My Kenya Adventure Part 2 (For 1st time readers start with the 1st part of my story!)

Sept. 30, 2009, 8AM-I boarded the plane for Nairobi, Kenya. I knew it was another long plane ride but I was too excited to count the hours. I met varieties of nationalities on that trip—but it wasn’t reassuring enough to feel that I was the only asian in the trip. The five hours air travel was fun—as I excitedly view the Africa skyline—I felt a strong feeling of homesickness. I knew my homesickness was even more fueled by the fact that I was traveling alone—into the unknown place I couldn’t even imagine traveling by myself. After a long flight—I finally arrived in one of the countries of east Africa. The excitement to experience the magical Kenya and the strong anxiety sipped through my veins when I presented myself in the immigration officer of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The immigration process proved to be easier though. Finally I met the driver assigned to me by the Kenya Association of Professional Counselor (KAPC), the organizing committee of the convention. William (the driver) proved to be a safe driver despite of the terrible driving culture of Kenya. He brought me immediately to my chosen bed and breakfast hotel—KHWEZA. After arriving at Khweza and meeting Sally (the owner and the manager), I knew I did the right choice. The place was proved to be best place for a solo traveler like me. The wonderful people (Peggy, Judith and the rest) of khweza made my stay truly memorable. Nairobi temperature was cold but the warmth of the people at khweza made the atmosphere so manageable. I learned then to really believe in the saying that “in traveling—believe your intuition”. I certainly did that when I chose khweza! I knew I made the right decision.

August 31-After a nice breakfast at the rooftop of khweza, I decided to explore what Nairobi can offer. William picked me up and brought me to KAPC office. I felt that I have to at least have my courtesy call to the organizer. There—I met most of the KAPC people. Anne toured me around the campus. After which, I decided to proceed with my itineraries for the day. My first stop was the MASSAI Market and the Sarit Center. My shopping spree at Massai was truly fun although I found the vendors too aggressive. But at least I got pretty good bargain! I found the Sarit center too commercialized though. Visiting the Village Market was fun too although I was delighted to have bought most of my “pasalubongs” at the massai market. Village Market was too high-end for me. My brief visit at the Nairobi National Park was enough to appreciate the culture and history of this great country. MY day ended with my quick tour of the Nairobi National Park where I personally had first view of really cool safari animals. Too bad I was traveling aone and there was no one to take my pictures with the animals.

Sept.1- The first day of the convention at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. I was set to present in the afternoon and was truly excited to finally share what I have been doing in the Philippines. My strong conviction to conquer the hearts of the Kenyans gave me the strength to face everything, I knew then that I was alone, I had no support system to lean on—but I have to do it! I knew I would be bringing not only my name but even the dreams of my family and my country. I don’t have the right to evaluate my own presentation but the indicators shown to me by the Kenyans and the other foreign delegates made me so proud of myself and my country. I knew I did well when I received numerous congratulatory remarks after my presentation. The curiosity of the delegates about me and the Philippines grew intensely though after that day. That was the start of my total immersion to the hearts of the Kenyans.

Sept.2-3. I basically spent most of the two days attending the convention. But as the two remaining days came—I became totally in love with the kindness, intelligence, warmth and genuineness of the Kenyans and African people. Although I struggled to understand their official language, Kiswahili, but the ability of the Kenyans to speak really good English made everything easier.

To Be Continued! Please watch out for my next story!

My Kenya Adventure

Sept. 29, 2009, I left for Nairobi, Kenya. Yes, it was my first trip to the continent of Africa and I remember being too excited to venture out to one of my dream lands. I took the famous 5 star airline (Qatar airline) and was patient enough to sit down along the window for 5 hours bound for Doha, Qatar. I was amazed by the very hot temperature when I arrived at Doha (that’s why its in the middle east!). The long wait for my flight to Nairobi was agonizing! Staying awake and kicking for ten hours proved to be very difficult…really, it was. But as I sit down on the waiting lounge of the Doha International Airport—I discovered the true meaning of affiliation—I met so many Filipinos also waiting for their flights. Truly, Filipinos bond when they are in foreign lands. I met this really nice young lady, outspoken and active who was bound for Tunizia, Italy. She narrated out of trust all her plans, her hardships (for leaving her children) and her marital problems. I also met this amazing OFW who shared about his “Napakasakit Kuya Eddie” type of story. His wife apparently left him for another man while he was in the middle east working his spirit out. Admirable too were the group of Filipino young men who were bound for Nigeria for a six months construction work. Not knowing what will lie ahead of them after six months—they took the courage and the guts to leave for Africa. One OFW even shared to me how he struggled to raise $75 (US Dollars) for his baon. And of course, Tita Rose who was bound for Paris. She is a resident now in the land of fashion trying to live her life alone (she apparently forgot to get married because of her being the breadwinner of the family). As I listen to their life stories, I suddenly felt the emotional struggle of our OFW’s. I saw in their eyes varieties of emotions…so deep and so pressing…. We separated after a long wait forgetting even to get our contact addresses or numbers. Although I knew we would all survive---but—that encounter truly made me appreciate our OFW’s…despite of the hardships and the difficulties—their love for their families overpowers everything. I just hope that one day---our kababayans will not have to leave the country and suffer so much just to provide a decent life for their families.

To be continued! watch out for my diary about my kenya adventure!