JAMBO! (hello in Africance)
Well i love Africa. I defiantly enjoyed my stay in Nairobi, Kenya.
We went to the Markets and it was insane. They were not very big but you could get lost in there for several hours. The people in the stores harass you, follow you, barter and try to bribe you. I loved all the trinkets, and the wooden statues and the array of beautiful colours. The people were ever so kind and full of enthusiasm. It is amazing to see the beaming smiles on their faces and their contagious giggles, especially when they live in such poverty.
Nairobi is such a highly populated place and the bustle of movement of people walking all around the streets reflects this. People would just stop and stare at us when we walked by. I felt like i was famous but it was defiantly just because we were white, and i am sure the red hair didn’t help!
Im glad i ordered some room service though. I have always known not to as it is so overpriced but i did order a cheese platter and it was foul so now i think i have it out of my system, which is a good thing. I probably could have complained as even the dry biscuits were softish, but i know even in Dubai some of the savoury biscuits aren’t that crispy – so i let it go. I think we have always had nicer cheeses in the fridge at home. That brings me to a question, how is my baby fridge?
One morning five of us (from the crew) were picked up at 8 and we went on a 4hr safari. It was great to get out in the African savannah, even though it made me feel like watching The Lion King, yet again. Being cold here most of the animals had migrated, yet by the end of the trip i was still satisfied with what we saw. The closest animals we managed to get to, were several giraffes, one in particular, which we got few meters away from. It was a little scary at times as the tour bus we had, which had the open pop top, sounded terrible and with all the bumps on the paths, i thought we were going to loose a tire or even worse half the side of the van. It was very interesting.
Favourite Event:
The highlight of the safari however was an absolute classic. We stopped at a park site were there were facilities to cook a barbeque. Here i found it most amusing as we found a sign, “beware of the baboons.” As we all mucked around and began acting like monkeys, or better for me i defiantly was the true ranga and i think i pulled it off!!! But then out of nowhere came the baboons. They must have done this before, as they went straight for the van, through the opening in the roof, for a search for food. We had all left our bags in the van luckily they were all zipped shut. The baboon scratched and scratched at our bags trying to open them to go through our things. As this failed, we came to our next problem, trying to get it out of the car. One of the girls on the tour actually hates all animals, and fears them like i have never seen before. The only reason she did this is because she thought in the car she was safe and away from any physical contact from them. I think it was to add a tick to your ‘to do before u die list.’ It was so funny watching her. After opening all the doors and waving around a few branches out came the baboon and in we jumped. I don’t think we moved so fast all day. I got some great photos of this to show u.
So incloncusion: I WAS ATTACKED BY A BABOON!!!!!
From the safari we headed out to lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Nairobi called “Carnivore.” And yes, the name says it all. It was all about eating meat, meat, meat and some more meat. We ate Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Livers, Crocodile, Ostrige, Deer and more. After your first round of drinks they bring out a tiny tiny salad for the 5 of us to share, and a hot dinner plate, the ones that sizzle. From here they bring all kinds of meat to your table and offer it to u off of the largest squers i have seen in my life. In the centre of the table was a spinning wheel full of different condiments each dedicated to a different meat, and different style these meats were cooked in. It was delicious. I have always liked crocodile so it was in my top 3, in second place was the ostrige – never had i tried and i was really impressed and my favourite which i was very surprised about was the pork ribs. I never have been hot on pork and i hate eating off bones but with the delicious marinate it was cooked to perfection. For desert i had brandy snaps of course!!!! Always will if it is on any menu.
From lunch at Carnivore, we made our way to “Bomas of Kenya,” where we were taken on a mini tour of traditional Kenyan villages from years ago. I found this more interesting than the others which were with me, that i ended up walking of with the local tour guide learning and asking questions. I found it really intreeging, but i have always had a soft spot for anything African as u know. It was really interesting to learn not just about their housing but the relationships between different tribes from below Mombasa to North of Nairobi.
After this we went into a hall, it was more of a large arena where we watched local dance and song. The story was based on the transformation from African living years and years ago to having to go through changes when the white people invaded Africa, slavery then the evolving of the country and the people themselves. It was very, very interesting.
Back to the hotel we went, where i met some crew from the emirates flight which had recently just arrived. After talking with them for a while i found myself out to dinner with them at a place called “Casablanca.” I was so amazed when i walked in. It was a restaurant with a Mediterranean influence, i couldn’t believe there was a place like this, so glamorous in Nairobi, but every city has its secrets. It was so beautiful, lit by candles everywhere inside and out. It was defiantly fine dining so it was nice to treat ourselves.
From here we decided to go for another drink and we had heard of a nightclub about 2 blocks away from the hotel. So as we were leaving the foyer, the concierge and a female receptionist ran after me. They informed me not to talk my handbag and not to take any valuables or much money as they thought it would get it ripped off me. Realizing this i headed back to my room, and decided to have a night in, rather than trying to make a night out of nothing. The danger side is not what scared me, but there are always necessities in a chicks handbag and without this i was naked. Plus a night off the turps is good for me at the moment.....
Although on my stay i did try their local beer called ‘Tusker.’ It claims to be the finest quality lager, and i did enjoy it even though one night it turned me very silly!!!! Hehehehe, ok i was a bit loose!!! I even ended up at the Casino, which i never ever do... and don’t wish to do anytime soon. Learnt a few games but!!!!!
The other things that made me laugh from Nairobi are:
At home we have the petrol brand Mobile, however in Nairobi it is called Kobile??? – get it, i thought it was funny and maybe its stupid, whatever!!!!! I think its a Kenyan thing???? We don’t call it Aobile??? Nor SAobile????
Also the slogan for advertising Coca Cola is: Coca Cola Available in 3 sizes...... yep thats it????? Thats the best they got!!!! And also on the coke topic, when u order a coke in Nairobi, they ask if u want it hot or cold???? What the hell??? Apparently it has something to do with in different weather they drink it different ways. But this still doesn’t make sense because even though Africa can get hot, it doesn’t get very cold either. Nairobi is 8,000ft above sea level so the heat is far from extreme, so what’s with the hot and cold coke????
KWAHERI (bye in Africance)
Well i love Africa. I defiantly enjoyed my stay in Nairobi, Kenya.
We went to the Markets and it was insane. They were not very big but you could get lost in there for several hours. The people in the stores harass you, follow you, barter and try to bribe you. I loved all the trinkets, and the wooden statues and the array of beautiful colours. The people were ever so kind and full of enthusiasm. It is amazing to see the beaming smiles on their faces and their contagious giggles, especially when they live in such poverty.
Nairobi is such a highly populated place and the bustle of movement of people walking all around the streets reflects this. People would just stop and stare at us when we walked by. I felt like i was famous but it was defiantly just because we were white, and i am sure the red hair didn’t help!
Im glad i ordered some room service though. I have always known not to as it is so overpriced but i did order a cheese platter and it was foul so now i think i have it out of my system, which is a good thing. I probably could have complained as even the dry biscuits were softish, but i know even in Dubai some of the savoury biscuits aren’t that crispy – so i let it go. I think we have always had nicer cheeses in the fridge at home. That brings me to a question, how is my baby fridge?
One morning five of us (from the crew) were picked up at 8 and we went on a 4hr safari. It was great to get out in the African savannah, even though it made me feel like watching The Lion King, yet again. Being cold here most of the animals had migrated, yet by the end of the trip i was still satisfied with what we saw. The closest animals we managed to get to, were several giraffes, one in particular, which we got few meters away from. It was a little scary at times as the tour bus we had, which had the open pop top, sounded terrible and with all the bumps on the paths, i thought we were going to loose a tire or even worse half the side of the van. It was very interesting.
Favourite Event:
The highlight of the safari however was an absolute classic. We stopped at a park site were there were facilities to cook a barbeque. Here i found it most amusing as we found a sign, “beware of the baboons.” As we all mucked around and began acting like monkeys, or better for me i defiantly was the true ranga and i think i pulled it off!!! But then out of nowhere came the baboons. They must have done this before, as they went straight for the van, through the opening in the roof, for a search for food. We had all left our bags in the van luckily they were all zipped shut. The baboon scratched and scratched at our bags trying to open them to go through our things. As this failed, we came to our next problem, trying to get it out of the car. One of the girls on the tour actually hates all animals, and fears them like i have never seen before. The only reason she did this is because she thought in the car she was safe and away from any physical contact from them. I think it was to add a tick to your ‘to do before u die list.’ It was so funny watching her. After opening all the doors and waving around a few branches out came the baboon and in we jumped. I don’t think we moved so fast all day. I got some great photos of this to show u.
So incloncusion: I WAS ATTACKED BY A BABOON!!!!!
From the safari we headed out to lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Nairobi called “Carnivore.” And yes, the name says it all. It was all about eating meat, meat, meat and some more meat. We ate Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Livers, Crocodile, Ostrige, Deer and more. After your first round of drinks they bring out a tiny tiny salad for the 5 of us to share, and a hot dinner plate, the ones that sizzle. From here they bring all kinds of meat to your table and offer it to u off of the largest squers i have seen in my life. In the centre of the table was a spinning wheel full of different condiments each dedicated to a different meat, and different style these meats were cooked in. It was delicious. I have always liked crocodile so it was in my top 3, in second place was the ostrige – never had i tried and i was really impressed and my favourite which i was very surprised about was the pork ribs. I never have been hot on pork and i hate eating off bones but with the delicious marinate it was cooked to perfection. For desert i had brandy snaps of course!!!! Always will if it is on any menu.
From lunch at Carnivore, we made our way to “Bomas of Kenya,” where we were taken on a mini tour of traditional Kenyan villages from years ago. I found this more interesting than the others which were with me, that i ended up walking of with the local tour guide learning and asking questions. I found it really intreeging, but i have always had a soft spot for anything African as u know. It was really interesting to learn not just about their housing but the relationships between different tribes from below Mombasa to North of Nairobi.
After this we went into a hall, it was more of a large arena where we watched local dance and song. The story was based on the transformation from African living years and years ago to having to go through changes when the white people invaded Africa, slavery then the evolving of the country and the people themselves. It was very, very interesting.
Back to the hotel we went, where i met some crew from the emirates flight which had recently just arrived. After talking with them for a while i found myself out to dinner with them at a place called “Casablanca.” I was so amazed when i walked in. It was a restaurant with a Mediterranean influence, i couldn’t believe there was a place like this, so glamorous in Nairobi, but every city has its secrets. It was so beautiful, lit by candles everywhere inside and out. It was defiantly fine dining so it was nice to treat ourselves.
From here we decided to go for another drink and we had heard of a nightclub about 2 blocks away from the hotel. So as we were leaving the foyer, the concierge and a female receptionist ran after me. They informed me not to talk my handbag and not to take any valuables or much money as they thought it would get it ripped off me. Realizing this i headed back to my room, and decided to have a night in, rather than trying to make a night out of nothing. The danger side is not what scared me, but there are always necessities in a chicks handbag and without this i was naked. Plus a night off the turps is good for me at the moment.....
Although on my stay i did try their local beer called ‘Tusker.’ It claims to be the finest quality lager, and i did enjoy it even though one night it turned me very silly!!!! Hehehehe, ok i was a bit loose!!! I even ended up at the Casino, which i never ever do... and don’t wish to do anytime soon. Learnt a few games but!!!!!
The other things that made me laugh from Nairobi are:
At home we have the petrol brand Mobile, however in Nairobi it is called Kobile??? – get it, i thought it was funny and maybe its stupid, whatever!!!!! I think its a Kenyan thing???? We don’t call it Aobile??? Nor SAobile????
Also the slogan for advertising Coca Cola is: Coca Cola Available in 3 sizes...... yep thats it????? Thats the best they got!!!! And also on the coke topic, when u order a coke in Nairobi, they ask if u want it hot or cold???? What the hell??? Apparently it has something to do with in different weather they drink it different ways. But this still doesn’t make sense because even though Africa can get hot, it doesn’t get very cold either. Nairobi is 8,000ft above sea level so the heat is far from extreme, so what’s with the hot and cold coke????
Favourite Purchase:
Earings made of coconut and bone, generally i don't support animal products but this time i failed, hey im in Africa!!!
KWAHERI (bye in Africance)
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