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Adventures from Here and There

Soroti, Dokolo, Amolatar and Kampala October 29, 2011

Filed under: Projects in Countries — travelchokri @ 9:52 pm
Tags: , , , , , ,

 Uganda – the land of the red soil and lush green pastures. What an intense but great trip. I was out in the field for 4 days, doing site visits, meeting with all sorts of people and having meetings with the organization that funds our programmes. The last two days were spent training programme officers and teachers on how to write good texts. I was not sure how people were going to react, as some parts that I had planned felt perhaps too basic to me. But I learned that all was appreciated, even the basic stuff. I guess sometimes what we think is ‘known,’ is really not to others. The  people in general, that I met along the way, were wonderful. Beautiful. I have never felt a connection to the country before this trip. A few specific moments made my eyes watery. I guess Uganda is my third home. My mother’s home.

The Shoe Project continued in Uganda (read more on this at the end of this blog). Many people were happy. As in Kenya, as we drove to different areas and noticed people without shoes, we stopped to ask people why they were not wearing any. This lead us to determine whether or not someone needed a pair. One woman danced after putting hers on. She got down on her knees and prayed. I did not feel comfortable with the women going down on their knees. We had some confused people too. Why were we asking them where their shoes were? What did we want in return? We encountered an angry man today. We did not give him shoes because he had a pair. He followed us to our next stop, where we met 3 women and a man without any. He told us if we did not give him a pair, he would call the police! Then we had a blind man asking us for a spare pair. Something interesting to note – in Kenya there were equal amounts of men and women that did not have shoes. In Uganda, 9 in 10 men had shoes, while 2 in 10 women did. Research project??  We went through Lira this time to get back to Kampala, rather than using Soroti. It still took about 8 hours! But that is because we stopped to talk to people and distributed shoes. But really, the driver just could not multi task. He could not talk and drive at the same time! I finally made it to the hotel at 10pm and I got my first, proper, hot shower in days!

There is a young woman that i have been training, etc. for the past 4 days, and it was not until our drive back to Kampala that I learned more about her. she was an orphan. her parents both passed away when she was young. she has a younger brother too, who is still in the orphanage. she left the place when she was 23, when she found someone to sponsor her to go to college. after college, she joined a young professionals development programme and soon after that, she was hired by one of our programmes. she found out a couple of years ago, that she is HIV positive, but  shedoes not want to take meds, as she thinks that will make her feel like she is sick. how do i get this woman to understand that taking the meds is a good thing for her? she also seems to believe that there is a cure for AIDS. gees, i went through this with the kids at the academy in Nairobi, after they watched the news, where a woman said she went to the villages and was cured. and our driver indicated to her that there is some german organization who thinks that they have found the cure! she has written her life story. i cannot wait to read it.

I felt a bit panicky in the late afternoon. I realized that there is still so much that I want to do, and half my life is over!

Driving through Uganda

I am in Kampala for 2 more days before I head back to Geneva.

     Oranges being sold on the side of the road.

october 30

wanted to sleep in. and could not. have the whole sunday off today, so i decided to go buy more shoes for the shoe project and leave it here with my people, so that they can distribute. went to bata, as it was around the corner. 20 minutes later, they still could no sort out the shoes that i wanted and honestly, it was only 20 pairs. so i left, asking them to coordinate amongst themselves so that when i come back in the evening, they are all there without any issues. the man that makes the carrot  juice at nakumatt told me to come back in 15 mins as it was not ready. of course, when i got back he realized he forgot about me, and they only have one blender, which was being used to make tropical juices. i decided to unwind at the serena. imagine, i think it is the only serena i have been to that charges an additional 50 percent on top of the spa prices if you are not staying there. and to use the internet for an hour you  must pay, even if you are going to eat lunch there, etc. i was pretty annoyed and of course, me being me, just decided to up and leave at the ridiculousness of the whole situation. i guess i just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. i did decide to leave the kindle aside and buy a real book, so that will get me through the rest of the day. i have seen a lot more mzungu women here who seem to have adopted black babies than i used to see in kenya. just an observation. i finally bought the photography book, ‘kampala’, which i first saw when i came here in 2006 and did not see again during my last visit.

 

Kwaheri Kenya October 23, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 11:00 am

today is the last day…tomorrow i head for uganda. many thoughts and feelings coming together right now –  some happy, some sad, some empty, some thankful, some overwhelming, some of satisfaction, some of excitment. who knows when i shall be back here. i will miss the sunshine. the water. the sand. i will miss the good people i met along the way during these 3 weeks. i will miss some of you. this time, it is really hard saying goodbye. KWAHERI my second home. I shall return.

 

Shoes and More October 21, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 6:52 pm

today was the last day of my work in kenya. the drive to kwale was long and bumpy, as always, when going out to the field. the sun was out early, blasting rays.  i suppose it is better than being caught in the rains , like the week before. the last 2.5 weeks in kenya have been fruitful. it is always nice coming back to mombasa, where i spent 2.5 years. nairobi meetings were intense. seeing friends that i made in the 3.5 years of living there was great.

there is a lot of good stuff happening on the ground in kenya. we still have a lot to do to get the reading and continuous assessment programme to where it should be. the 2 day training/workshop that i did with the teachers and programme officers was hopefully informative – and something that they can apply in their classrooms and schools. 

last week, as we drove from mombasa to the rural areas in kinango, about 3 hours away, i noticed that more than half the people i saw walking, were shoeless. how can one walk miles without shoes? jiggers, a disease which can be found in the foot, is a result for many. a few days ago i thought i would buy some shoes for the people of kinango and kwale. however, more than ‘some’ was required in order to help the  many shoeless people. i sent out a facebook message to friends and the response was great. several people have donated funds and more are intending to do so. i picked up a ton of shoes from bata and some local vendors, both. i picked up a range of shoes, from closed toed, flip flops, to ‘fancier’ and more supportive ones. today on the way to my ‘work’ programme areas, we distributed shoes to random men, women and children that we saw on the roads. we looked out for people who were walking around barefoot, stopped them, asked them why they were not wearing shoes, and if they did not have any, went through the process of helping them find a pair that fit. some individuals told us that they had shoes but left them at home today. for example, the man who had to climb the coconut tree, felt no need to bring his shoes along with him today. so we really were looking for those most in need.

we had some interesting responses from people.   a lot were too scared at first to stop and talk to the 3 men and myself in a pick up truck. what did we want? why were we asking them where their shoes were?! as they warmed up to us, we engaged in more conversation, soon finding out if a pair of shoes were needed. people were happy, thankful and confused. a couple of individuals asked what they had to give us in return. i guess getting new shoes from strangers is not common practice. i am happy to say that  most of them are going to pray for everyone who assisted in this project. there were some wonderful smiles and happy faces – giggles and laughter from 2 women that were walking miles to get to the main road. there was one woman who wanted a specific pair of shoes but we did not have her size. we offered her another pair but she did not want it. she wanted the small pair that didn’t fit her. we tried to explain that we could not give her a pair that was too small, as it would result in other physical problems. she ended up leaving without a pair. we met another older man who did not want to speak to us at first. then he became nice when he found out we had shoes. upon asking if i could take a picture of him, he said that it would cost me another pair of shoes! incredible. it was so nice to see so many people happy because of of individuals who were kind and big-hearted – so thank you to all that donated and to those that are still planning on it. we still have a lot more people to equip!

the final pair of flip flops went to….?? i left them on a long, dirt, windy road. someone lucky will find them!

this has been a great trip overall. it was an ‘eat’, ‘pray’ ‘love’ session. i ate well for the most part. i did pray as i made it to khane (mosque) often. it was kind of nice to be part of the ‘community’ for a short while. i do not have the opportunity to do that on my other work travels. and being in geneva, well the sense of community is non-existent for me there.  love; well, i guess if you count loving the work that i do with the foundation, well then that must count!

i am taking the weekend off to recuperate. i  head to uganda on monday for more field visits and trainings. the visits in uganda are always a bit more tough. i will take the idea of the ‘shoe project’ to that part of east africa with me.

2 men sporting their new shoes

 

Last Days October 16, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 12:34 pm

I have been in Nairobi since Tuesday night. I was not sure how I was going to feel about being back here, after my history and connection to this place. I must admit, it has been hard. I have hidden from the world for the most part, staying in my hotel in the evenings and going to work in the days. I did get out on Wednesday  for dinner and on Friday night, met with a few good friends and that was nice. I am looking forward to heading back to Mombasa, where the continuous pit in my throat or stomach feeling, will hopefully disintegrate. I find it peaceful there. And let’s hope that there will be sunshine, rather than the monsoons that I had been experiencing while I was there.

 

Bitter Sweet October 13, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 9:47 am

i am now in nairobi. here for meetings at the stanley hotel the last 2 days. some big suprises have been thrown in our direction and has caused some turmoil. not sure how i am feeling about being here again. this place and my past is not totally out of my system. mixed feelings about the last couple of days. happy and sad. i think i brought the mombasa rains with me here too! went for dinner last night. was nice. today i plan to fix my ugly feet by getting a pedicure.

 

Enough Rain Already! October 11, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 4:16 pm

who told it to rain as soon as i got to mombasa?! and we are talking monsoons! arrived on thursday 1am, so really friday, after many delays and baggage issues. went into work to discuss the plan for the next while on friday during the day. and then headed to my apt which i have rented out for 2 weeks, instead of staying in a hotel. met up with friends on friday and saturday after work. and sunday, the only tanning day, it poured all day!

this trip has been a bit tough so far. the field visits have been difficult in the rains. the traffic to and from kinango has been bad. the inside dirt roads that take us to the villages have been washed out or badly done in. the drive into the villages has been really bumpy. and we are walking through a lot of mud, etc to get to where we have to. i feel that my safety in some sense is almost being compromised. was i really expected to hop on the back of a motor bike on the rural roads for 5 km or more in the rain, without a helmet?? some of you recall me having some difficulty with knowing how far to go and not to go when in the field. this time i put my foot down though. at some point i felt like i was on one of those scary movies when we decided to walk part of the way in the deep ‘south’. the baboons we came across left us alone!

today it was decided that we would take a different route to the airport from the field so some papers could be dropped off. we were in a traffic jam for 3 hours. cars and massive trucks were going into the on coming traffic lane. we started to do the same. got blocked a couple of times. then one of the matatu drivers got angry and i think he was threatening the programme person i was with. then they noticed my luggage in the car and i thought great…we cannot even go anywhere to escape if they decide they want in. got to the airport a bit late so had to take the next flight and i am waiting for it now. the one i was supposed to take to nbo was delayed and i could have got onto that one. i have not had a hot shower since friday. yes friday. it is now tuesday. the water  takes a really long time to heat up at the apartment and i came to know that i have to run it for 10 to 15 mins after that…what a waste of water! i sit at the airport with mud on my feet. i did pull out a change of clothes from my suitcase to change into so feel better.

the plan is to be in nbo until monday morning. no field visits, but  meetings. a good change perhaps for a few days before heading back to mombasa and then the field in uganda. it is going to be a long one!

 

Geneva Stopover October 4, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — travelchokri @ 9:44 am

So I got back into Geneva last night. The flight seemed damn long. Had a stopover in Amsterdam, but only about 30 minutes, which was not great because I wanted to buy a pair of sunnies. I ended up buying Prada Candy though, which I love! I think I am getting sick because the man next to me coughed every 10 seconds, no joke. My throat is already sore.

The trip to Russia was good overall. It was not really a ‘field’ experience. A lot of good work is going on and the programmes are moving in the right direction. The people in the office were great. I got see a little bit of Moscow. Had way too many chai lattes. Survived the cold. Tried some Uzbeki food. Had some Russian goodies as well. Got lost. Wandered. Tried on fun furry things! Bought a really savvy Russian outfit. Did a shot of vodka. Picked up a few gifts, including a Russian hat for my grandfather. Watched Russian TV. Took a ‘gipsy’ taxi. Didn’t get hit by the tram. Went to a cool mall. Tried on thousands of 4 inch heels. Visited a couple of public libraries. Took some photos of this and that.

Now, 2 days before the East Africa trip. Unfortunately, I locked my closet as I always do when I travel, but cannot find the damn key now! So I will spend this evening searching for it. If I do not find it, then I will have to get someone to break the damn lock. How did I manage to do that? Just more work added to what I already have to do!

 

 

Rasputin September 23, 2011

Filed under: Travel — travelchokri @ 7:59 pm
day 10
 
went to Yekaterinburg for a night to see programmes related to RfC. Was becoming a bit difficult because noone spoke english and I sat through a 2 hour seminar, long discussions, meetings, all in russian or pamiran. S was great to translate, but since she was conducting the seminar, she could not translate then. it was cold, but not so bad. rainy. overall, the visit was tiring, but we know how to move forward! i leave this evening for Geneva.
 
day 7
 
anyone want a ‘pip’ show? or some rubs?
 
 
 

Inside Red Square

day 6

good meetings today. one with a central library and one with another ngo. there are just too many laws here that one  must follow and figure out in order to get any sort of programme running. ‘Russia for Russians’ was a term used. every building is super secure. keypad outside to get into the main building. then a bell to get into the office you want to get into.  met with a lovely lady at the ngo today, who was so enthusiastic and believed in the cause. we had tea in a little room that reminded me of a cottage with old saucers and plates. sort of like a home in london. spent a lot of time in the car.

finally made it to the city centre. red square. kremlin, etc. getting there was a mission though. i mean there is no english written anywhere. even the russian alphabet is different. i took the metro and there are no names on the wall at each station to let you know where you are. so i got to the right station and then getting out was a problem. i think there are 3 levels with trains in the stations and way too many people, that  you feel like you are in a can of sardines. fire hazard! so i followed the masses, thinking they would lead me out. instead i kept ending up on other platforms. finally, someone assisted me in english. i spent a good 20 minutes in the station going up and down escalators! i probably looked like a lost child.

now i have seen part of the city centre i suppose. not real busy. doesn’t feel like a ‘downtown’. ended up at GUM department store, of course. Names like Dior, Armani and Zara. found a cute cobblestone street with a starbucks, obviously. what can i say, free wifi and great music. the  man next to me is sketching a picture of two girls. he’s not bad actually.

the women here love their heels…like super high heels. and knee high boots.

i guess i need to figure out how to get back to the hotel now. that will be interesting.

 

day 5

The Madness of Moscow

A mixture of the new and old.

Tons of people everywhere,

Even a lady in only her underwear!

Colourful babushkas,

And everywhere hookahs.

Busy streets, lots of bustle,

Saucy ads, not much muscle!

Madness of Moscow.

day 4

first time on the moscow public transport. some of the stations are beautiful. high, old ceilings. where did all the people come from? non rush hour times are busier than london or new york rush hour. but i guess it is much bigger of a city with way more people. the first subway we got on felt like a rollercoaster. it was super fast and just had no control. next, a taxi. but not a legit one because i have not seen those yet. how do you flag a taxi? well you stand by the side of the road and stick your hand out, as you would in an other city, but random cars will stop. you then find out if they know where to go, negotiate a price and then hop into the stranger’s car! yes, that is what 3 of us did today. gypsy taxi as one of them said. very normal for the other 2 girls. of course, i would not do this on my own. then on the way back from our meeting, we took another form of transport, a van. a public van. the latter part of the afternoon was spent this way. my appetite is definitely back. im okay. had some really good sushi today. still cold. i will have to get into the central city area before the weekend, as then, im off to another are in russia for 2 days. people keep speaking russian to me.

check out the subway system

http://engl.mosmetro.ru/flash/scheme01.html

 day 3

parent workshop all day. good to see a few fathers out. difficult to sit through a whole day and not understand the language. translation is there, but even that sometimes becomes tiring. nothing superbly exciting to blog. found my second home…starbucks. having a chai and a red velvet cupcake. this is the first meal i have been able to finish in about a week and a half. appetite is gone. not such a bad thing i suppose. moscow is cold and gloomy. hoping to see more in the week.  life is full of surprises…some are alright….like a red velvet cupcake in moscow – even if it did not taste quite so.

day 2

long day. this is kind of different from being in the ‘field’, in that it is not quite in the field. cannot really say moscow is the ‘field.’ went to valdamir region, 3 hours there and 3 hours back. felt like a 10 hour drive. however, it was nothing like the beautiful drives through the mountains or the bumpy adventures on dirt roads. all i saw was highway.

tajikis/pamiris in russia are our focus for this particular programme. cute baby caught my attention after ages. nice visit. i thought kyrgyzstan was the only place i would get that traditional bread…but no…i had an authentic pamiri meal which consisted of that same bread! i had tea in a special cup today. it was a message to me, ‘my best wish is your happiness’. getting that cup today, from all days, was a nice way to get the message. i was not sure how i was going to feel today and that message came at the right time.

the funniest thing happened today. a lady at bp would not sell me water and toothpaste until the person filling gas in our car paid first. but he had already paid, and then she still wouldn’t ring me in. of course, i left my stuff on the counter and walked out. so strange.

tomorrow is sunday.  a full day workshop for parents.

 day 1

landed in moscow a little after 6, local time. a bit delayed. how do people not board their flight and still not make it to the aircraft in the time it takes to remove their bags off the plane? the traffic into town was brutal. first thoughts: not such a pretty place in terms of natural beauty. unless of course you count the russian women. concrete. new and old. skyscrapers scattered here and there. great 5 lane roads. many one way roads. bright signs. big malls. ikea. marks and spencer. no flowers. english is not a problem. interesting that every driver i meet here, or in kyrgyz is named alexander!

went to an indian restaurant for dinner. what a view. the moscow state university was the most magnificent building in the skyline.  there are 7 buildings (sister) that look the same. like…wow. this weekend is a full day to evening work weekend so tonight i had a briefing. the food was great and i have a much better understanding of the programmes and why they began. it was only difficult to hear one another, every 10 to 15 minutes when the music was pumped and the russian dancer came out to belly dance! we watched her perform 5 times. what to do.

moscow has more billionaires living in the area than any other city in the world. i will have to check out tret’yakovskiy proezd and if i get time, though it does not look like it based on my schedule, hit the russian ballet.

get to sleep in a bit tomorrow…until 9 so that will be nice. it is friday, midnight. i found an english TV channel. god only knows what i am watching though. the ‘radio’ channel is wicked.

nice to be back out in the field after a couple of months.

svetlana.

 

Get Over It! September 22, 2011

Filed under: Random Stuff — travelchokri @ 10:26 am

feeling sad?

wear a fake mustache, don’t bathe, sing ginan or a hymn, don’t drink excessively, take a nap with your head on the other side of the bed, blog, sing karaoke on your own, don’t get onto the scale at home, try to say the alphabet while brushing your teeth, colour your hair red, play dandia (not everyone will know what this is. but just take 2 sticks, put on some music and start hitting them together. if you have a friend, give them two sticks too. hit your sticks together. do some twirls. jump and down and shout hey)…, throw eggs at your neighbour’s house or cover their door handles with vaseline.

do remember…to smile.

 

Bits and Pieces

Filed under: Articles by Me — travelchokri @ 7:59 am

Article written for a travel magazine in Kenya

LUSH LIFE

Holidays, in the absence of the working world and the everyday hustle and bustle, provide ample opportunity for you to lay back and unwind, as the banality of daily life fades away. But what if gallivanting through the French Islands or voyaging on the Mediterranean seems virtually impossible? After all, not all of us have the time or the money to run off to a foreign country. Don’t let it get you down. All you need is a day or two off to rejuvenate and change your pace.

Nairobi is a city in which nature has been exceedingly generous. One can witness the abundant bird life, walk through flourishing greenery, feed a few giraffes, drive alongside the fierce wildlife, sip cocktails by a palm-shaded pool or cycle through a forest, just to mention a few! And if you aren’t in the mood to be one with nature, this city offers endless opportunities to pamper yourself in a spa, watch a good play or indulge in delectable food and drink.

 The first thing to do is to ask yourself what it is that you want. Are you ready for an adventure or something more low key? Do you need to unwind and de-stress or add a little excitement to your life? The possibilities are endless.

 5 Places in Nairobi That Give you that Getaway Feeling

1) When is the last time you booked yourself into a hotel not far from your home? You haven’t? Why not? Sure you have a house in the city, but most of us need a break from the everyday clutter and countless number of chores that seem to never end. Leave the house behind for a night or two. It will be a lot less costly than booking a flight out of town for a few days.

Hotels are a dime a dozen in this city, from stylish boutiques to grand oases, it’s easy to find one that suits your every need. Hotels vary not only in their prices and location, but the amenities they offer differ from one to the next. So do some research and find the right fit.

House of Waine is a unique hotel, situated away from the busyness of the city. Amid a spectacular Eden, the property blends the elegance of gracious living with the spirit of modern Africa.  Constructed in the 1970s as a private home in Karen, it was later transformed into an 11 bedroom boutique property. The rooms, all individually styled and named, reflect their different themes ensuring that no two are exactly alike.  If you choose the Tembo room, be prepared to relax in an elegantly furnished combination of creams, ivories and browns. Enjoy a luxurious bath in the extra wide tub found in each room.

Step outside and take in the fresh air. Hit the poolside, remembering to take a good read with you. Quench your thirst with a cocktail at the pool bar.

When evening rolls around, tantalize your taste buds with exquisite cuisine while listening to Afro Jazz beats in the comfort of the dining room.

Head to the Lounge for an after dinner drink and drift away to the sounds of the crackling fire. If you are in the mood for company, chat it up with other guests. People from one end of the continent to the other side of the world are known to stay here. You may make a new friend or two.

When it’s time to retire, head back to your room and dream, knowing that in the morning you will wake up to the exotic sounds of African birdlife.

Things to Pack

A Good Book, some sunscreen, a swimsuit

Think Outside the Box

Play an instrument? Take it along with you. Find a secluded corner and burst into song. You may even develop an audience. Everyone loves a good tune.

2) Now if you’re in the mood to drive alongside a few of the world’s fiercest animals, the Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s oldest animal sanctuary is the place for you. Harboring 400 species of birds, 80 species of animals, 40 species of reptiles and 500 plant species, this park is only minutes away from the city centre. Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to see all the Big 5.

But if patience is not your forte, then take a stroll instead! Yes, in the Nairobi National Park, you will find a self-guided nature trail. But don’t think for a second that you are alone. Not too far from the trail you may run into a few hippos splashing in the water or run into some ravenous crocodiles.

If it’s you that is hungry, the park has a couple of picnic sites overlooking the vast plains. The spot is perfect for a barbecue and if it’s that time, enjoy a few sundowners with a friend or two.

If you want to get up close and personal, an orphanage for abandoned animals lies at the entrance of the park. Cheetahs, leopards and lions are just a few of the creatures that are taken care of in this sanctuary.

Before you head back to the craziness of the city, stop off at the Ranger’s Restaurant near the main gate, stretch out your legs and enjoy a fine cup of Kenya tea on the Twiga Terrace.

Remember

To fill your tank, check your tire pressure, buy a few bottles of water, put together some good music for the drive, take a pair of binoculars

 Think Outside the Box

Practice your breathing exercises. If you are familiar with yoga, head to the sheltered picnic area and inhale…exhale. The magnificent views of the savannah will provide you with an instant calming feeling.
 
 
 

3) If sitting in a 4×4, patiently waiting to see some game is not your cup of tea, but you do want to experience some of nature’s fine creatures, head to the Giraffe Manorfor a night or two. Not only will you get to witness the long-necked creatures strolling through the hotel grounds and warthogs skipping about, but the opportunities to feed the graceful creatures are bountiful.

The Giraffe Manor, just outside of Nairobi, is an exclusive hotel famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes. This honey-coloured haven takes you back to a time where hunting was in fashion. But don’t be fooled. Immaculately furnished rooms with large four-poster beds, antique furnishings and art deco bathrooms provide you with a modern but classic feel.

The finely cooked meals are not the only highlight during breakfast, but the company of the giraffes, standing only a few metres away with take your breathe away.

In the evening, choose to fill your belly with luscious foods in the private dining room or on the outside veranda. 

The Giraffe Manor is a popular getaway for many stars, so you never know who you may run into!  

Things to Do

Hang with the giraffes, take a stroll through the lush green gardens, enjoy a cup of coffee while you relax on a wicker chair, get lost in a good book

 Think Outside the Box

Ever wonder how to create a memory book using your favourite pictures?

Why not try making a scrapbook. All you need is a good book, preferably with acid-free pages, some picture corners, a few coloured pens and a splash of creativity. It’s your memory book so do whatever you want with it!

4) You are an African Queen, so pamper yourself with an aromatic steam, followed by a coffee or chocolate body scrub and mask. End your journey with an invigorating facial and then get spoiled with a hand and foot massage.

 For a more masculine experience, try the ginger body scrub followed by a detoxifying sauna and purifying steam.  Lie down as Asian blend massage oils are dripped onto your body for a relaxing massage. Walk out of the spa with fabulous pedicured feet and manicured hands.

Modern spas have their roots in ancient towns famed for healing powers through the use of their mineral waters and hot springs. People would travel, sometimes great distances, to restore their health. This practice dates back to the Babylonians and the Greeks. In the 19th century, Europe’s great spas were destinations for the wealthy.

Moving along a few centuries ahead, spas have become popular destinations in just about every country around the world. People are realizing that the everyday stresses of life do take a toll on the overall well-being of an individual. Spas rejuvenate and give back a feeling of youth.

Wild Earth Day Spa is an ultimate sanctuary on Peponi Road. Go through their spa menu and you will definitely find a treatment that will awaken your senses. There is something for everyone. 

Spa Etiquette

Get there 15 minutes early, do not talk loudly, give feedback to your therapist, do leave a tip

Think Outside the Box

Depending on the type of treatment you are getting, pack a few pieces of cucumber and take them along with you to the spa. Did you know that cucumbers can reduce the appearance of swelling around your eyes? And hey, if you are feeling a bit snackish after your treatment, no need to look around!

The website, www.wildearthdayspa.com, provides you with all the information that you need. But be sure to make an appointment, as you may be disappointed if you drop in. This popular place can be fully booked throughout the week.

5) If you are on a shoestring budget why not take a long drive away from city, where there is no pushy traffic, no beeping of horns and no pot holes to avoid. Get onto Ngong Road and keep adventuring along until you pass through Ngong town up until the Ngong Hills. When you get to the top, breathe in the unpolluted air and marvel at the view of the Great Rift Valley.

Further along the road, beam back into history at the Olorgesailie, a geological formation containing a group of Lower Paleolithic archaeological sites. Discovered by British geologist John Walter Gregory, this is the area where many human tools were found, along with what used to be a vast lake. Fossils of various animals, including those of extinct species of hippo, elephant, zebra, giraffe, and baboon were excavated. Imagine yourself, an anthropologist, working side by side with Leakey in this discovery.

Time to picnic? Find a place to chill on the top of the magnificent Ngong Hills before heading back to the city. Karen Blixen chose her perfect spot, inspiring her to write her famous novel, Out of Africa. If you are an aspiring writer, find your own thought provoking piece of land and jot down the stories in your head. If writing is not your thing, pull out a pad of paper and create a sketch of the beauty that envelopes you. Or just gaze beyond the horizon and clear your head of any thoughts or contemplation.

Things to Take Along

A notebook or pad of paper, writing and drawing materials, water to rehydrate, a pair of sunglasses

 Think Outside the Box

Slide down the Ngong Hills in cardboard boxes.

There is so much to see and do in the city. So what are you waiting for? Start thinking about your next rendezvous and get ready to plan the perfect getaway. Whether you are planning a trip alone, spending time with family or friends, you will find what you are looking for in Nairobi.

                                                    WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T GETAWAY

 If a mini getaway is not an option, you can still get that feeling by turning your home into your own oasis. If your home is the place where you feel happy and inspired, then there’s your final destination!

Create new spaces for your holiday home. Eliminate clutter and complete housework. Change the décor in rooms around your house. Your bathroom can be turned into a spa with salts and aromatherapy oils. Arrange scented candles around the tub and place trays of white ones around the bathroom. Turn your bedroom into a lavish hotel room by adding a few oversized pillows and hanging white sheers from the windows. Leave yourself a few treats on your pillow to remind you that you truly are on a holiday. Keep the windows open and let the breeze flow in. Get lost in a few books and cut out pictures from magazines that make your heart flutter. Come back to reality when you are ready.

Feel like being in a beach house instead? Decorate your holiday home in bright colours and kikoy fabrics and open it up to the great outdoors by bringing in a few tropical plants, creating your own garden. You may have kept memorabilia from past holidays, such as sea shells and sand in a jar. Bring those out of the closet and add to your décor. What a great opportunity to take out those flip flops and tank tops! And only for this one time, break the rules of no sunglasses indoors and put them on!

Plan your menu at least a week prior to. Organize and prepare the foods that you would like to eat. If you don’t have to do this yourself, better. Make sure your house is stocked with all the ingredients that you will need to make those perfect beach drinks!

Music will set the mood, so download some good songs that will keep your feet moving. Head to the magazine stand and pick up the latest Cosmopolitan and enter your own head space and dream. Feel like taking a dip? Fill the tub up with lukewarm water and splash away! If you have a garden or deck, throw down a towel and take a snooze. Siesta time!

Remember that this is ‘me’ time. So turn off that phone and put the computer away. Let everyone know you will be away for a day or two. You will have plenty of time to catch up on work and gossip after your holiday!

My main writing was done for The Star for about a year and a half. Every Tuesday some topic around the field of Education was shared. Click on the articles for a full image.

 

 
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