haiku which had won prizes in the Annual Shiki Kukai of 2009 :


Working groups at work
Photo © David Kimani Mwangi


sleepless night --
the moon shifts
from pane to pane

~ Janice Hornburg


moonless night --
the wind whistles into
an empty bottle

~ Tanya Dikova


sudden rain --
umbrellas mushroom
on the street

~ Gautam Nadkarni


winter sunset --
the beggar's shadow
grows thinner

~ Melissa Spurr


graduation cheer --
a flock of starlings
takes the sky

~ Terry O’Connor


hauling firewood --
the wheelbarrow and I
both wobbly

~ Terri L. French


.................................................................................


Ginkoo

After a lunch of bread and milk, we started into the ginkoo, the event that everyone had been looking forward to. The haijin were able to explore the Cathedral compound and the neighbouring Uhuru Park. I meanwhile enjoyed some views of the weddings going on and a short chat with the Archbishop, who expressed his interest in our work and sent his greetings to the haijin.


Ginkoo fun in Uhuru Park
Photo © David Kimani Mwangi

At the end of the Ginkoo, the haijin enjoyed a moment of interaction, while the jury retired to the Urban Development Programme office to select the prizewinners. The jury, comprising Patrick Wafula, Andrew Otinga, Harrison Wambua, Caleb Mutua and myself, were agreed that this was the best ginkoo writing we had seen since the inception of Kenya Saijiki. The two clubs were coming of age now!


Here are the prizewinning haiku:


1.
---
coloured water
in a deep bicycle rim --
short rains

~ Elung’ata Barrack

2.
---
breezy afternoon --
a dry jacaranda flower
drops to the green grass

~ Eric Mwange

3.
---
sunny afternoon --
student’s footprint stuck
on the anthill

~ Yamame Winslause

4.
---
humid breeze --
rippling pond sparkles
in the sun

~ Vivian Adhiambo

5.
---
cool breeze --
a kingfisher flies low
over the water

~ Peter Nguribu

6.
---
November rain --
a green muddy scarf
floats on the Uhuru pond

~ Hussein Haji

7.
---
afternoon breeze --
dangling waterlily roots
dance in the water

~ Elkana Mogaka

8.
---
warm afternoon --
scent of bright flowers
reaching my nose

~ Michael Mwangangi

9.
---
park pond --
a kingfisher waits patiently
on jacaranda tree

~ Stephen Nzomo




The bridge across the pond in Uhuru Park
Photo © David Kimani Mwangi


10.
----
November rain --
a stuffy sock abandoned
in the bamboo thicket

~ Aisha Malik

11.
----
a swan craning
and dipping in the pond --
sunny afternoon

~ Beryl Achieng’

12.
----
sunny afternoon --
a man busy bargaining
for a cold drink

~ Anne Wairimu

13.
----
under a green tree --
a lady’s dress resembles
a fallen flower

~ Maurice Omondi

14.
----
ants rebuilding
their crumpled nest --
dried mud

~ Maxwell George

15.
----
pond inlet --
gurgling water drips
into floating lilies

~ Jedidah Nduku

16.
----
short rains --
black termites rebuild
their destroyed anthill

~ Rhoda Mutheu

17.
----
sunny afternoon --
a couple taking refreshment
under a bamboo thicket

~ Benard Nyerere

18.
----
sunny afternoon --
gurgling pool of water emptying
into a fish pond

~ Scholasticah Mumbe

19.
----
hot sun --
couples under a palm tree
rolling over

~ Irene Muthengi

20.
----
falling water --
from a small raised step
bubbles

~ Amarpreet Amadi


Congratulations to all the prizewinners!
And big thanks to Janet Njoroge, whose books were welcomed with real pleasure.


The ginkoo prizewinners


.................................................................................


Conclusion

Presentations were immediately followed by a return to the bus, which had arrived to drive the haijin home. It was another happy journey, with everyone already looking forward to the next kukai.

Patrick Wafula captured the spirit of the day with his own haiku collection :

inside All Saints’ --
purple jacaranda blooms
outside

wedding bells --
abandoned bouquets
behind the church

All Saints’ Kukai--
discussion groups whisper
under the fig tree

the gardener sweeps
fig leaves from the pavement --
All Saints’

Isabelle's penknife
cuts open haijin's milk packets--
kukai lunch



More photos of the event
© Isabelle Prondzynski and David Kimani Mwangi here :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/sets/72157623522614607/

Text and photos : Isabelle Prondzynski (unless otherwise stated)

Click on the small photos for enlargement, please.



*****************************
Related words

***** The Haiku Clubs of Nairobi


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Long Rains Kukai 2009

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Long Rains Kukai 2009

St Mathew’s School, Kangundo Road
Season: Long Rains

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

On 30 May, the Haiku Clubs of Nairobi spent a lovely day as guests of St Mathew School on Kangundo Road, where some 100 haijin assembled for a kukai, including a ginkoo.



Welcome to St Mathew
© Isabelle Prondzynski


While we waited for everyone to arrive and register, we took a look at the sadly burnt-out classrooms which are still awaiting reconstruction.

Anthony Njoroge was once again our Master of Ceremonies, and we appreciated his leadership and his good humour. He recalled for us the joy we derive from haiku, and the many ways in which haiku speak to us in our daily lives (respect for the environment, keen observation, openness to inspiration). We were also happy that the school Principal came to open the kukai and that he gave us a warm welcome in his school.

The new Form One haijin were welcomed, and the senior haijin were appreciated -- both those who will be sitting their final examinations later this year, and those who had returned to be with us for the kukai.

It is a real pleasure to see that the Cocks (the adult haijin) are active and committed, and that those soon following them out of school are eager to join this haiku club as soon as they can!

The computer classes were reviewed, and haijin were encouraged to join Kenya Saijiki as soon as their computer skills allowed.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Shiki Kukai on the kigo of umbrella


Prizes were given to the haijin who had recently submitted haiku to the international Shiki kukai on the kigo of umbrella and had received encouraging results :

---------------------------------------------
8 points
---------------------------------------------
May rain --
an old man repairs
an old umbrella

~ Felister (Peacock)

---------------------------------------------
7 points
---------------------------------------------
rain showers --
a drop on the umbrella makes
a baby smile

~ Maurice (Peacock)

---------------------------------------------
5 points
---------------------------------------------
public meeting --
people under umbrellas
in the hot sun

~ Khadija Rajab

---------------------------------------------
3 points
---------------------------------------------
father and son
walking under one umbrella --
rainy day

~Maxwell George Onsembe

---------------------------------------------
2 points
---------------------------------------------
scrubbing the sticky mud
off the umbrella tip --
shoe shiner watches

~ Anthony Njoroge

radiant sunrise --
two lovers shading under
a red umbrella

~ Duncan Omoto

a man and his sheep
sheltering under an umbrella --
heavy rain

~ Kelvine Muchiri

---------------------------------------------
1 point
---------------------------------------------
drizzly morning --
a mother and baby
under their umbrella

~ Johnson Malombe

rainy afternoon --
four students sheltering
under one umbrella

~ Kevin Wanjala

May drizzle --
the lame old umbrella
leaks water

~ Rhoda Muteu

the long rains...
umbrellas now go for
double price

~ Patrick Wafula

---------------------------------------------
Other entries selected
---------------------------------------------

rhythmic raindrops --
passionate lovers under
an old umbrella

~ Hussein Haji

baby's shield
against hostile sunlight --
parasol

~ James Bundi

windy rain --
a man chases after a
destroyed umbrella

~ Emily Wanga

rainy afternoon --
students fighting over
one umbrella

~ Stephen Macharia

the long rains --
umbrellas for sale
and hire

~ Isaac Ndirangu

hot sun --
a bald-headed man shelters
under his umbrella

~ Periz Achieng

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Appreciating and improving haiku

The next session was a discussion in small groups of haiku brought to the meeting. The best haiku was selected by each group, and the group proceeded to improve the haiku in a joint effort.


Working in small groups
© Isabelle Prondzynski

The three best haiku brought forward by the groups were :

1.
---
acacia tree
in the rhythm of the wind --
rain showers

~ Job (Peacock) as amended

2.
---
cold night --
my cat rubs herself on my skin
for warmth

~ Vivian (Bamboocha)

3.
---
little boys
dressed in warm jackets --
chilly morning

~ Wambui (Peacock) as amended


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Writing haiku at the ginkoo
© David Kimani Mwangi



Ginkoo - the Haiku Walk

After the lunch break, we held a ginkoo, having reminded ourselves of the basic rules of haiku. The area around the school offered plenty of opportunities for walking and observing, and many haiku were written during the hour.

The jury is now growing with each ginkoo, as the Cocks have volunteered to help with the judging. Today, there were six of us, and it was a pleasant experience to work together.



The jury at work
© Isabelle Prondzynski

The final result was :

1.
---
May showers --
a muddy boot abandoned
under a tree

~ Aisha Malik

2.
---
sunny day --
mosquito larvae swimming
in pothole water

~ Kevin Wekesa

3.
---
napier grass dances
to the rhythm of the wind --
May rain

~ Jacinta Wanza
(Pennisetum purpureum
Elephant Grass, Napier Grass or Uganda Grass)


4.
---
on the wireline
a shirt slowly swings --
breezy moment

~ Emily Wanga

5.
---
joined wires
they all sag uniformly --
sunny afternoon

~ Jacinta Mueni

6.
---
reflection
from iron-sheet roofs --
sunny afternoon

~ Benard Nyerere

7.
---
tree frog
rides on a banana frond --
cool afternoon

~ Dorcas Wangare

8.
---
hot sun
burns my black forehead --
straining my eyes

~ Anne Wairimu

9.
---
long rains --
a girl jumps to pass
a pothole of water

~ Maurice Opondo

10.
----
cool breeze --
a cat resting on a
window pavement

~ Arnold



The first ten prizewinners
© Isabelle Prondzynski



11.
----
cow's hoof
print on the mud --
downpour

~ James Bungi

12.
----
zooming dragonfly
on stagnant muddy water --
sunny afternoon

~ Yamame Winslause

13.
----
breezy May noon --
the sun hides under
light clouds

~ Catherine Maina

14.
----
satisfied goats
resting on the green grass --
sunny afternoon

~ Beatrice Omari

15.
----
hot sun --
two lovers shading
under the tree

~ Duncan Omoto

16.
----
sunny afternoon --
dirty child seated under
a sisal tree

~ Beryl Muthiki

17.
----
hot afternoon --
a cat rests beside the wall
for a shade

~ Marion Masinde

18.
----
lorry stuck in mud
friends gather to push it out --
long rains

~ Margaret Nzilili

19.
----
haiku members
seriously observing the weather --
hot afternoon

~ Onesmus Mutua

20.
----
hot evening --
lizard sheltering itself
under the wall




The runners-up
© Isabelle Prondzynski





St Mathew's kukai, 30 May 2009
Photo Album


Text © Isabelle Prondzynski


*****************************
Related words

***** The Haiku Clubs of Nairobi

***** Umbrella

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of KENYA SAIJIKI

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Newspaper vendor

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Newspaper vendor

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation

Newspapers are usually sold like this, close to the houses where people live or work :



with at least the three daily papers lying side by side first thing in the morning (I took this picture a bit later, when one of them had already been sold out), sometimes also some of the weeklies or some magazines too.

When it rains, the newspaper vendor whips out a clear plastic sheet to cover them -- the papers are protected, and the customers can still see what is there.

Photo and Text: Isabelle Prondzynski


*****************************
Worldwide use

Newspaper seller, newspaper boy

Zeitungsverkäufer

*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


intermittent rain--
the newspaper vendor covers
and uncovers

Caleb David Mutua, Kenya


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


the newspaper boy
walks with his head bowed
in the frosty dawn

source : Martin Lucas, September 2002


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


MORE : newspaper boy haiku


*****************************
Related words

***** WKD : Reference


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Khamsin wind

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Khamsin wind

***** Location: Egypt
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Heaven

*****************************
Explanation

The Khamsin will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in Egypt or the neighbouring countries. The name means 'fifty' for the number of days it supposedly blows, and is actually an abbreviation for 'rih al-khamsin' (the wind of fifty (days)).

for fifty days
all nature lying low—
the khamsin wind

The Khamsin is signalled by a dramatic rise in temperature and is anecdotally associated with a general shortening of tempers. Indeed, under Ottoman law, the presence of the khamsin was considered a mitigating factor in murder trials.

awaiting the khamsin
to do her in:
the nagging wife

Norman Darlington
Kigo Hotline, July 2009






:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

quote
Khamsin, khamseen, chamsin or hamsin (Egyptian Arabic: khamsīn, "fifty"), also known as khamaseen (Egyptian Arabic: khamāsīn, "fifties") refers to a dry, hot and dusty local wind blowing in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Similar winds in the area are sirocco and simoom.

Khamsin can be triggered by depressions that move eastwards along the southern parts of the Mediterranean or along the North African coast from February to June.

In Egypt, khamsin usually arrives in April but occasionally occur in March and May, carrying great quantities of sand and dust from the deserts, with a speed up to 140 kilometers per hour, and a rise of temperatures as much as 20°C in two hours.It is believed to blow "at intervals for about 50 days",although it rarely occurs "more than once a week and last for just a few hours at a time."

An 19th-century account of khamsin in Egypt goes:
These winds, though they seldom cause the thermometer of Fahrenheit to rise above 95° in Lower Egypt, or in Upper Egypt 105°, are dreadfully oppressive, even to the natives. When the plague visits Egypt, it is generally in the spring; and the disease is most severe in the period of the khamáseen.

The same account relates that Muslims in Egypt "calculate the period of khamáseen ... to commence on the day immediately following the Coptic festival of Easter Sunday, and to terminate on the Day of Pentecost (or Whitsunday); and interval of forty-nine days."

During Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign, the French soldiers had a hard time with khamsin: when the storm appeared "as a blood-stint in the distant sky", the natives went to take cover, while the French "did not react until it was too late, then choked and fainted in the blinding, suffocating walls of dust." During the North African Campaign of the World War II, "allied and German troops were several times forced to halt in mid-battle because of sandstorms caused by khamsin ... Grains of sand whirled by the wind blinded the soldiers and created electrical disturbances that rendered compasses useless."
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !



*****************************
Worldwide use



*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


khamseen -
echo of
deserted Ra

Camilla Sayf, khamseen winds

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words

***** WIND in various kigo


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sesbania Tree

[ . BACK to TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sesbania Tree

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Plant

*****************************
Explanation

Sesbania Tree
Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.



Common names
Egyptian pea; jayanti, janti, puri (Indonesia); katuray, katodai (Philippines); yay-tha-kyee, yethugyi (Myanmar); snao kook (Cambodia); sapao lom (Laos); sami, saphaolom (Thailand); dien-dien (Vietnam).

Shrub or short-lived tree up to 8 m tall. Stem up to 12 cm in diameter, usually pubescent, sometimes becoming glabrous. Leaves, including a short petiole, 2-18 cm long, pinnately compound; leaflets in 6-27 pairs, linear, oblong, up to 26 mm x 5 mm, glabrous or almost so above, sometimes pubescent beneath, often pilose at the margins; stipules narrowly triangular, up to 7 mm long, pubescent.

Uses/applications
S. sesban has a long history of use in India, primarily as a green manure and a source of cut and carry forage. Planted, or assisted to establish as a volunteer, as an improved fallow in maize fields in southern and east Africa because it improves crop yields and provides fuelwood. Can be intercropped with corn, beans, cotton and many other field crops. Harvested leaves make a rich compost. Its leaves are a good source of protein for cattle and sheep. Used as a grazed forage in sub-tropical Australia and Kenya. Has been used as a reclamation species of saline spoils in southern China.
It produces a light fuelwood suitable for cooking and charcoal production.
It has been used as a live support for black pepper, grapes, cucurbits and betel vine and as a shade tree for coffee and turmeric.

In Western Kenya, farmers allow it to grow in their maize fields because it improves crop yields and provides fuelwood.

It is used in the cuisine of Vietnam.

source : www.tropicalforages.info

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




sesbania pods

sesbania pods
slowly turning brown--
cloudy sky

Partrick Wafula


*****************************
Worldwide use



*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

cold breezy morning ...
sesbanias gently swing
from side to side

dew gleaming
on sesbania leaves--
a dove coos

Patrick Wafula, Kenya


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

from the Bamboochas, March 2010


evening breeze --
a butterfly flying around
a sesbania tree

Stephen Macharia



breezy evening --
a bird rests on a swinging
sesbania tree

Eric Mwange



*****************************
Related words

***** WKD : Trees and Haiku


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Weaver bird

[ . BACK to Worldkigo TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Weaver bird, weaverbird

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Animal

*****************************
Explanation

The Ploceidae, or Weavers, are small passerine birds related to the finches.

These are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills, most of which breed in sub-Saharan Africa, with fewer species in tropical Asia and also in Australia. The weaver group is divided into the buffalo, sparrow, typical, and widow weavers. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season.

Weaver birds, also known as weaver finches, get their name because of their elaborately woven nests (the most elaborate of any birds'), though some are notable for their selective parasitic nesting habits. The nests vary in size, shape, material used, and construction techniques from species to species. Materials used for building nests include fine leaf-fibers, grass, and twigs. Many species weave very fine nests using thin strands of leaf fiber, though some, like the buffalo-weavers, form massive untidy stick nests in their colonies, which may have spherical woven nests within.
The sparrow weavers of Africa build apartment-house nests, in which 100 to 300 pairs have separate flask-shaped chambers entered by tubes at the bottom. Most species weave nests that have narrow entrances, facing downward.

The weavers are gregarious birds which often breed colonially. The birds build their nests together for protection, often several to a branch. Usually the male birds weave the nests and use them as a form of display to lure prospective females. The weaver bird colonies may be found close to water bodies.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


ngosos (a species of weaverbirds found in Eastern)

Reference : Weaver bird, Kenya
Weaaverbird, weaver birds


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski

. Thorn Tree .

*****************************
Worldwide use



*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


July wind --
weaver birds swing back and forth
on a millet stalk

Raymond Otieno



the weaverbird
returns to its nest --
nightfall

Christopher Kavita



morning sunshine --
a weaver-bird sings
in a virgin land

Barrack Elungata



drrizzly afternoon --
a weaver bird seeks shelter
in the hedge

Jacintah Wanza



chilly evening --
weaver birds singing
melodious songs

Kyalo Onesmus



into its nest
a weaver bird slips to hide --
short rainfall

Kelvin Mukoselo



noisy weaverbirds
build their nests on acacia trees --
men bend on farm

Prerna Dharap



weaver bird`s song--
a dog sheltering under
a bamboo tree

Dorothy Minayo



whispering leaves--
two weaver birds mating
on the acacia tree

green grass--
weaver birds struggling
to build a nest

Peter Kilunda


hot afternoon--
a weaver bird struggling
to catch its prey

Stephen Macharia



weaver bird --
how it pecks at this cabbage leaf
stuck in the mud!

Alex Mwanabisi


Kenya Saijiki Forum


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




april rain...
the weaver builds a new nest
in the acacia tree

Photo and Haiku: Patrick Wafula



the weavers
repairing their old nests...
long rains

~Tevez

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


dawn chorus--
the rhythmic whistles
of a weaver bird

Kevin Asava
Shiki Monthly Kukai December 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sunset -- .
a baby weaver bird peeps
in an incomplete nest

Steven Macharia
April 2011


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


silent chapel --
chirping weaver birds
break the silence

Milkah Wanjiku (Bamboocha, F3)

First prize at
. Carlile Kukai, 11 June 2011 .


*****************************
Related words

***** Bird Saijiki


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Casuarina Tree

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Casuarina Tree

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Plant

*****************************
Explanation

The casuarina tree is a lovely coniferous tree most at home on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is plentiful on the island of Lamu.
In Nairobi, it exists and grows, but is not plentiful.

Isabelle Prondzynski


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




Casuarina is a genus of 17 species in the family Casuarinaceae, native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It was once treated as the sole genus in the family, but has been split into three genera.

Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas are commonly grown in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world.

C. cunninghamiana and C. equisetifolia grow in Kenya.

©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


*****************************
Worldwide use

India

Casuarina trees are found in India too. Some years ago, while going by road to the Sun Temple of Konark, on the coast of Orissa in Eastern India, I found them growing in plenty by the coast. They presented a pleasant sight waving at the passers-by.

sunil uniyal, India

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Casuarina trees are seen along coasts of Goa and on the east coast besides Orissa as Sunil mentions in Bengal's Digha beach as well. These trees grow on the coastal regions and create a wonderful sound throughout.
I have seen these trees on the coasts of Mananjeri in Madagaskar and Mauritus, too. These are very beautiful.

Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad, India


*****************************
Things found on the way


The Casuarina Tree
a collection of short stories set in 1920s Malaya
by W. Somerset Maugham
that came out of travels he paid for by working for the British Secret Service as a spy.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !



*****************************
HAIKU

cold breezy evening ...
the casuarina trees whistling
in the wind

Patrick Wafula, Kenya


The leaves of this tree are called needles and they whistle when it is windy or heavily breezy.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

quote
Visit Malaysia Year Haiku - Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi
(State of Kedah)

longing for another luminuous day
this evening tanjung rhu
the casuarina sighing throughout

the casuarina's tremulous sigh
tanjung rhu
every leaf sings the wistfulness in me

john tiong chunghoo
source : www.poemhunter.com


*****************************
Related words

***** Trees as haiku topics ... ... and kigo with trees


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kanga wrapping cloth

[ . BACK to Worldkigo TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kanga, kangas wrapping cloth, leso, lesso

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation

The colour orange is very popular in Kenyan textiles, particularly among the Kikuyus and Maasais. Traditional wraparound cloths, called kanga, often use yellow and orange patters in the ever changing designs.



There is a famous book called "100 uses for a kanga" -- and there are at least that many, probably many more!

Text and photo : Isabelle Prondzynski


. More photos of kanga .



Similar cloths are the kikoi and the kitenge.

. . . . .

The words lesso and kanga or khanga have now been officially accepted as English words, and now they can be found in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary 8th Edition page 819.
Patrick Wafula

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


quote
History of Kanga

Kangas originated on the coast of East Africa in the mid 19th century. As the story goes, some stylish ladies in Zanzibar got the idea of buying printed kerchiefs in lengths of six, from the bolt of cotton cloth from which kerchiefs were usually cut off and sold singly. They then cut the six into two lengths of three, and sewed these together along one side to make 3-by-2 sheet; or bought different kinds of kerchiefs and sewed them back together to form very individualistic designs.

The new design was called "leso" after the kerchief squares that had originally been brought to Africa by Portuguese traders. The leso quickly became popular than the other kind of patterned cloth available. Before long, enterprising coastal shopkeepers sent away for special designs, printed like the six-together leso pieces, but as a single unit of cloth.

These early designs probably had a border and a pattern of white spots on a dark background. The buyers (or more likely, their menfolk !) quickly came to call these cloths "KANGA" after the noisy, sociable guinea-fowl with its elegant spotty plumage.

Early this century, Swahili sayings were added to kangas. Supposedly this fashion was started by a locally famous trader in Mombasa, Kaderdina Hajee Essak, also known as "Abdulla". His many kanga designs, formerly distinguished by the mark "K.H.E. - Mali ya Abdulla", often included a proverb. At first, the sayings, aphorisms or slogans were printed in Arabic script, later in Roman letters. Many of them have the added charm (or frustration!) of being obscure or ambiguous in their meaning. If you find a motto that you can't figure out, ask several different Swahili speakers. You will get an equal number of different explanations! Some typical kanga sayings are listed on the following page, for your edification and enjoyment.

source : www.glcom.com/hassan / Swahili language and culture






*****************************
Worldwide use



*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU


cold July evening --
market women wrap kangas
round their necks

Patrick Wafula, Kenya, 2009


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


quick nap-
she burns her kanga
on a jiko

joseph nzilili
September 2010


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sunday afternoon-
she carries her child
in a leso

Sibiko Yamame


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


cold breeze-
mother covers her child
with a khanga

Mercy Amunze
June 2012


*****************************
Related words

*****


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Wood

[ . BACK to TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Wood

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation

This includes many kinds of wood, also firewood.
also lumber, timber etc.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Kenyan wood articles

Kamba woodcarvers are famous for their intricate designs.
In Kenya, wood carving provides livelihoods for 60000 people.


*****************************
Worldwide use

Japan

mokuzai, kizai もくざい【木材】 wood
(as material for construction etc.)


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

The following haiku were written for the
Shiki Monthly Kukai, June 2009


late night --
a house girl wipes the stained
wooden table

~ Andrew Otinga


May rain --
swollen wood floats down
the flooded river

~ Hussein Haji


the walking stick
her only old-age companion...
my blind grandmother

~Patrick Wafula


wooden frame --
a beetle struggles
to find a dwelling place

~ Maurice Peacock


old father
on a wooden chair --
basking on the sun

~ Kisilu Peacock


two lovers chatting
on a wooden garden bench --
breezy sunset

~ Anne Wairimu


rainy afternoon --
village girls fetch wood
to light a fire

~ Dennis Ongaki


fire blaze --
wood engulfed in sparks
and protest

~ Aineah Peacock


cold night --
a watchman guarding the house
with a wooden club

~ Khadijah Rajab


whispering wind --
she burns wood on hearth stones
to keep warm

~ Beryl Achieng


mercilessly beating
a thief with bamboo sticks --
mob justice

~ Kelvin Wekesa

a dog barks
angrily and jumps
a wooden fence

~ Barrack Elung'ata


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



smell of wood ...
the new chopping board
still dreaming

Gabi Greve, 2008



*****************************
Related words

***** Trees as haiku topics ... ... and kigo with trees


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

BACK to the TOP of this BLOG

BACK to the Worldkigo ABC Index

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Waitinglist

Waitinglist for the Kenya Saijiki

Please add your entries as a comment!
I will pick them up from there.

Gabi Greve

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Words to be taken up



Groundnuts

heavy downpour --
grandma holds a stick as
she plants groundnuts

~ Duncan Omoto






Planting, March 2010


.................................................................................




:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO　　TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::