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.
Showing posts with label Home and Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home and Family. Show all posts
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A cup of tea
I consider myself a pessimist. A cynic. I haven't always been one. I feel like I've undergone a lot of subtle changes over time until suddenly I realize I'm a different person from what I used to be. Is this what growing up is all about? I guess.
I've had a lot of things going on, yet few things have changed. Ironic. It's like running on a treadmill--you cover a large distance yet you don't go anywhere. It's when high expectations and 'reality' reside in different planets. Maybe not that bad. But close.
Some days I have so much to say but other days I just want my own company. One of my pet peeves is people who are extra perky in the morning and insist on having conversations about random things like the weather before I've had any caffeine in my system. Unless there's a tsunami outside, I don't want to discuss the weather! It's fairly predictable this time of year. And I'm not a coffee addict anymore--I drink more tea these days. Black. A little sugar. I have to confess I used to dislike the whole tea-making ritual for visitors when I was growing up. It was my Mom's attempt to make us polite, hospitable, and able to carry on a conversation with grown-ups. We not only had to make the tea but also serve it. Woe to anyone who tried to pass on this duty to the maid. We had enough lectures about the maid's role at home. She was a helper NOT a servant as people in the West like to address them. I didn't mind making tea, but I hated having to serve it while answering questions from visitors about school and hearing comments like "you've grown so big!" and "you need to eat more" often in the same conversation. Years later, I now recognize a few lessons I learned.
-Always ask your guests if they drink milk. Or take sugar. Or caffeine. (Some people neglect to mention it till you've already served them.)
-Parents enjoy to torture and/or show off their kids.
-People love to comment on your appearance and relate it to how much food you eat. (Even though there are lots of skinny people that eat a lot and bigger people who are more moderate.)
-All adults give the same advice: "Work hard."
Now, I'm a little older and have come to appreciate a mug of hot tea--love Ketepa, but Earl Grey will do--when I visit a friend. But I have vowed never to exclaim "you've grown so big!" to any kids I meet. Especially if they were babies the last time I saw them.
If you ask whether my cup of tea is half empty or half full, I realize it doesn't really matter to me. What does matter is that I do have a hot cup to drink.
I've had a lot of things going on, yet few things have changed. Ironic. It's like running on a treadmill--you cover a large distance yet you don't go anywhere. It's when high expectations and 'reality' reside in different planets. Maybe not that bad. But close.
Some days I have so much to say but other days I just want my own company. One of my pet peeves is people who are extra perky in the morning and insist on having conversations about random things like the weather before I've had any caffeine in my system. Unless there's a tsunami outside, I don't want to discuss the weather! It's fairly predictable this time of year. And I'm not a coffee addict anymore--I drink more tea these days. Black. A little sugar. I have to confess I used to dislike the whole tea-making ritual for visitors when I was growing up. It was my Mom's attempt to make us polite, hospitable, and able to carry on a conversation with grown-ups. We not only had to make the tea but also serve it. Woe to anyone who tried to pass on this duty to the maid. We had enough lectures about the maid's role at home. She was a helper NOT a servant as people in the West like to address them. I didn't mind making tea, but I hated having to serve it while answering questions from visitors about school and hearing comments like "you've grown so big!" and "you need to eat more" often in the same conversation. Years later, I now recognize a few lessons I learned.
-Always ask your guests if they drink milk. Or take sugar. Or caffeine. (Some people neglect to mention it till you've already served them.)
-Parents enjoy to torture and/or show off their kids.
-People love to comment on your appearance and relate it to how much food you eat. (Even though there are lots of skinny people that eat a lot and bigger people who are more moderate.)
-All adults give the same advice: "Work hard."
Now, I'm a little older and have come to appreciate a mug of hot tea--love Ketepa, but Earl Grey will do--when I visit a friend. But I have vowed never to exclaim "you've grown so big!" to any kids I meet. Especially if they were babies the last time I saw them.
If you ask whether my cup of tea is half empty or half full, I realize it doesn't really matter to me. What does matter is that I do have a hot cup to drink.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Glimpses of home
I always talk about the beauty of Kenya, and specifically the rolling countryside where I spent most of my life. So, here's some proof that it's not a desert! I didn't take these pictures, so I have to give credit to the brilliant and skilled photographer J. who I had the honor of meeting while I was home.
Waking up to this beautiful sight is practically a daily occurrence. The opposite of the miserable weather I have to deal with right now.
The road home...which was supposed to be tarmacked about 10+ years ago. It's probably a good thing it remained this way. I was once riding in the back of a pick-up truck along this road and almost fell off! It can be a bumpy ride.
Now, here's a great reason to go for a nature walk!
Waking up to this beautiful sight is practically a daily occurrence. The opposite of the miserable weather I have to deal with right now.
The road home...which was supposed to be tarmacked about 10+ years ago. It's probably a good thing it remained this way. I was once riding in the back of a pick-up truck along this road and almost fell off! It can be a bumpy ride.
Now, here's a great reason to go for a nature walk!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
I Flew Around the World
When I was a kid, we'd often accompany an uncle to the airport as he jetsetted to work in different parts of the world. I was envious of the people (mostly junguz) lugging suitcases and backpacks ready to fly out. Who cares where they were going? It was an adventure. I'd listen wide-eyed as my Dad and Uncle would regale us with stories of life abroad. Little did I know that someday, I, too, would be one of those travellers....
_________________________________________________
How do you know that you live in shagz?
When an answer to "Unaishi wapi?" results in: "You know K? Sawa, wakati unaelekea P, unapitia barabara ya kuenda R, halafu ukifika sokoni T unaingia ndani. Fuata barabara kwa kilomita nane na utafika C."
To keep it simple, I often shorten the answer to K, the main town where everybody goes shopping and to have some fun.
Change is unavoidable. Progress at home is invariably measured in terms of land and construction. It happens in the cities and extends to the villages. I was somewhat amazed at the structures that had mushroomed on a previously open field where cows grazed occasionally. I remember the days when we'd buy sweets at the main kiosk and eat chips and nyama fry at the main "hoteli." Now, there are a dozen. And that hoteli no longer exists:(
_________________________________________________
Sidenote:***For anybody visiting Kenya for the first time, beware that the word 'hotel' is used rather liberally. It can describe a luxurious 5-star hotel, a dingy backstreet lodging above a bar, or a place to eat. On our drive home from Nairobi, I spotted the sign "Undugu Silent Hotel." It was one of those simple buildings with a mabati roof. Sure enough, all the windows were boarded up and there was no sign of life. So, do you think the guests are instructed to shut up as soon as they enter? I find so much humor in Kenyan life=)
_________________________________________________
Familiarity is comforting. Walking into my bedroom and seeing the curtains and wall hangings just warmed me up. I enjoyed being in my parents' house that has a beautiful yard with trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden. I used to take it all for granted and never understood when visitors would rave about the beauty around us. I can see why my parents moved us there. I currently live in an apartment in a densely populated urban area so I appreciated all the space. I never used to get the idea of going to a park till I lived in this area.
I found it strange that some people thought I didn't understand Kiswahili well. Nobody can mistake me for a Tzian (although this actually happened one day) or someone from Coast; I don't speak sheng and wouldn't be able to write a prize-winning insha, but I do get by. Of course, I'd love to stay in either one of those places and be able to speak Swa with that rhythmic, melodic sound.
______________________________________________
Aviatophobia, aviophobia, or pteromerhanophobia are words used to describe the fear of flying (courtesy of wiki). Often, fear stems from the fact that you don't know what to expect. The first time I got on a plane, it was a domestic flight. I was very excited. I remember fumbling with the seatbelt before the kind gentleman next to me helped me snap it in place.
Domestic flights in the U.S. are relatively affordable, but there are still tons of Americans who've never been on a plane. There are always risks you have to take. On the last stretch of my flight back here, we delayed on the runway for over an hour while the engines were being checked out. Strangely, I wasn't anxious, just irritated. When I think about being in a plane crash, my first thought is about life insurance coz chances of surviving are slim. I'm not a morbid person, but I have preferences: I don't want to drown, die in a car, or have a chronic illness that will kill me painfully over many years. I have relatives who've died under suspicious circumstances that leave many questions unanswered. It's been said that the only certainties are death and taxes. I'll save my tax rant for another day (or night).
_________________________________________________
How do you know that you live in shagz?
When an answer to "Unaishi wapi?" results in: "You know K? Sawa, wakati unaelekea P, unapitia barabara ya kuenda R, halafu ukifika sokoni T unaingia ndani. Fuata barabara kwa kilomita nane na utafika C."
To keep it simple, I often shorten the answer to K, the main town where everybody goes shopping and to have some fun.
Change is unavoidable. Progress at home is invariably measured in terms of land and construction. It happens in the cities and extends to the villages. I was somewhat amazed at the structures that had mushroomed on a previously open field where cows grazed occasionally. I remember the days when we'd buy sweets at the main kiosk and eat chips and nyama fry at the main "hoteli." Now, there are a dozen. And that hoteli no longer exists:(
_________________________________________________
Sidenote:***For anybody visiting Kenya for the first time, beware that the word 'hotel' is used rather liberally. It can describe a luxurious 5-star hotel, a dingy backstreet lodging above a bar, or a place to eat. On our drive home from Nairobi, I spotted the sign "Undugu Silent Hotel." It was one of those simple buildings with a mabati roof. Sure enough, all the windows were boarded up and there was no sign of life. So, do you think the guests are instructed to shut up as soon as they enter? I find so much humor in Kenyan life=)
_________________________________________________
Familiarity is comforting. Walking into my bedroom and seeing the curtains and wall hangings just warmed me up. I enjoyed being in my parents' house that has a beautiful yard with trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden. I used to take it all for granted and never understood when visitors would rave about the beauty around us. I can see why my parents moved us there. I currently live in an apartment in a densely populated urban area so I appreciated all the space. I never used to get the idea of going to a park till I lived in this area.
I found it strange that some people thought I didn't understand Kiswahili well. Nobody can mistake me for a Tzian (although this actually happened one day) or someone from Coast; I don't speak sheng and wouldn't be able to write a prize-winning insha, but I do get by. Of course, I'd love to stay in either one of those places and be able to speak Swa with that rhythmic, melodic sound.
______________________________________________
Aviatophobia, aviophobia, or pteromerhanophobia are words used to describe the fear of flying (courtesy of wiki). Often, fear stems from the fact that you don't know what to expect. The first time I got on a plane, it was a domestic flight. I was very excited. I remember fumbling with the seatbelt before the kind gentleman next to me helped me snap it in place.
Domestic flights in the U.S. are relatively affordable, but there are still tons of Americans who've never been on a plane. There are always risks you have to take. On the last stretch of my flight back here, we delayed on the runway for over an hour while the engines were being checked out. Strangely, I wasn't anxious, just irritated. When I think about being in a plane crash, my first thought is about life insurance coz chances of surviving are slim. I'm not a morbid person, but I have preferences: I don't want to drown, die in a car, or have a chronic illness that will kill me painfully over many years. I have relatives who've died under suspicious circumstances that leave many questions unanswered. It's been said that the only certainties are death and taxes. I'll save my tax rant for another day (or night).
Thursday, January 25, 2007
"There and Back"
Guess who's back? (like you really had to...)
The past few weeks I spent at home will always be among the most memorable times of my life. I feel amazing after being immersed in the love, warmth, and comforts of home. Spent quality time with peroz (love you Mom and Dad) and relaz. I experienced so much in Kenya, there's no way I could put it all in words. I will share some observations and incidents that a lot of KBWers can identify with. When I left this place, I felt like an old car that was running on an empty fuel tank. Right now, it's the opposite: I am energized, filled to the brim and overflowing. Let me attempt to get some sleep because of an 8am class in the morning.
The past few weeks I spent at home will always be among the most memorable times of my life. I feel amazing after being immersed in the love, warmth, and comforts of home. Spent quality time with peroz (love you Mom and Dad) and relaz. I experienced so much in Kenya, there's no way I could put it all in words. I will share some observations and incidents that a lot of KBWers can identify with. When I left this place, I felt like an old car that was running on an empty fuel tank. Right now, it's the opposite: I am energized, filled to the brim and overflowing. Let me attempt to get some sleep because of an 8am class in the morning.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Nyumbani
I got home safely, long long layover along the way. I'd read and doze off then wake up to find only 1 hr had gone by. The warm welcome at JKIA was well worth the hassles I went through. Even the immigration dudes were enthusiastic (One even proposed.) Everything is lush and green (lots of rain). I'm taking lots of pics. Lots of changes but some things are the same. I'm eating such good food. Enjoying the comforts of home. Taking it easy away from everything. Lots of r 'n r (I always wanted to use that expression).
Glad to look back to last year and see that I fulfilled all my resolutions--at least the ones I blogged about. It was a first coz I don't usually make resolutions.It's such an amazing feeling to plan specific things out and have them happen.
All the best in 2007 everybody! Hope your dreams come true. Don't know who said, "If you don't have a dream, then how are you gonna make a dream come true?"
Glad to look back to last year and see that I fulfilled all my resolutions--at least the ones I blogged about. It was a first coz I don't usually make resolutions.It's such an amazing feeling to plan specific things out and have them happen.
All the best in 2007 everybody! Hope your dreams come true. Don't know who said, "If you don't have a dream, then how are you gonna make a dream come true?"
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Leaving on a Jet Plane (II)...
home!
I'm superstitious so I didn't wanna talk about it too much for fear of jinxing it (well, other reasons too). I'm finally leaving on my trip and I live in shagz (that's the countryside) so I'm not so sure how my internet access will be. Went on marathan shopping session yesterday and got help packing from my siblings. A dude at the bank was looking at my DL and was wondering if my relaz would recognize me. (Btw, the shilling has greatly appreciated in value.) I do look different now. Leafing through an old yearbook, I can see the differences. I know my ideas and views of the world have changed a lot since I left. I can hardly wait to see my parents.
Happy New Year y'all!
I'm superstitious so I didn't wanna talk about it too much for fear of jinxing it (well, other reasons too). I'm finally leaving on my trip and I live in shagz (that's the countryside) so I'm not so sure how my internet access will be. Went on marathan shopping session yesterday and got help packing from my siblings. A dude at the bank was looking at my DL and was wondering if my relaz would recognize me. (Btw, the shilling has greatly appreciated in value.) I do look different now. Leafing through an old yearbook, I can see the differences. I know my ideas and views of the world have changed a lot since I left. I can hardly wait to see my parents.
Happy New Year y'all!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
102!
This is my 102nd post and it's dedicated to my grandfather who is 102 years old.
Time is a fluid concept: it can rush by, slow down to a trickle, or freeze depending on what activity you're doing. When you're having a good time, it's gone just like that. But when you're lining up at the post office, sitting in your doctor's waiting room, or suffering through a boring lecture/sermon time crawls. Doesn't matter how many times you glance at your watch. There's a chapter in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3) saying there's a time for everything. (See, you can learn a lot from a boring sermon!) And in that same spirit, I decided that it's time to go home.
I am soooo excited because I AM GOING HOME FOR A VISIT AT THE END OF THE YEAR!!
Got the ticket last month through STA Travel, I highly recommend them. Great service plus they have student and youth discounts. I want to share the info 'cause when I asked some people where they get their tickets they were very vague mpaka I was wondering why that information was classified. You'd think I was asking for someone to buy me a ticket or give me the number of their drug dealer. One dude was very helpful and gave me contacts for his travel agent but I decided to go with STA's deal.
This is one of those things I find very frustrating, when people have certain knowledge but they guard it so closely and refuse to share it though there's nothing to lose. I've encountered this attitude from fellow countrymen multiple times during my stay in this country. By no means is one person obligated to hold another's hand and guide them through the most mundane daily activities. And yet, some people don't even want to share the most basic information. Or worse, they give bad advice as they mumble under their breath that they suffered so everyone else should also suffer. Excuse me? What kind of warped logic is that? But as capable adults, we find other reliable resources and move on. Funny how some people are so willing to give advice when it's needed the least, doling it out in a very patronising manner. It annoys me to have someone say long after the fact "You could have done this, or gone there." Well, I didn't. I can't go back in time. I did something else, and I will live with my choices proudly. I don't make decisions by accident, it takes a lot of thought and extensive planning on my part because I alone know my circumstances, abilities, and resources. I don't give advice: however, I willingly share my experiences, opinions, and any knowledge I have. And I've also learned there are times when I have to admit "I don't know."
Getting back to the main topic of going home, I have so many emotions and thoughts going through my head. I'm thinking back on the last few years. I'm thinking of life at home and all the changes that took place in my absence. How I've changed. What hasn't changed. I'm thinking of my family: most important are my parents who sacrifice and support us endlessly. And my numerous relatives. I laugh when people ask how many relaz I have. There's my 102 year old grandfather and my new baby cousin. Being away from home is like missing out on chapters of life; there have been deaths, births, weddings and many other events that I wasn't part of and yet the course of my life is so closely intertwined with them. While we can look back on the past, bonds are strengthened by undergoing new experiences together. I went back to my first post and I'm fulfilling most of my New Year's resolutions. I can remain motivated when I know there's a reward at the end. Home at last!
Time is a fluid concept: it can rush by, slow down to a trickle, or freeze depending on what activity you're doing. When you're having a good time, it's gone just like that. But when you're lining up at the post office, sitting in your doctor's waiting room, or suffering through a boring lecture/sermon time crawls. Doesn't matter how many times you glance at your watch. There's a chapter in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3) saying there's a time for everything. (See, you can learn a lot from a boring sermon!) And in that same spirit, I decided that it's time to go home.
I am soooo excited because I AM GOING HOME FOR A VISIT AT THE END OF THE YEAR!!
Got the ticket last month through STA Travel, I highly recommend them. Great service plus they have student and youth discounts. I want to share the info 'cause when I asked some people where they get their tickets they were very vague mpaka I was wondering why that information was classified. You'd think I was asking for someone to buy me a ticket or give me the number of their drug dealer. One dude was very helpful and gave me contacts for his travel agent but I decided to go with STA's deal.
This is one of those things I find very frustrating, when people have certain knowledge but they guard it so closely and refuse to share it though there's nothing to lose. I've encountered this attitude from fellow countrymen multiple times during my stay in this country. By no means is one person obligated to hold another's hand and guide them through the most mundane daily activities. And yet, some people don't even want to share the most basic information. Or worse, they give bad advice as they mumble under their breath that they suffered so everyone else should also suffer. Excuse me? What kind of warped logic is that? But as capable adults, we find other reliable resources and move on. Funny how some people are so willing to give advice when it's needed the least, doling it out in a very patronising manner. It annoys me to have someone say long after the fact "You could have done this, or gone there." Well, I didn't. I can't go back in time. I did something else, and I will live with my choices proudly. I don't make decisions by accident, it takes a lot of thought and extensive planning on my part because I alone know my circumstances, abilities, and resources. I don't give advice: however, I willingly share my experiences, opinions, and any knowledge I have. And I've also learned there are times when I have to admit "I don't know."
Getting back to the main topic of going home, I have so many emotions and thoughts going through my head. I'm thinking back on the last few years. I'm thinking of life at home and all the changes that took place in my absence. How I've changed. What hasn't changed. I'm thinking of my family: most important are my parents who sacrifice and support us endlessly. And my numerous relatives. I laugh when people ask how many relaz I have. There's my 102 year old grandfather and my new baby cousin. Being away from home is like missing out on chapters of life; there have been deaths, births, weddings and many other events that I wasn't part of and yet the course of my life is so closely intertwined with them. While we can look back on the past, bonds are strengthened by undergoing new experiences together. I went back to my first post and I'm fulfilling most of my New Year's resolutions. I can remain motivated when I know there's a reward at the end. Home at last!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Baby please!
My favorite Uncle (he's like a second Dad) and his wife just got a baby. I spent yesterday afternoon shopping for baby clothes. Willingly. (Disclaimer: I've previously aired my views on kids: I don't want to give birth to any now, or in the future. ) This baby is very special and I'm campaigning to be a favorite cousin. I still remember what it was like to be a little kid and have some wonderful older cousins pay attention to me or give me a special treat. Despite my disclaimer above, I don't hate kids. And I just realized what cute clothes they have. There are a million other things that are being marketed to Moms and Dads, and I'm thinking "what the hell is that?" Thanks to celebz, there's a lot of interest in designer products for baby. Some are cool, most are just a waste of time and merely status symbols (isn't everything?). There's a this thing called a baby leash. I first saw it being used at the airport, then in a nearby neighborhood. Seems brilliant for handling active toddlers in public places. (Or naughty adults in private...)
P.S. I hate the Burger King commercials with some guy wearing a chicken costume. Seriously, who came up with this ad? That feathery monster just grosses me out and everyone in my digz.
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