Driving home for Christmas...

Yesterday I made a playlist for Christmas, and one of the songs was, "Driving home for Christmas". No way did I imagine then that I would be doing just that a day later! Very spur of the moment decision, but well, I have been described as reactive before, so better live up to it! Ridiculously excited!! Not sure sleep will happen! Especially as I need to be up in 3 hours... Packing was very quick though, it helps that I have very few clothes here that are suitable to wear in freezing snowy weather!

So bring on the McDonalds!!!!

Africa rocks but I do miss....

I've been in Africa for over 4 months now and am loving it. It has really flown!! Was thinking today about the things that I really miss about UK living and that I still struggle to get used to. Think this is inspired by all the snow stories/photos right now, and although it sounds a nightmare and incredibly cold, I am kinda envious about how festive and Christmassy it is. So after a few hours on my veranda (gotta rub it in!!) I gave in! Wearing summer clothes, I now have all the windows and doors open, yet am curled up under a blanket watching a Christmas dvd just so I can feel a lil more like I am on holidays from school in this special season and also cos I got bored of doing my planning!! Also happily munching on British chocolate-thanks Mum!

So, apart from of course my gorgeous friends and family, I really miss:

Drinking water from the tap. It surprises me sometimes that I still automatically go and fill a glass only then to remember I can't drink it!

Having hot showers any time. I have to forward plan here, and often forget-the worst being when I'm already in the pool and realise it's a cold shower on my return or a 40minute wait!

Walking anywhere!!

Going out at night without wearing mozzie spray. I get bitten so much! Apparently there are some local brands that aren't as strong smelling-I need to investigate. It is embarrassing when you get into a car and your friend coughs, then opens the window!!

Reasonable prices. Things are either so over priced and expensive in the shops (particularly candles, ridiculous!), or require heavy haggling in the markets.

Smooth roads, street lights and drivers who do not use their full beams unless it's foggy.

Good cheese!!! Oh man, it is just not the same. When I return I want to eat cheese every day, preferably for every meal, and with red wine!

Holiday antics

School broke up last Friday morning, well, not before the Kenyan/Junior school custom of cocktails at 9.30am whilst the kids are looked after by other staff members. I was struggling to walk in rather high heels by 10am and supervise the children swimming...was glad when the bell rang later that morning and we finished for the year. Secret Santa and the staff meal followed, before Hannah and I swiftly ran home to pack quickly and make our way to the train station. A lot of people have said that the overnight train to Mombasa is a must do experience of Kenya. When I ask, is it fun/luxurious/quirky/why a must do, the simple answer is, it is an experience. Well, with that in mind, and pre warning that the train often stops for no apparent reason or breaks down and to take enough water for 20-30 hours, Hannah and I excitedly boarded the train with a well stocked cool box of beers and chocolate (gotta love the Christmas presents from the kids).

We were advised to go first class so we had a private cabin with bunk beds. Hannah doesn't sleep very well, and I seem to have little problems, so I went on top, in a very narrow though comfy bed. It was only in the morning that we realised that is could be lowered-I had lil room between me and the ceiling and it was a bit claustrophobic at times!! A bell rings to tell you to go to the dining cart for the meal and it was here that you could definitely see signs of its former glory: table cloths, silverware, 3 course meals etc, but the food was, well, interesting. We had quite a giggle. The train was also quite jerky, so eating thin soup was a bit of a challenge!

At half 8 we went back to our carriage and I happily curled up in my small bunk...sleeping soundly for pretty much the next 12 hours. Starting to drink at 9.30am I was amazed to have lasted so long! I missed the bell for breakfast, and didn't notice Hannah leave to go and umm, enjoy, maybe more, have hers. We're not sure why, but both had it in our minds that we would arrive at 10am, so when we pulled into blisteringly hot Mombasa at 11.30, we thought the train had been quite punctual, and not actually 3 hours late! The relief to do the journey in under 20hours and finally get out and start our holiday!

We then travelled up to Watamu where we spent a few days amazed by how many crabs there were, and generally enjoying lounging and relaxing on the beach. The Kenyan coast is beautiful. We visited a colleague one evening who has a house on the coast and were very excited to learn that Johnny Depp is one of the former guests! Kenya is so far away from the celebrity obsessed craze that I am used to living in, so any sightings, or links really do excite me (ooh, on that note, I did see Nigel Havers the other night, he did have to be pointed out to me, and also explained as I didn't recognise him, but still, cool!!)

I flew back last night, and it is so nice to be back in Nairobi! I was particularly excited to get back and open an incredible suitcase filled with shoes, dvds and chocolates! Thank-you to all for contributing! My fridge is now well stocked with nail varnish and chocolate but little else-need to go to the supermarket later!

The Christmas spirit is still not with me fully, though I did appreciate the random decorations appearing on the coast. This Santa was a particular favourite hehe

Hannah with our favourite Santa with unfortunately placed light bulbs

Frosty the snowman

Well, it's my first Christmas season in Kenya. Don't think I have ever felt less Christmassy! It is warm and sunny, yet Christmas lights and decorations are sprouting up-very surreal! The Junior school performed their Christmas concert on Friday and I did find it very funny when one of their songs was Frosty the Snowman! Not sure what I can do to get in the spirit-Carols al fresco on picnic blankets, craft fairs which you go to wearing sun cream and sunnies, mulled wine?? (Have had one glass, was very nice, but I would have preferred a glass of Pimms!!!)We'll see....I've still got a few weeks to get into it!

Kibera

How fast time goes....it has been a busy few weeks with report writing and rugby supporting (poor Wales-hopefully 2011 will be more successful!). Life here is very good. My school is fantastic, I have a gorgeous house, and have made some nice friends. Yet I've been struggling the last few weeks with how non-African it is and how I really could be living anywhere. I live in a very safe, rich, bubble having a pretty much Western lifestyle. As lovely as it is, it is not what I came to Africa for.

So, after a few soul searching tears as to what I should do, I spoke to my friend Polly about a project she set up in Kibera, the biggest sum in Nairobi. I had been in twice before, and although it is a massive eye opener, I enjoyed my two visits. It is a remarkable place, a whole community within Nairobi with churches, shops, and thousands of homes.

Kibera

So I went into the educational centre yesterday with Polly. I drove Vixy in-I have new respect for this car! It was a rainy day, so it was very muddy, with roads that sloped in all sorts of changing directions yet still complete with bumps and potholes. She did well! Reached a new top speed of 83km/h which I thought was incredible until I converted it into mph and realised I still, as my driving instructor told me, drive like an old woman! I met some of the volunteer teachers who work in the centre and found out a bit about what I could get involved in and how I could be of help. We took in some teddies (an old Poppit-brought back some fond sisterly memories!) and art supplies and the children were so pleased. Their eyes lit up when they saw the soft toys. Next week we are going in to do some Christmas activities, and then I will go in weekly/fortnightly from the new year to work with small groups. I completely fell in love with the children and was very happy when a young boy who looked a bit under the weather just wanted to sit and cuddle whilst the teaching was going on. Such a cutie!! Feel really excited about it and am so keen to start doing some worthwhile work out here. Am starting Swahili lessons in the new year too so will be a good opportunity to practise!

Check out the website for more info: http://kiberampiramtaani.org/education

Trip to the police station

My friend Hannah sadly had her bag stolen last night so I went with her today to the police station to report it. What an experience!!!

We were there over an hour, generally repeating ourselves and helping the policeman word the report. I had to stop myself from getting the giggles at the ridiculousness of the situation many times. He asked the funniest, most obvious and repetitive questions and it was so hard to stay focussed and keep patient!

He popped out at one point and I could not resist getting a few pics of the investigation room. It was simply unbelievable!!

Kenyan filing cabinet

Important police files

This is where our esteemed police man sat....as he went to sit down he reached for a police file from the "filing cabinet" and used it as a cushion!

The best part was on leaving he asked for Hannah's number and suggested he came in to school to see her-as long as she picked him up! There were actual tears in my eyes!!

Anyone not seen me in my pjs tonight?!

One of the first things pointed out to me when I arrived in Kenya was the security buttons. Each house has them, usually in every room and once pressed they summon armed guards within minutes. Tonight was the first time I pressed it….. this is probably my most promptly written blog post-not sure sleep will come very easily to me tonight…..

Just to give you some background on my house here: the windows all have metal bars on them, the doors all individually lock, and I have a metal barred door that separates the bedrooms from the living space that is padlocked each night. The house is very secure!! Can I just add that it is also a lovely house, I have made it sound like a prison, it isn’t, it is the sweetest thing, just very secure!

Well, lying in bed tonight (on Halloween I might just add) I heard noises….kept saying to myself, “If I hear it again I will press the button….” But I didn’t, I waited, listening intently getting more and more freaked and coming up with more elaborate scenarios of what was causing the strange noises. Eventually I convinced myself that someone had amazingly managed to open the windows and squeeze through the bars and was wandering round my living room (probably gutted that there is so little of any value to steal, trunk excluded!). I pressed the alarm then rang the askaris (the guards on campus) for them to be alerted too, but they very conveniently hadn’t charged their phones (this recurring issue will be addressed first thing tomorrow so I hear). I then rang Simon, my current favourite neighbour. Poor Simon, 11.30pm on a Sunday night….he thought it was a prank call as I was whispering and crying, trying not to alert my intruders that I was awake and had raised the alarm. Once I had convinced him that I wasn’t joking (seriously, just because I like to be silly and often do joke, where is the faith?!) he came round. I was so frightened, and the 30 seconds it took for him to get to me felt like a lot longer…it is amazing how imagination runs away with you! Having to unlock so much doesn’t aid speediness! I had so many scenarios of poor Simon being slain! He kindly and calmly took me for a lil walk to put my mind at ease….I was feeling very foolish as we wandered round the back of the house and all was silent…until we got to my veranda and there was an askari sitting happily in my chair! He had knocked the bars a few times accidentally and coupled with general animal noises as well as having a tin roof-anything falling on it can make quite a sound-had played havoc with my imagination! Simon and I were then met by armed security guards running over to check out the area in response to me pressing the alarm, a bit embarrassing really, but then at least there had been someone outside my house making the noises! We are strongly encouraged to always press the alarm if we are scared, but it is hard to do, as you don’t want to cause a fuss or cry wolf. Def got more confidence to press it again now, and more faith in the security as they were so fast tonight. Also got massive respect for Simon’s bravery and patience! Bet he loves the arrival of 3 girls on campus-we have replaced 3 guys-he hasn’t been called out before!

Simon offered me whiskey as a calming night cap….we wandered back to his house, and to my delight he had run out of tonic….but he did have chocolate! What a good friend!

I am now sitting in my house with: all the lights on, a slight sugar rush from the chocolate, freshly manicured nails and blaring boy band tunes (the least scary music!), waiting for the adrenaline to subside and tiredness to return! Gotta love the African adventures!

Amboseli-first ever camping safari!!

For half term my friend Hannah and I decided to go on a little adventure to Amboseli. Hannah had bought a car a week earlier, so after lots of scrounging for camping equipment we packed up the car and off we set. I sensibly took only camping clothes-heels and make up stayed behind....so how on earth did the car look like this-a 3 day camping trip for two people?!

We set off on various roads, guided by a map scribbled out by a friend, which contained just 4 turnings....amazingly we arrived safely!  Our journey wasn't without adventure though....going to the toilet was one.... after several hours on the road, it was time for a toilet break, by toilet I mean tree.....well, that would be fair enough if the trees weren't incredibly thin and sparse en route. We drove on. Bumpy roads-didn't help! Eventually a sort of bank appeared that we thought could work. Getting up the sandy bank without fits of giggles was a feat in itself, which was rewarded by a load of thorns. Hannah, the experienced camper went first and was soon back in the car, scratch free. I made the mistake of not only scratching my hands and legs badly, but looking around to see lots of Maasai tribal people around, watching.... Let's just say I ran down pretty fast and we speedily drove off. 

Amboseli is beautiful. Kilimanjaro is visible and it is very open terrain so easy to see the animals. I got to see my first elephant and hippo in the wild!!

Kilimanjaro in the background!

So cool, hippos at last!!

It was lush driving around and spotting hyenas, lions, giraffe....there were so many animals, it was brill! My fav pic had to be zebras, find them fascinating.

Zebra bottoms!

I don’t think Hannah realised just how inexperienced I was when it came to camping, but she patiently took it in her stride, and together we managed to put up our tent, and it stayed! Was a very proud achievement! Not sure I will ever become a seasoned camper, but was fun!

Starting out on our morning game drive

Kenyan roads

Had a great few days in Amboseli, lots of fun, and cool to navigate there using a map drawn by a friend-it involved 4 turns-yet took 7 hours, amazing!!! Gotta love the Kenyan road system. Will explain all about the first camping safari (first time camping in 17 years!!) soon, but thought I should elaborate about the roads and explain how confusion may arise when it comes to what off road actually means!!

Here is quite a typical road:

Notice the crazy lane system, it is pretty much a free for all, especially if you are a matatu driver or have serious Kenyan attitude (it develops pretty fast so I hear)!!

So, you can understand my surprise when we were driving back from Amboseli and this road looked like this: 

It was amazing to see lines on the road!! And it was so smooth, could actually listen to music without it being on LOUD!!! What a beauty!!

The Vixen has arrived!

So, after quite a few years.....I am back on the road (well kinda, got sort insurance yet!). My car arrived today, she is lush, such a cutie, and a lot sportier than I remembered-it has been 5 weeks since I bought her!

She is called The Vixen, or Vixie, as I got a lil confused by her being a Vits, and thought she was a Vix, anyway, it suits her!! First time driving an automatic today (around the car park), it's weird!!

Off to Amboseli tomorrow for a lil safari adventure...hoping to see elephants and maybe even a leopard.... apparently it's a great place for spotting the Big Five, so fingers crossed!

Monkey bars have a whole new meaning

Can't believe how animaly this blog is!!

This week has been good, though there have been a few surprises...trying to be less jumpy. Got out of the shower a few days ago to hear a massive crash, looked into my living room to find a giant monkey sitting on the fireplace. I shrieked!!!! Such a random sight. It jumped across the worktops and squeezed through the grates on my kitchen window-was worried it'd get stuck!! Did not want to have to push a fat monkey's bottom through the bars on my window! Ran outside after it to find my neighbours with catapults and doubled over with giggles at the ridiculousness of the situation. The monkey had done the rounds of the houses. What joy!!

Last night I saw a giant spider and a gecko as I got into bed....can't say I slept very easily! Generally my house is, well, was gonna say animal free, but that isn't true-the chickens kept wandering in today, and the warthogs have got as far as the veranda...

A warthog eating the chicken food outside my neighbour's house

On Friday evening, I went on a little game drive in the National Park opposite the school. Saw a lion about 5m from the car, was amazing!

The game park is so cool. It is the only game park in a city, so you can sky scrapers in the background!

It's a lush way to spend a Friday afternoon unwinding!

Today shall be called Trunk day!!

Well, after rather frequently tracking my trunk after its customs clearance on Sunday evening, excitement levels have been high, and today was the expected day for delivery, but this is Kenya.... Still, when I wrote the date on the board today, I added: - trunk day?! Fortunately by half past ten the question mark had been rubbed off, it had arrived!!! The kids were as excited as I was, and there were lots of shrieks! One teacher came in to ask what was going on as she thought someone was in pain! Sadly at break time though I couldn't find it! Was so gutted, and came plodding back to class when someone recommended the bursar's office.....I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to see it, all covered in torn fragile tape, and looking, well, quite a sorry sight really!!!

It looks so teeny here...oh the anticipation!!

Two kind guards carried it home for me,

Massively over exposed, but oh, the excitement of it finally coming home!! It was an incredibly hot and bright day today too!

and my house girl watched as I happily unpacked/threw things out of it, each with more delight and excitement!

The celebrations continue tonight with the official trunk party! It is good to be reunited!

My kids were adorable....on Wednesday I entered my classroom to see ribbons, flowers, cakes, party poppers and streamers, and party we did!!

Birds, bribes and bumps!

Well, yesterday was an interesting one involving lots of newbies! I went out for the day with a friend, and as we were driving along we were hailed down by the police. Always a pleasure! Don't worry was all I was told! Hmmm… What followed was a rather long conversation in Swahili, then the police man getting into the car.....a little drive, then us pulling over, and more Swahili, before the policeman turned and asked me if I understood the language. I sat there silently, before my friend prompted me to speak hehe I just didn't know what the right thing to do was! Hehe looking back, responding to a police officer is always a good idea, and generlaly the right one no matter which situation or country! I told him that I spoke about 5 words, and was then worried that he would test me, so was desperately practicing them in my head! After a few more minutes of Swahili, there was a little money exchange, and the policeman jumped out of the car and happily waved us goodbye.....no trip to the police station as threatened, and no repercussions. So, I witnessed my first bribe….was kinda sad as well as random, though good to see how the system works!

Well, finally on our way, we headed to an ostrich farm just outside of Nairobi, where we ordered some ostrich steak. I had actual butterflies-have been looking forward to tasting it since abandoning my vegetarianism (can hardly remember what that was like btw!) Ostrich was absolutely delicious, less chicken-like than others had described, but then isn’t everything?! Was a little put off by a lil after lunch wander round the farm to then see loads of ostrich. They are massive; some of them were abut 10 feet tall. I politely declined an offer to ride one (did enjoy giggling at others riding round on them)-thought that it was a bit unfair to clamber onto one when I still had fellow ostrich in my tummy!

Instead of driving back along the main route, we went off road. It was so much fun!! I drove quite a bit of the way-my first time driving off road, and there were def a few hairy moments as we had to cross rivers and avoid boulders, but was brilliant! Loved it! My Kenyan friend got a lil offended when I excitedly exclaimed that it was my first time driving off road when I left the tyre tracks, and went across a field. “Hannah, we have been off road for the last hour!” To be completely honest, and those with experience of Kenyan roads will understand this, some of the roads in the city are mere tyre tracks, and are incredibly bumpy and boulder filled too, so it was difficult to know what the real term 'off road' meant! It was great driving a big 4x4, was my second time and I have more seriously thought of getting one, but think a small city car is better for now. I still anxiously and excitedly await getting my car (gotta love Kenyan bureaucracy….3 weeks down, how many more to go is anyone’s guess!) though my new car is about as opposite to a big 4x4 as you can get out here! The lil thing, affectionately nicknamed Vixen (she is a Vits) will NOT be going off road, I am worried enough about how she will cope maneuvering the roads and potholes of the city! Can't wait to get her though.

Animal spotting

How fast time has gone.....the last few weeks have been really good and animal filled, though in more planned, expected and fun ways! Been on a few game drives; in Nairobi and Nakuru National Park. Saw my first lion, was very cool!!!

The flamingos in Lake Nakuru were incredible, a stunning sea of pink, there were hundreds. The wildlife here is just amazing.

A week ago we went to the Elephant orphanage opposite our school and saw lots of very cute baby elephants. I am really not an animal lover, but it sucks you in here, and you can't help but get excited about seeing a rhino, or a field full of zebra (my current favourite animals, the stripes are just so funny!) I was quite reluctant to touch the elephants, but did rather briefly pat one on the head! Wasn't expecting them to be hairy but then am hardly an animal expert to know what to expect!

Settling into the school routine, and really enjoying it. Started running before work-decided it was time I battled the altitude! It is harder definitely, but is starting to get easier. Can't see me doing any marathons over here though..... Loving the pool too though it is freezing at first, and so hard to jump in! Guess it makes the first few lengths faster though.

My trunk is in Kenya...still at the airport though....it's being scrutinized by Kenyan customs.....oh dear, sure they will be enjoying the Stephen Jones caricature! It is expected on Friday.....trying not to get hopes up yet, Kenyan bureaucracy is well....intense!!

Get real pangs of homesickness, and think of you all a lot and giggle, but settling in and really enjoying it. It feels more and more like home. Planning a lil explore for half term, and keen to see more of this beautiful country-animals included, bring on the leopard sighting!!

Malaria?? Ummm....no actually

Well, I got sick! Looking back it was kinda inevitable. I was exhausted and hadn't stopped for weeks, but was still rather upset and shocked to get struck down! After a few days I went to the Dr and was prodded and poked, then told I more than likely had malaria (60+bites in Tanzania and full symptoms). There were tears, I realised then how far away mum was! But, 6 hours later, a phone call discounted malaria and so, on 15 tablets a day and bed rest I was to recover! The funniest thing was how much the Doctors and pharmacists blamed the weakness of my choice of anti malarials, and made me feel so silly for stocking up on them....I now swear by them!! Totally fine now thankfully. The staff here were amazing, and really looked after me. Not exactly the best first impression made to some, but is a bit of a giggle now!

A sad consequence of being ill though is my feelings towards meat since getting better. I've had it once, and really can't face it now. Missed out on a night in Carnivore, so yet to try crocodile and ostrich, but we'll see whether that actually happens. Gonna take it a day at a time, but feel maybe I had a two week lapse and am now back to being veggie, feel gutted though, had such a positive response to my meat consumption both here and from the UK, well apart from Patrick, though some good points were raised!! hehe

Term started today. The ten children in my class so far are lush, was a fun day. A lot of readjustment, especially when a dog wandered in at playtime, and I had to call on a lil 7 year old to sort him out for me hehe good way to meet the kids and make them feel brave I think! Questions today, well the first was regarding my weight-always a delight!! The next load, seriously, load were about my tooth, so funny! The kids are so funny, want to know everything-each day I get a load more questions-even got asked for my mobile number!! So cute though.

Biggest current adjustment is probably to my house girl. She is amazing, and a massive help, but it is weird having someone come in and wash, clean up etc. I can imagine your bemused, maybe even confused faces right now, telling me to appreciate it, and believe me, not washing up any more is pure bliss, but coming home to re organised wardrobes, toiletries, even folded underwear (!!) is a re adjustment! Sure I'll get there....

Adjusting and falling in love

Zanzibar was stunning. The most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, I cannot think of how they could be more perfect. Had a lush few days relaxing with my friend, Laura. Even met a Ryan Giggs lookalike, amazing! Always great to see a familiar face!

The meat consumption has continued.....now includes beef, octopus and squid-had never even eaten those before!! There have been a few comments about how obsessed I now am, but I have two years to catch up on, and am loving how free range everything is, so trying to keep the guilt down low! Hoping to add ostrich and crocodile to the list this week..... It was just gonna be a Tanzania thing, then a pre working thing, but now I am wondering how I can live in Africa without meat. Not sure if it's the whole 2 years without it, or just the sheer quality, but it is amazing and fills my thoughts regularly hehehe

I've spent the last few days in Nakuru with Zoe, who lives here. It is absolutley gorgeous. Very chilled, surrounded by mountains, and filled with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, impala....and so it continues. Loving being in Africa. Have just been haggling in the markets trying to get things for the house. Yesterday I almost cuddled a dog, it's def coming. Managed to spend longer stroking them anyway. Had just been to a friend's house for the most awesome fresh beef burgers though, so possibly was due to an extreme state of contentment and relaxation! Zoe is impressed with my growth, and how my anxiety levels are either better hidden or reducing!

So as to give a balanced view.....I miss my shoes-dreamt about them last night! Have had generally very cold showers since arriving, got pretty bitten on the coast, the Internet is slow, and there are actual monkey traps on my school campus!!!! Still I love it and am so happy and excited to be here.

Animals-wet knees and chicken burgers

So....arrived in Nairobi to a power cut-fortunately a few weeks living on the mountain has got me used to them hehehe Was good to be back, and the family I stayed with were good fun. The last few days though have been characterised by wet knees.....everyone has dogs-check out the plural! I made the mistake of wearing skirts, and so have had wet knees almost constantly much to everyone's amusement! Why do dogs want to slobber everywhere?! Trying hard to be calm round all the animals, and even pat them on the head, but apparently my anxiety is very obvious and amusing to everyone. Never mind. Give me a few months and I will be a Dr Dolittle!

Came to Zanzibar yetserday after an 18 hour bus ride-oh my word!!! It is stunning here, really beautiful place. Last night something came over me. Wish I could blame extreme starvation, serious intoxication, or even peer pressure, but none are valid. I saw someone eating a burger and was desperate for one! I tried to resist, tried to reason, but to no avail. It may just be a blip....but man, it was a  delicious blip....we will see, had forgotten how incredible chicken tastes. Has Africa broke me already?! We will see....may just eat meat on Zanzibar.....drooling just looking at this pic again though....

Off to the beach today for some chill out time. Had a lil look round my new school and was a lil nervous to see monkey traps....need to be calm for arrival!

Dubai...city of superlatives!

So...the adventure has begun! Arrived in Dubai last night. Very impressed with Emirates-fresh flowers on board, and a free Hello magazine-brilliant! Nairobi's gonna be quite a change tomorrow!!! The airport alone was so huge and modern, took me ages to find the exit! My friend, Trevor picked me up and we went on a lil drive-gorgeous place, massive skyscrapers everywhere,  the buildings are incredible! Unbelievably hot though, freaked me out that it was the middle of the night and already boiling, fortunately modern cities have got air con!
Had a lil wander round today, saw the world's tallest building, and hotel, and aquarium....this city does not do things second best!! The shopping centres are crazy big. We walked through one today and there was an ice rink inside-surrounded by shops, and of course, the world's biggest aquarium. Completely surreal! Didn't realise how close Dubai was to Nairobi, so would be good to return and see more another time. How the wanderlust continues....

Waiting for flight to Nairobi now, still in surreal mode, but excitement's mounting! Great to catch up with people en route though, and looking forward to starting life in Africa!

It's all about the trunk!!

A few weeks ago I was chatting to mum about what I should use to send my things out to Kenya. She suggested a trunk.....oh dear, how old fashioned were my first thoughts! I was surprised to then read on the freight website that it is the recommended object! Sorry mum! So, after a few days in Newtown, I inherited my Grandmother's trunk and fell in love with it instantly. Already I feel we have been through a lot together. Our first journey together, and the beginning of our adventures down south was to Cardiff and can be simply described as amazing! I have never had so many people want to come over and chat about luggage before! People wanted to hold it, touch it, find out about its history-I am sure a few people took cheeky photos...ok maybe not, but it has become quite a photographed object since! Do have a slight trunk injury on my knee from swinging it too much on the train-trying to demonstrate that it wasn't that heavy, but if anything it just adds a lil bit more to our relationship!

Receiving my first trunk with Grandpa!

Well, I now have two trunks...it's amazing how one has become two! Have also been quite successful trunk spotting-even finding them used as coffee tables in restaurants-awesome idea, and may well be what mine becomes for a couple of years in Nairobi. Not everyone understands the trunk fever, so hopefully a couple of pics will help share the trunk love!! Enjoy!!

Poor Rich, the excitement of seeing and also touching a trunk distracted him from looking at the camera!