Saturday 28 June 2014

Heater war!

Rainy season ended even before started! Now, we are in cold season already. It is a no joke, it is cold! How would I know, Kenya can get this cold! Had no clue! Either I was very ignorant or totally blindfolded, I had no idea temperature can get this low in Kenya! Imagine 10C in the morning, seriously!

In the morning, we are dragging ourselves out of our beds. All we want is to snuggle and none of us want to move! Some mornings I find my little one, tugged himself next to me quietly!  Poor little man, holding with his one hand his yellow blankie, he just lays next to me:) At nights, it is a different story, by 7:30pm I start boiling water for our warm water bags! We all have one and they come with different colours, so there are no fights! On the other hand, heater is the most sought after item at our house! Who knows this little noisy machine can play such an important role in our lives!!!! During TV time, my children basically glue themselves to this little machine with their blankets, when my husband joins them, there the fights begin! Being a good mother, I wait for my turn:) Let me also mention, this little machine gets very handy in our house, I even use it to dry our laundry!!! The only problem is every 10 minutes you have to change it's direction! I still question myself, why on the earth I sold my dryer when we moved here! It is just me being ignorant of where I was moving! There you have it! Criticising myself, is not it a big step?

We got two of these noisy little machines, one goes to the rooms before children go to bed. First, we warm up my son's room! And than move it to my daughter's room! You probably wonder, why we do not buy the third one! Himmm, no idea, we are being very conservative probably!!!

We also have a fire place in the living room, but I am just so scared to use it! Because of my past experiences so far in this house since the first day we moved in, I am afraid the whole house can burned down! I must admit, during the cold days it is very tempting though!

Friday 27 June 2014

Apologies for grammar and typo mistakes

As you all probably noticed, English is not my first/native language:) Even though I went to a private high school with English curriculum, when I went to US for my master degree I noticed whatever I learn was not English! Because I could not understand one word what my roommates were saying!! Still remember how I felt embarrassed, and for a long time instead of talking, I have done lots and lots of listening!!! It took quite a long time for me to be comfortable. And being a perfectionist did not help to the matter!

When I started my blog little over a year ago, I did not feel comfortable writing in English, put aside posting it on the Internet! And never thought so many people would read my blog, I did not even dream it! So for a long time, I was obsessed with typos, punctuations, and yes grammar! Then I noticed, putting to much time and get stress about it created a cold feet! So first few months, I could not write a lot.

As we all know, blogs, especially personal blogs have become mainstream these days. Who could have predicted it, right? Nowadays, whenever I find extra time, I go back to my old blogs and do at least spell check (it is so easy, just have to click on the link, such a great tool for me!!) I wish there is also a grammar check as well:). Once I finish the piece I work on, I feel urged to publish it. That's the area I have to work on, patience and patience!

I want to say thank you for reading my blogs and be so tolerant:)  I will do my best to do more proof read and spell check.

Thursday 26 June 2014

Farewell Parties on the rise!

It is time of the year again! School term is coming to an end, and we have two months of break ahead of us. Some of us preparing to go over to our home countries, others are brave enough to stay here! (Why am I saying 'brave enough'? It is really getting cold in here! I mean yesterday, It was 10 degrees in the morning!) And rest are leaving the country for another journey. So past few weeks we have been quite a few goodbye parties. Today I also noticed, our neighbour started to pack up. A d I thought 'have not they arrived only a year ago! They cannot go now!'

Whenever I see international moving companies around, I remember how we felt when our furniture have arrived. Until that moment, I never believed in personal attachment to furniture's and like much (this is me saying, who moved hundreds of times!), but this time it was different. Did it feel different because we moved into a totally new place and culture? Or am I getting old? May be all of the above! But I still remember that feeling, feeling of happiness and joy of seeing familiar items in our new place. My children were screaming with an excitement in each box opened that day:) Now, when I see people are packing, I wonder how it would be this time? Will I be happy to moving, sad or somewhere in the middle? I really wonder...

Making friend is not an easy task for me, I am not a social bug...So losing friend is no different, even though I am happy for my friends. However, the idea of not seeing familiar faces around makes me uneasy... In places like Africa, friendships make a big difference, you get to share so many things and have lots of things common that you would not in any other place. It feels like you are on same road...


Shopping for Kazuri Beads

In Swahili, Kazuri means 'small and beautiful', and it cannot be a better name for these hand made ceramic beads. Kazuri is locally made here in Kenya, and it gives an employment opportunity for disadvantaged Kenyan people. Factory shop is located in Karen (luckily, it is very close to our home again:)). There are also many Kazuri stores in every mall and shopping arcades. It is not only unique, the money spend on these wonderful items go to Kenyan community.

When I shop for gifts Kazuri is my first stop before we go on our summer vacation. Each and every friend of mine has Kazuri beads now, and they are loving it. Believe it or not, up until recently I did not buy Kazuri for myself! Last week, right before another summer trip to back home, I went to the factory. I love going there, you can see the woman working hectically, you can even stop by where they make these beads and talk to them. They are very welcoming, they show and tell how they make these gorgeous beads and how they become necklaces and bracelets. It is pretty impressive:). And imagine, Kazuri started in a tiny shop in 1975, and became a brand name not only in Kenya but all over the world. What a success, right? I once came across a shop in Istanbul selling Kazuri, it was such a surprise and felt very proud:)

Kazuri colours are so brilliant and vibrant, necklaces, bracelets and ear rings come in all sizes, there is something for everyone. And comparing with other beads sold, Kazuri price is very competitive. You definitely get more than what you paid for. Factory shop also sells pottery, they are locally made and purely reflects Kenyan culture with colours, shapes and designs.




Wednesday 25 June 2014

Shopping, Mat Bronze

Here is another piece about shopping in Nairobi. Be prepared, this will not be a regular shopping experience! Mat Bronze is actually very unique, artistic, characteristic and surprisingly creative.

I saw Mat Bronze's sign when we were looking for a house years back, and found it interesting, finally I made a visit last week! It is hiding in secluded area in Karen, almost do not want to be found out, keeping itself as a secret to be discover! Entrance is pretty impressive, big elephant head is welcoming you.  On the way to the building there are many animal sculptures made of bronze. And the building itself resembles a castle. Once you get in, a very cozy coffee shop and outside patio awaits for you. Coffee shops offers great Kenyan coffee and little bites. There is also a lavish green lawn for you to enjoy your coffee.

Mat Bronze is first and only Bronze Foundry in East Africa. It offers great choice of gifts such as necklaces, animal sculptures small to a bigger size, ear rings, belt buckets, and much more, price ranges from inexpensive to expensive. I can honestly say, I found the necklaces and particularly ear rings pretty impressive, even got one pair for myself! Believe me, I am not a quick shopper, it really had to be unique for me. There is also an art gallery at the back, displaying local artists paintings. You can also find Mat Bronze's stand right in the center at Junction Mall.  If you are around, you gotta go:) It is definitely worth to visit!






Monday 23 June 2014

Bizarre Bazaar

Is not it a eye catching name? Bizarre Bazaar, I just love it, fun and tempting:)

It is one of the highly popular semi annual event in Nairobi. I think when we moved here first year, it was on quarterly basis, but probably heightened security, they have decided on semi annual basis.  This past weekend, Karura Forest was home for it. It was lovely. Entrance was very crowded, not only due to high number of attendance but also because of security check points. Honestly, first we decided to skip the event, but than we thought for how long you skip this kind of activities, life goes on, and it is really gets to a point where you want to continue with your life. Besides children love these events, Bizarre Bazaar offers so many fun activities for children. There were more than 70+ stalls selling items from furniture to beautiful beads, hand made crafts to locally made textile. There was a very little entrance fee.  Bizarre Bazaar is highly popular among expat community. We have seen many familiar faces:) There was also a live band, played great music. With each new event, location changes. Last year, it was here in Karen.

So, if you see the brochure or advertisement, do not miss this lovely socializing event!

I love visiting Bizarre Bazaar.

Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi

Here is another piece I have written for www.expatarrivals.com

Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi




Nairobi is a prominent city in Africa, both financially and politically. It is important that expats moving to Nairobi familiarise themselves with the areas and suburbs of the city in terms of housing, schools, hospitals and access to facilities.

Expats will find that the more upper class suburbs are situated to the west and north-central parts of Nairobi. These areas include Karen, Langata, Lavington, Gigiri, Muthaiga, Spring Valley, Kilimani, Kileshwa, Hurlingham, Runda, Nyari, Westlands.
Eastern parts of the city tend to be more industrial. However, low income residential housing can be found in neighbourhoods like Eastleigh, which is densely populated by immigrants as well as refugees.
 

Exclusive neighbouhoods in Nairobi

Karen and Langata

Karen and Langata are two of the most exclusive areas in Nairobi and offer residents modern, high-end living options for both expats and wealthy Kenyans. The Nairobi Hospital and the Karen Hospital are two of the country’s top hospitals which are located close by. The areas are also home to a number of well-known private schools, such as Brookhouse, Banda and Hillcrest International, all of which are located close of Langata road. A modern shopping complex called Galleria offers the areas residents a range of choices when it comes to dining and shopping. There are also two private golf clubs, and many shopping arcades close. The only down side to living in Karen or Langata, are that the areas are quite isolated. Although, public transport it is available, expats living in this part of Nairobi should have a car.

Runda

Runda is a self-contained neighbourhood, which has a bit of a rural touch. Runda Estate is Nairobi’s largest gated community and comes equipped with a state-of-the-art security system and an active residents association. Accommodation in these areas usually come in the form of large, modern houses which sit on huge plots. The Village Market, one of Nairobi’s upmarket shopping centres, is located close by and offers a large multiplex cinema, a great food court, restaurants, supermarkets and dozens of boutique stores. Runda is popular with expats with kids as there are a number of kindergartens, primary and secondary international schools nearby, including the International school of Kenya, the German School and Roslyn Academy.

Ridgeways

Ridgeways is another self-contained neighbourhood close to Runda. It is suituated within the Karura Forest and is the former home of Kenya’s colonial elite. Now the area offers luxury housing options for well-paid diplomats as well as wealthy Kenyans. While residents have access to all the facilities in neighbouring Runda, Ridgeways main attraction is the exclusive Windsor Golf Club.  

Gigiri

This suburb is popular amongst expats employed at the various foreign embassies in Nairobi or the UN offices. There are large American and Canadian populations in this area. The German School and the International School of Kenya are located close by so this is a great option for expats moving to Nairobi with kids. 

Muthaiga

Muthaiga is often refered to as the ‘Beverly Hills of Nairobi’ as it is home to some of the richest Kenyas, diplomats and highly paid expats. The majority of roads in Muthaiga are gated, so it is very safe with its 24-hour security patrol. Residents have easy access to shopping malls in Gigiri, Westlands and Parklands, as well as in the city centre.  Those with children appreciated living close to a range of good international schools as well as the prestigious Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. Expats in Muthaiga have access to great sport and recreation facilities at the areas country clubs.
 

Affordable living in Nairobi

Seeing as not everyone can afford to live in such luxury in Nairobi, there are a number of more affordable areas in Nairobi for expats who are earning more modest incomes. Brookside, Lavington and Kileleshwa offer comfortable housing at reasonable rates.

Lavington

A leafy suburb which lies halfway between the busier areas of Hurlingham and Westlands. The area is home to a number of modern apartment blocks and the Lavington Green shopping arcade. Lavington is popular with famillies who are looking for space and accommodation with a garden. The Braeburn and Braeside schools are located here which is another advantage for expats with kids.

Kileleshwa

This is quiet, green neighbourhood in Nairobi which is popular with middle class Kenyans, as well as many expatriates. Kileleshwa is home to the popular Kenton College, an international school. While there are no major supermarkets here, expats can visit the small, local shops called dukas for essential items, such as fruit, bottled water, milk and bread.

City living in Nairobi

Single expats who are looking for a more social and active lifestyle in Nairobi opt to live in neighbourhoods such as Westlands, Kilimani and Hurlingham.

Westlands

Westlands is located just 3km to the northwest of Nairobi’s city centre and is a convenient location for young professionals looking to live close to their place of work. The area has plenty of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars to keep expats entertained. The Sarit Centre is a large shopping plaza where residents can buy almost anything they could need. Spring Valley is the quieter part of Westlands where large apartment blocks give way to bungalows and large, detached houses. Some roads in the area are gated and have security staff to monitor people entering. 

Kilima and Hurlingham

These areas which are surrounded by the Dennis Pritt Road to the north and Ngong Road to the south have a range of modern and old accommodation options. Most of the apartment complexes are high-rise and come with swimming pools and 24 hour security. The better complexes also have gyms, saunas and health clubs. These newly built apartments are very popular with all sorts of expats and Kenyans, from young professionals and aid workers to small families. Shopping centres close to these areas include the Yaya Centre on Argwings Kodhek Road and Adams Arcade and Junction on Ngong Road. Along Lenana Road expats will find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and eateries. There are also two cinemas and a casino in Hurlingham.
 

Thursday 19 June 2014

How To Soaked Up In Water In Five Seconds!

It has been unseasonably warm in Nairobi. At the beginning of each week I say to myself (I tend to talk to myself very often lately, is it a sign or what!!!!) 'rainy season is going to start this week', but it never does! I feel like rain did not want to stop by at Nairobi, just decided pass this year.

Today was no different, it was another hot day! By noon, it was showing 27 C! I decided to drive around and stop by at new places (I will write about them later:)). Once I was out of the store, I looked up, saw dark and very dark clouds piling up on the sky. And thought this is no good. By the time I was on the road to pick-up my kids, clouds turned into a little storm! And due to the wind and volume of the rain my wipers gave-up!! All of a sudden I found myself driving with no visibility! Great timing, ha! I glued myself to front window, probably from outside I looked like I was part of it! And finally made it to the school! It did not look like a school any more, school almost looked like it was built in a river. After waiting in my car for 10 minutes for rain to calm down, I gave up and found myself running like crazy while trying to hold on to my umbrella, which was no good, because of the wind it was up side down! When I arrived to my son's section, he could not recognize me I was soaked up in water and it was dripping from head to toe!

I cannot even remember how I made to my car with one hand holding my son, with other holding silly looking umbrella, while telling my older one to run faster! Poor girl, she was in shock! Our shoes probably soaked all the water on our way!

Roads are now in pretty bad condition (they were already in bad condition, now water is added into the picture!!!), wholes on the road are like traps waiting to get you! Drive safe and try to stay dry!



Monday 16 June 2014

Farewell to Satao...

Yesterday, I was reading on the net, and saw a very sad news. If I was living somewhere else, probably I would still feel bad, but obviously I would not be this touched and saddened...Because now, I have a deep connection to this wonderful continent and feel strongly part of it, not only to Kenyan people, but also its wonderful wild life and amazing creatures live here.

I came across Satao's name last year, a 45+ year old mammoth elephant, being famous with long tusks, they were so long that they touched the ground. It was one of the last African great tusker elephant, was so famous that tourists was coming to Tsavo National Park just a get a glimpse of him.  One of the amazing thing about Satao was, he was so big and large that he was visible by air. This wonderful, smart and emotional animal lived 45+ of its life in Tsavo National Park. Up until poachers killed him recklessly, brutally and barbarously. Why a human would do this to another living creature? Why? Because far away somewhere, some heinous and vicious people wanted his tusks for ivory to make jewelers, or so called power medicines! Can you imagine, a kilo of tusk is sold thousands of dollars in Asia! In the name of home decorations or traditional medicine!

According to Kenyan authorities, only this year alone more than 100 elephants killed by poachers.(Conservationists believe real number is ten times higher...) The worst news is, poachers/perpetrators use this money to fund their organized crimes, insurgencies in Africa.

When you buy something, please be aware what the source is, and how sellers buy their materials. Things look so small to our eyes, may have such price and impacts somewhere else...

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/15/world/africa/kenya-satao-famous-elephant/index.html?hpt=hp_t3



Satao

Long week!

It was a very good week last week! All of a sudden, every single person in our household became sick! At one point, I thought, this is gotta be a nightmare!

 First, it was my husband who came from a week long trip, he visited not one country, but four countries! We can even call it a 'how to visit 4 countries in 7 days'!! From South Africa to Zimbabwe to Zambia to Malawi!! I think I was expecting it somehow, because when he came back he was way to tired and very pale. Not exaggerating, he slept two days nonstop with a high fever, luckily it was not anything serious.  While I was taking care of him, my son came from school, and said 'Onur is sick, my tummy is sick'. And he laid down right next to my husband, I thought we are just doing a 'role-play' here! Until, my little man had a horrible vomit (sorry I could not find a better word:)). He was not sure what was wrong with him, did not understand what it was all about, he was so scared and cried. I was trying to take my husband's temperature with one hand, and holding my son on the other to calm him down:) Than Teresia said she feels very bad and had the same problem Onur had! So there I was in shock! At one point, I thought about running away and come back once everybody is well!!!

Of course, I did not!! I send Teresia home with our driver to her mom's place for her to take a rest. I cleaned the house, and sprayed everywhere! Started to cook different type of food for everyone!!! By the time, my husband was fine, he left home for another week long trip for Nigeria!! And have I mentioned, my daughter also got sick!!!! She had the same symptoms! Imagine me, cleaning, cooking, changing the bed sheets non stop!!! And by Thursday, everyone was healthy and happy. I sent my daughter to Naivasha for overnight school trip, my son to school, luckily Teresia was back. By Friday, nobody was around and I got sick. I call it 'great timing'!. But this time, no one was around to take care of me! My husband's flight got cancelled! Honestly, I thought he did this intentionally!!! By the time I was feeling much better, everybody was back!

So this was my past week,  did not I say it was a good week:)

Stay home mom

Being a stay home mom comes with lots of responsibilities, I think there is even a hidden job description:) Unlike some people think, being a stay home is not easy...It may sound otherwise... It all depends what it means for you and what your expectations are. It is a decision to be made. Not an easy decision though.

Last couple of years, there are so many articles about this in newspapers, TV shows, magazines, books and many blogs on the net. More than ever, even celebrities step forward and put their opinions out there, which has a great amount of effect on regular people. Should other people's decisions/opinions, especially celebrities, mean too much to us? I do not think so...But surprisingly, in today's world, they are indeed...

I do not think there is much of a discussion to make about this. We all come from different backgrounds, our priorities are different, our culture and even our religion play a huge role in our own lives, so as our childhood. When we become parent ourselves, all these dynamics become highly influential on what we do and how we do it. I think the point is, to be happy with our decisions and own them. Most of importantly, to learn to not to judge people...

At my end, becoming a 'stay home' was my decision, it was very natural for me. Every single day, I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to spend time with my children since the day they were born.  Some of my friends ask me, do not I want to go back to work? Are not you bored? How is that possible, you stopped working and staying at home all the time, and in Africa??? You have all these education and degree, do not you feel bad about yourself? These are also the questions I ask myself time to time (not too often though:)) But than I look around, and there I feel very content. Because I know, time goes very fast.  Become a mother comes with maturity and purity.  And to be able to spend quality time with my children, to be there for them especially first couple of years in their lives, are more fulfilling than any career out there for me.

And by the way, why do we think about 'work', in a strict definition? Does one have to leave home for office in the morning and come home in the evening, to be counted as a 'working mom'??? Is not taking care of own children is a job too, and a very serious and challenging one? Or working as a volunteer? Or working from home in own terms? Why do we have to live by all these strict rules, and judge others who choose not to?


Little note: I was going to write about something else, but somehow it became very natural. Just wanted to put my opinions out there:)

Stay with love,
Zeynep


Wednesday 11 June 2014

Holiday plans in place!

After staying here during school break two years ago, I learned my lessons! Children got so bored, weather was very chilly, not much to do, my children's friends went their homes so could not do any play dates. I was running around like crazy, trying to keep them entertained 24/7! I found myself playing with them all day, there I almost lost my mind, at one point lost my connection with real world! Because of that, I promised myself, every year I will put a nice plan and will try to spend our holidays as fun and productive as possible!

We have left less than a month before two months break starts and to be on the safe side, I made my plans:) We will spend two months in Istanbul and Mediterranean coast. Holiday will start with summer school for my children, lots of activities, it will also be great opportunity for their Turkish! It feels like, it is time! Lately, they both prefer to speak English, my little one tends to speak all three in same sentence!!! It is expected, obviously it is not easy for them to speak many languages, but they know the importance of speaking their native language. So spending time at summer school will help them a lot. We tried summer school last year for my older one and she loved it! This year little brother is going to join her. They both are very excited!

Summers at home is always something we all look forward to. We love spending time with our families, friends, taking strolls, do some retail therapy and just enjoy Istanbul. Summer is best time to visit, since locals run to the coastal part of the country, traffic is not as bad, schools are closed, shopping centers and restaurants are still busy, weather is very pleasant thanks to breeze from Bosphorus:)

Then we will hoop into a plane to visit Mediterranean part of the country. You can find many hotels and resorts along the coast line with great customer service, two stars to five stars hotels. First time, we plan to drive along the coast and stop by any place we`d like. Another first time would be visiting ancient towns, places, historical sites. I do feel embarrassed about this:( But it is never too late, right?

I try to write from Istanbul as much as I can, and will post lots of pictures:)


Pros and cons of living in Nairobi

Here is one interesting piece. So much to write about and I have been thinking about this a lot lately. After living in here for over two years, I can provide some honest real inside info.


Pros

1- Culture: I love real Kenyan culture and people. I made many wonderful friends through daily encounters, at local shop my dear friend, John, whenever he sees me comes for help, brings me freshest mangoes and avocado (he knows I love them:)), always ask about my children, and helps me with carrying my bags. And there is my friendly florist, Ben, who always gives me the best flowers ever. There is our askari (security guard), who comes to our garden at night to check to see if everything is ok. I can count many names here, I do appreciate their smiley faces and friendly attitude.

2-Climate: Sun is out there throughout the year, it never gets too hot and too cold, best part of it there is no humidity! You can enjoy clear sky almost for 10 months!  Much anticipated rains are also welcoming, provides a nice breeze, clears the air. Rainy seasons starts around April-May, and lasts only a month, there are also short rains during the month of December.

3- Language: To be able to communicate in English is such a relief. Imagine yourself, you do not know the local language neither nobody speaks English. Life would be much harder! Luckily, English is taught as a second language at schools in Kenya, pretty much everybody speaks English very well. So you do not have to struggle to explain yourself!

4-Hospitals: Nairobi is home for best hospitals in Africa. Prestigious Aga Khan, Nairobi and Gethrude Hospitals are only few of them.

5-Domestic Staff: Domestic staff is really appreciated by many expats, they are wonderful, helpful and great asset in everyday life. By the way, expats enjoy a reputation of being the best employers in town:)

6- Safari: Where else in the world you can witness one of the best amazing life experience other than Nairobi? Nairobi itself is even a home to a national park, and it is the only city in the world! There are many conservancies and reserves, all accessible by car, only couple hours away!

7-Natural food: It is really hard to find something organic and natural these days. But Nairobi is not one of these places. Veggies and fruits are all locally grown, sold at local markets by wonderful staff. They are tasty, fresh and delicious, and have I mentioned they are cheap!

8-Booming economy: Nairobi is one of the fastest growing city in Africa. There are new shopping centres, shops, businesses open everyday. There is also a fast growing middle class in Kenya.

9-Diversity: With growing number new businesses in town there are also pretty good size of an expat community. Kids benefit growing up in a diverse environment where they get to be friends with children from all over the world. Schools, gyms, restaurants are great places to meet new people.

Cons
Here is the tricky part, where I need to be open and honest, otherwise I would be not fair.

1-Security: This is a real major concern not for expats also among Kenyans too. Petty theft, car-jacking, stopping cars, home thefts are unfortunately not uncommon. Sadly, most of these crime happen where middle to lower income Kenyans live...If you take basic precautions, and be aware of
your surroundings it will make a huge difference. I met with many people who have been living in Nairobi happily for a long time without no incidence at all.

2- Cost of living: Ok, this is not what you expect probably, but living in Nairobi is not cheap. Cost of housing, schools, generators, water pumps, dining out can be really pricey, there is a common belief that 'this is Africa, it cannot be expensive' but in reality it is! So, if you plan to come/move/visit here, do your research!

3- Water and power cuts: This is one area I am still having difficulty with adjusting even though we have all the back-up needed. There are non stop water and power cuts! There is no logical answer to say why and when! It just happens, so you better except it and do whatever you can do to manage it.

4- Traffic and Roads: There are not many/enough roads in Nairobi, on the other side more and more people who are new car owners join in! Physical conditions of the roads are very poor, there are no signs, traffic lights neither traffic rules in place. Roads are poorly maintained, especially bus and matatu drivers have no rules, they sometimes are very ruthless...Ok I created very pessimistic picture here:( Last year, Kenyan Government started a very ambitious road project since the independence which comes with lots of pain! But once it is completed, roads will have a new face in the city. So just hang-in there!

5- Corruption: It is very hard to write about this, but it is out there...unfortunately, corruption and heavy bureaucracy is a big problem. Even small things can become such a big problems....

6- Culture shock: Every country has its own culture. Africa is a continent where it comes with deep and strong ties to its own culture and differences. So being open minded, patient and accepting is the key. Unfortunately poverty is very visible in every corner, so are the peddlers. Here is the little tip, please try not be intimated by them, rather than being fearful or ignorant, keep smiling and say 'no thank you' if you do not want to buy.

7- Cost of private security: I separated this from other ones, because this can get really expensive and become such a hassle...but it is needed, either you wire your whole house, get a private security
guard, or rent a house with build-in security, it is a burden.

8- Limited retail options: Lately, I notice new stores in every shopping arcade, it is still very limited though. So most of people like me shop at home and bring them over. Even though you may find the items you are looking for they are pretty costly in here. You learn to live with only what you really need! Seriously, I live on pair of sports shoes and leggings and t-shirt:) By the way, there are great second hand shops and market, gotta try:)

I think there is so much to learn in this great continent, not only because of what I see and experience but how I also feel about life itself...

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Why did I start this blog?

There are few reasons why I started this blog. One of the main reason, I wanted my blog to be different than other blogs written by foreigners/expats. My goal is to give realistic and honest picture of day to day expat life from an expat wife:) There are so many people out there so passionate about Africa. I even met a taxi driver in Istanbul few years back, when I told him I was living in Kenya, he told me so much about Africa, he said his dream was to come to Africa and see it with his own eyes. When I talk to people, they always say "we want to see real Africa?" Not sure what that means though, I wonder what they expect...

I also find blogging very fulfilling, gives me an opportunity reach people who want to know daily life in Africa, places to see, things to do, opportunities, the good and the bad and so much more. It is also a great archive, I even sometimes go back to my old posts and read about them. I have no doubt, my blog will be very sentimental as a family in the future...



Monday 9 June 2014

Pictures from my camera






Flying insect invasion!

Our little friends with wings are back in town! We are having some late coming rains and these blind flying creatures are back with full swing! They even made into our house, thanks to big gap under the doors! By the way, it ended up in our table at dinner time!  I went to our garden this morning and saw hundreds of wholes, these weird looking harmless insects have been very busy lately!!! So is our neighbour's cat! I saw it in our backyard at night, it's head was down whole time! That's I call house keeping! Have I mentioned, they are good source of protein, seriously, even for human! I heard some people fry them. 

When I opened our door yesterday morning, there was a horrible scene, looked like it was from a movie!!! There were hundreds may be even thousands of wings piled up in front of our doors and windows, even our cars were kinda covered with them. For some reason, my children are fascinated by it, obviously not me! 

Mother nature is something to be admire of. Right around when heavy rain starts so are these insects show-up. I met with them few years back when we moved to Kenya. Unfortunately by that time, we were not aware of these animals and did not have any curtains, so quite amount of them ended up inside of our home! I have to admit, I was terrified! But now I am adjusted (very proud of it) which is a big thing even as a person who has a insect phobia! 

Himmm, picture does look sort of nasty, sorry:) but will give you a good idea what I am writing about, and this is nothing:) 


Wednesday 4 June 2014

Mountain Bike at Ngong Forest Sanctuary

How can I resist to bike at Ngong Forest Sanctuary? It has always been my plan to go to mountain bike once my children are old enough. Finally my dream came alive this past weekend:) Our daughter, Dilara is 8 yrs old, and luckily she is a very active girl! It is really hard to keep her at one place! So it was not to hard to make her say "yes" when we told her about our plans. Since her recent birthday gift was a mountain bike, we decided to make a use of it right away:)

I started my plan with getting a bike rack for our car last weekend! Pro-bike is to place to go when you need a bike equipment, they have everything you need. You can find Pro-bike in almost every mall such as Galleria and Sarit Center. Since our little one is still small, I got him a carrier which has been installed into my husband's bike. And off we go, we were ready to rock and roll!

If you live around Karen, you do not have to go all the way down to Karura Forest. Ngong Forest Sanctuary is conveniently located along Ngong Road, right next to the cemetery.  Forest is open until it is dark. Surprisingly, Ngong Forest covers 590 hectares of land, it is hard to tell from outside, but once you get in, you would know! Amazingly, 80% indigenous forest and the rest exotic Eucalyptus plantations, located within Ngong Road Forest Reserve. Compared with nearby forests, it is very rich in biodiversity and is home to over 120 bird species, over 35 mammals and numerous insects, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Be prepared to company by the baboons, while we were biking they were jumping around us from one tree to another! We also saw baby aardvark and tree hyrax!

Due to the size of the forest and safety, forest rangers joined us with their bikes. Ranger live in Ngong Forest Sanctuary with their families. We biked together over an hour. It was a great experience, kids loved it. Our son was yelling from the back "fire" all the time! (means fast:)). Once we really got into forest, we noticed there are different paths, so definitely need a ranger, not a place to be adventurous ! You do not want to get lost! Rangers even gave their phone numbers to call them next time:) One of the ranger even remembered us from our Karura Forest trip, is not that nice?

So do not waste anytime, it is a great activity with kids, they can bike without any difficulty, I do recommend mountain bike though. The bike path is not very easy neither is too difficult, even our daughter was able to manage it (I have to admit, she fall few times though, but never gave up:))

http://www.ngongforest.org/index.php/general-info/about-ngong-forest



Tuesday 3 June 2014

Ready Race up to 17 floors? @ Hilton Tower, Nairobi

There is a very exciting event taking place this Friday at Hilton Nairobi. If you are up to the challenge, this is for you! Participants will run up 17 floors at Hilton Nairobi. When I heard about it, I thought 'what a great idea!'

It was only three years ago, this fun and challenging race started in London, now first time in Africa (even being first time in Africa is one motivating factor to go:)). It is infact one of the highly anticipated events in London every year.

Race is open to public, all you need to do is to register by only paying a little fee (1,500Ksh). What's great about this event, all proceeds will go to a charity, Rural Vision Children's Home, located in the Soweto Slum.

There is also another fascinating point about Hilton Tower race, it is actually done jointly with Hilton Park Lane in London at the same time! Isn't that something, fabulous idea!

After the race, there will be complimentary cocktail party, I think whoever is able to finish, no matter what, deserves a drink! By the way, have I mentioned, top prize is '2 nights accommodation at London Hilton Park Lane'!