Sorry for the long delay between posts, I had a busy couple of days here exploring...
Since the last time you heard from me, I managed to have fallen in love. Her name is Agnes - she is 20 with a baby girl and works as one of the housekeepers here. We are to be married next month.
No I'm just kidding mom, nothing like that would never happen to one of your sons!
There is a housekeeper named Agnes, though, and she is very sweet. Everyone at the hotel is kind. They are happy to see you and it to be seems genuine, a feeling you don't necessarily get at some hotels back home. The 3 other guests here are all UN as well: Abida, from Islamabad, Tuntu from South Africa, and Paulius, a large jolly bearded man from Lithuania. They have been all over the world and spout off acronyms like you wouldn't believe. I just try and absorb as much as possible hoping that one day I can keep up. Paulius and Tuntu are both having their families move here soon. Abida is on a 4-month assignment and will be staying at the hotel.
Yesterday I went to the Nairobi Hospital to receive my immunizations for Meningitis, Typhoid Fever and Polio. I waited get them done here because I knew I would not be at immediate risk of exposure and I was told that they would be a fraction of a cost that they are in the states (true). I also heard the Nairobi Hospital was one of the best in the region, even the president and prime minister use their facilities. Still, I couldn't shake my pre-conceived notions about getting injections in Africa. No matter how irrational it may be, I considered walking out at the last minute, before I finally manned up. I did, however, pay close attention to the process: the needles and vaccinations were stored in a refrigerator and newly packaged in boxes. I felt like an idiot asking the nurse what country the vaccines were shipped from, like it really made a difference. Either way, everything went well and so far I am in the clear...
After that I had my driver (who waited outside for me) take me on a scenic route through different parts of the city. It is divided into tons of small areas, "estates", which seems to have their own unique characteristics. I read on wiki that the population of Nairobi was around 3 mil, but my driver and another friend both say it's really over 6, with several million living in the slums. He took me through an area called Westlands where there are giant shopping malls and night life. When he finally dropped me off at home, he was very reluctant to accept my $1.00 tip. I probably should've checked ahead time, but apparently tipping is not expected here. It is likely included in most cab fares, meals, etc and really only given out for "exceptional" service.
I also went out looking for an apartment yesterday. I didn't find one and the walk turned out to be like 5 miles longer than I had expected. In several places there are huge groups of 20+ men just sitting along the side of the road as I walk past - I'd be lying if I said I don't get a little nervous. If you haven't stopped reading yet, here is an article I found about being white (or not black) in Kenya. It is pretty corny but may provide some perspective:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/64547/being_white_in_kenya_pg2.html?cat=16
I start work on Monday and am still trying to figure out how to watch the Bears game. I might have to watch it delayed so please no score updates. Other then that, I am looking forward to my first weekend and nights out in Nairobi. I will surely report back.
By the way, not to rub it in, but I attached a picture the balcony that is attached to my room where I am writing from. It didn't come out great because the big palm tree is in the way and the sun is just so perfectly warm and wonderful. Enjoy.
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