Not only is this Day 1 of my time in Africa, but this is also Day 1 of me giving into the pressures of social networking, modern-day communication, and my mother, and writing my first blog. I'll try not to make it as cheesy as the title might indicate, but if it is going in that direction please let me know. Also, if it seems like I have deliberated over every word and item of punctuation, it's because I have and I can't help it.
I got into Nairobi late last night after an easy trip from Chicago through Amsterdam. I was a bit nervous coming here, so I watched a couple movies and had a couple beverages on the plane to make those feelings disappear. (BTW, check out Un Prophete http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Prophet - one of the best movies of the year...think Shawshank meets Lock Stock meets Goodfellas prison scene with Uncle Pauly slicing the garlic so thin it would liquify in the pan with just a little oil.) My fears were put to rest when I got off the plane and my bags and driver, Aaron, were waiting. For an extra $3,000 Kenyan Shillings, Aaron gave me a late-night tour of Nairobi's City Center, and some priceless advice (don't take your iPhone out of your pocket and stay away from the "night girls").
We arrived at my hotel shortly thereafter: a 4-room B & B that mothers only dream about. The hotel is situated in Gigiri, a safe neighborhood just a short walk from the UN Compound where I'll be working and surrounded Embassies from several other countries. The grounds of the hotel are lush and beautiful and they offer free wifi so I'm in no rush to leave. My only major hold up - I'm not sure if I can put the T.P. in the toilet or if it has to go in the garbage (as I've been told) because the flush is too weak, and I'm too embarrassed to ask. It's a lose lose situation any way you look at it. Other then that, I'm happy to be here and looking forward to exploring the city. I am going to take a nap now under my lovely white mosquito net. Thank you for reading.
We arrived at my hotel shortly thereafter: a 4-room B & B that mothers only dream about. The hotel is situated in Gigiri, a safe neighborhood just a short walk from the UN Compound where I'll be working and surrounded Embassies from several other countries. The grounds of the hotel are lush and beautiful and they offer free wifi so I'm in no rush to leave. My only major hold up - I'm not sure if I can put the T.P. in the toilet or if it has to go in the garbage (as I've been told) because the flush is too weak, and I'm too embarrassed to ask. It's a lose lose situation any way you look at it. Other then that, I'm happy to be here and looking forward to exploring the city. I am going to take a nap now under my lovely white mosquito net. Thank you for reading.
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