Monday, September 26, 2011

On My Own

Today I headed out on my own for the first time. It was a little nerve wracking, but the secret is to act like you are confident and in charge. Then, no one will mess with you. This morning, George had to go to the village to help his brother's family so I stayed in Kisumu. Since I have been here, I haven't had any time alone. This culture values togetherness and teamwork which leaves little place for individual needs. As an introvert, I love alone time. Although, not having it has been tough, I don't want to insist on having it and doing things my own way. This is the culture I am living in now so I need to embrace it and push myself to do things their way. However, when an opportunity to have alone time and enjoy independence comes up, I will take it.

So, I hopped on a matatu and headed to town. This was my first time on a matatu alone. Anyone who has visited Kenya before will know what a big deal that is. There are no marked stops. You just have to know where to get on and when you want to get off. You also need to know the rates. If you don't, they will tell you a really high amount. “George told me, just have 30 shillings ready and don't give them anymore.” So, I did and it was fine. I am so paranoid about being pickpocketed so I emptied my pockets and held my back pack tight. Unfortunately, people here assume all white people are rich which makes me a target wherever I go. I just need to be very cautious. Most people are very kind and helpful. In fact, if someone was caught stealing, others around them would beat them.

Once I got to town, I got off at the Tusky's grocery store and walked to the Duke of Breeze which is a hotel with a roof top restaurant with free WI-fi. Unfortunately, there was no power so I couldn't get online, but I had some power left on my computer so I typed up my blogs for the next time I was able to get online. It was really nice and relaxing. There was a great breeze and it overlooks the lake.



(The view from Duke's)


After a couple hours, George, aka my bodyguard, met me there and we took a matatu home. It was good to get out and know I can get around on my own.

3 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    You were very brave. I'm proud of you. From looking at the photo, it looks like a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. Glad you got some alone time. From one introvert to another--it's like recharging your batteries. Tell George I said hi. Karen @ aloha

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Yaps it is the best place to be in Karen...that is why she wants to spend the rest of her time in this place...sad/or happy I was her way out. I said hi myself

    P.D

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    So glad you were able to get out & to take a matatu by yourself! They have something similar in Jamaica. I didn't ever go by myself. But I understand a lot of what you talked about - crowding in, pick pocketing & because you are white you are rich. Haha an ocean apart & so many similarities. I loved seeing where you were living :-) Nichole

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