Nairobi - Day 1

Our first day in Nairobi was a slow start. We didn't want to plan too much and wait for Michelle's arrival to pet the baby elephants. After lounging around for several hours in Kat's apartment we headed out to exchange some money at the Yaya shopping Centre one block away. We were warned not to take our fancy SLR camera, so we are not targeted as tourists that just arrived in town. The unpaved street was hopping with young man selling roasted corn, car mechanics banging away on an old Honda and ladies selling bananas, pineapples and other unidentifiable vegetation.

We then wandered around the neighbourhood which were full of consulate houses and nice apartments with very tight security before deciding to head back to the shopping centre for some lunch. Although Kenya is a poor country, Nairobi is not cheap! Our smoked ham and Gouda baguette sandwich set us back 12USD. It was delicious though. We forgot to check the tipping etiquette before leaving the apartment and sat around debated amongst ourselves how much we should give. After getting back, we checked the guidebook right away: 10% tip is welcomed since wage is very low (as expected). Kat later informed us, rounding up the bill is good enough.

We were still very much feeling the jet lag and took a 5 hour nap in the afternoon. Later in the evening, we went out to Westland area Italian restaurant for Kat's friend's going away party. Westland is an upscale expat neighbourhood with posh restaurants and bars. After dinner, we headed for a drink and tune in to the England vs Algeria World Cup game at Havana's, a Cuban restaurant and Bar.

The night ended for us at around 11PM. We went back to sleep and waited for Michelle's arrival.

Landed in Kenya after Almost 30 Hours

After 19 hours in the air and 8 hours in between, we finally landed in Nairobi! I think I have been the most tired of all the long international flights I have taken. It might have something to do with the crying baby and large man who decided to extend his elbow to my seat.

We had a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam and had a chance to check out the downtown area. It was actually really boring since we were there 7AM in the morning. Nothing was open, not even MacDonald's. But there were a few ladies in the red light district working the early shift.

We landed in Nairobi after dinner. It was a bit chilly (14 deg) since it is winter here right now. But I couldn't help love the smell the burnt wood in the air. We headed to bed after some tea and biscuits. I was so tired that as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. However, my sleep didn't last that long. Around 2AM, I was awake wondering where was Michelle who was surpose to arrive 7 hours after us. I woke up every hour thinking it was already mid day! Around 6AM, Kat slipped me a note before going to work to let me know Michelle had missed her connection and was stuck in Cairo for 24 hours.

Ruby Roads is going to Africa

Ruby Roads is going to be on the same continent as the World Cup 2010 very soon! We will be blogging from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania for the next 4 weeks. There will be mountain trekking, talking to locals, souvenir shopping, hanging out on the beach and of course, animal watching. Please stay tune!