San Diego Rugby 7s

San Diego was lovely.

Got to the airport late and was convinced I missed my flight. Of course there was a long line at the Southwest counter. You could sense the impatience in the line; meanwhile the workers appeared to be moving in slow motion. They seemed understaffed. But then again, that's probably why we can get cheap tickets. When I finally got to the front, I found out all the flights were running an hour late so I made it =)

Cruising down North Harbor Drive from the airport to downtown, I could see people walking around enjoying the sun. I love cities where you can actually walk around. (I think people tend to be fitter too when they can get out of their cars and walk around--the mall doesn't count.)The ocean was right there, huge ships and small sailboats were docked by the water and palm trees stood proud and tall along the roads. Too bad I didn't get a picture to share. I was asking myself, "Why don't I live here?"

Fast forward to reuniting with old friends and attending a concert Sato night with our talented Kenyan musicians performing: Nonini and the Longombas. The Djs were fabulous.The only downer was it got really cold. We were outside the city in one of those huge tents. And you know how us ladies tend to wear those cute skin-baring outfits to parties? I kept my jacket on.

Anyway, the Kenyan team made news even before they played their first game. One of the San Diego magazines was talking about how they did well even though things were rough at home. There was also a commentary about how Kenyan fans are the loudest and most enthusiastic. So true! It was great to feel the energy of the crowd and the pride we had identifying ourselves as Kenyans.

Sunday night, I saw Jua Cali perform. He had incredible energy and got the audience going. I missed the previous performances by Amani and Ida. The club was really nice, with the celebs in their vip area. Afterwards, people were taking pics with celebz and buddies. The after bash was at the tent place once again (it was still freakin' cold!). And this time, the security detail at the door were being a-holes: once you paid and entered, you had to remain inside for the rest of the night. And nobody under 21 was allowed in. Since when was age an issue with Kenyans? While I am over 21, a buddy in our group wasn't. Funny thing, it wasn't an issue the night before. Anyhow, we couldn't get past the door because of a very stubborn security person who identified us. We tried getting the organizers to help. A few tried, but I remember one dude who brushed me off by informing me he was on his way to the airport. Apparently, there was an off-duty cop or two among security. This was a faux pas on the part of the organizers--Take over djs. If this was a purely Kenyan event, then there should be Kenyans at the door controlling who gets in and out. Anyway, the rugby team came to the party and people got a chance to mingle with buddies and celebz alike before heading back to their hotels and catching a flight out of San Diego. Till next year!

"Some say the world will end in fire...."

in the words of Robert Frost.


The world is seriously f*d up: My grandma and some relaz were forced to flee their home recently following an attack in the ongoing post-election violence in Kenya. The area was being set on fire. We are so grateful that they're safe. I cannot imagine the depth of grief for families that have lost loved ones, and not getting a chance to mourn and bury them in peace.

There are too many tragic events unfolding and everyone knows a family member, neighbor, or friend who's affected regardless of tribe or political affiliation. Seriously...what is this world coming to? There are too many inaccurate assumptions about which tribe voted for a particular candidate: I have relaz and friends on opposing sides of the PNU/ODM divide and it's a rather random distribution. I'm sure a number of people out there can relate. Many of us grew up away from our original tribal homes and consider those places home even though our tribes are not from there. According to a sibling of mine, it's like we've regressed to pre-colonial times with tribes attacking each other with bows and arrows. Then it was mostly over cows; now it's more complicated.


When will the violence end? When will we realize that attacking each other will not bring us peace or prosperity? Sadly, when no legitimate means of expressing discontent and challenging the system exists, the final resort tends to be violence. ( Some of Fanon's observations in "Wretched of The Earth" ring so true in the scenario that is playing out. ) Then, the powers that be pay attention. Or do they? We're making the headlines for all the wrong reasons....it is interesting how many compliments Kenya's getting: "economic powerhouse" "most stable economy" "beacon of democracy"...etc.

P.S.-Rugby 7s is coming up next weekend in San Diego. I'm looking forward to bonding with fellow Kenyans. It will help to come together in solidarity during these troubled times.