Today marks three weeks since we arrived in Nairobi and I have to say, I didn’t expect this place to grow on me as fast as it has. It definitely has its… er…. quirks that make the pace of life somewhat different than what I am used to, but I don’t know if that is all a bad thing.
For this week’s wrap up I’ll give you my top 5 pet peeves of Nairobi coupled with top 5 enjoyment factors about this city.
Pet Peeves
5. Crime. I haven’t actually experienced any of it first hand (thank god), but its existence means that I have to live my life in a certain way: no going out on my own at night, special care taken when going out at all, plus this general suspicion of strangers. Not a fan.
4. Intermittent Internet. This is more of a headache than a true nuisance. I rely on internet to connect me to my family and friends. Actually I’m hoping that it will help me focus on the true work at hand – dissertation research. (So it goes in both the good and bad column)
3. Car Traffic. Since I’m home a lot, I don’t have to sit in this as much as DW does, but the traffic is ridiculous. It is unpredictable and can leave you at a standstill for hours. Ugh. (However, I’m always reminded that we aren’t hindered by traffic, we are traffic.)
2. Undrinkable Tap Water. I so appreciate just being able to turn on the faucet and drink water without fear. Not possible in Nairobi. We are purchasing filtered water and aside from the expense, it’s just a shame. It also means I haven’t had a green salad in three weeks. Boo.
1. Burning Stuff. I guess I have a sensitive nose because the burning that takes place periodically next door is just a lot for me to handle. I also think some people are using gikos to warm their homes in our building!! I know it isn’t good to breathe and it is just downright unpleasant.
Despite these pet peeves, I do think that the enjoyment factors are beating them out.
5. Lush Greenery. It has been a long time since I lived somewhere that had lush greenery everywhere. I do love both AZ and CO climes, but I am digging the huge leaves, exotic flowers, and other loveliness that comes with more rain.
4. Pole Pole Attitude (Pronounced Poh-lay). This is the generally laid back and relaxed approach many Kenyans have to their surroundings. Perhaps I should also put this on the negative list because sometimes, it is good to get riled up. But in general, this at ease stance vis-a-vis the world is calming.
3. Availability of Everything. I know I poo-pooed this attribute of Nairobi when we were back in CO, but it really does impact our lives for the better. Hankering for a particular kind of cheese? Nakumatt has it. Need to outfit a house with the necessities? No problem. Just blew out your power supply on your computer because you're a bonehead and forgot to switch it? It'll be here in the morning.
2. Avocados, Pineapples and other delicious fruits and veggies. ‘Nuf said.
1. Friends in the Yard. This is a distinct benefit for us to be living in an apartment complex instead of a single family home. J has made some terrific friends of all ages and backgrounds in our complex. The kids are fun and kind and I know he is enriched by the experience of meeting them. See photo evidence below.
For this week’s wrap up I’ll give you my top 5 pet peeves of Nairobi coupled with top 5 enjoyment factors about this city.
Pet Peeves
5. Crime. I haven’t actually experienced any of it first hand (thank god), but its existence means that I have to live my life in a certain way: no going out on my own at night, special care taken when going out at all, plus this general suspicion of strangers. Not a fan.
4. Intermittent Internet. This is more of a headache than a true nuisance. I rely on internet to connect me to my family and friends. Actually I’m hoping that it will help me focus on the true work at hand – dissertation research. (So it goes in both the good and bad column)
3. Car Traffic. Since I’m home a lot, I don’t have to sit in this as much as DW does, but the traffic is ridiculous. It is unpredictable and can leave you at a standstill for hours. Ugh. (However, I’m always reminded that we aren’t hindered by traffic, we are traffic.)
2. Undrinkable Tap Water. I so appreciate just being able to turn on the faucet and drink water without fear. Not possible in Nairobi. We are purchasing filtered water and aside from the expense, it’s just a shame. It also means I haven’t had a green salad in three weeks. Boo.
1. Burning Stuff. I guess I have a sensitive nose because the burning that takes place periodically next door is just a lot for me to handle. I also think some people are using gikos to warm their homes in our building!! I know it isn’t good to breathe and it is just downright unpleasant.
Despite these pet peeves, I do think that the enjoyment factors are beating them out.
5. Lush Greenery. It has been a long time since I lived somewhere that had lush greenery everywhere. I do love both AZ and CO climes, but I am digging the huge leaves, exotic flowers, and other loveliness that comes with more rain.
4. Pole Pole Attitude (Pronounced Poh-lay). This is the generally laid back and relaxed approach many Kenyans have to their surroundings. Perhaps I should also put this on the negative list because sometimes, it is good to get riled up. But in general, this at ease stance vis-a-vis the world is calming.
3. Availability of Everything. I know I poo-pooed this attribute of Nairobi when we were back in CO, but it really does impact our lives for the better. Hankering for a particular kind of cheese? Nakumatt has it. Need to outfit a house with the necessities? No problem. Just blew out your power supply on your computer because you're a bonehead and forgot to switch it? It'll be here in the morning.
2. Avocados, Pineapples and other delicious fruits and veggies. ‘Nuf said.
1. Friends in the Yard. This is a distinct benefit for us to be living in an apartment complex instead of a single family home. J has made some terrific friends of all ages and backgrounds in our complex. The kids are fun and kind and I know he is enriched by the experience of meeting them. See photo evidence below.
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