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!!!!
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Monday 20 December 2010
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!
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!
Saturday 18 December 2010
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
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 |
Sunday 5 December 2010
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!
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