Kenya is like the best country ever (Adi)

I wrote a creative piece for the Globe magazine, a weekly publication at my College and I thought I’d post it here. Enjoy!

Our time as undergrads is undeniably a coming of age odyssey that roughly lasts three years. Effectively a stretch where we experience life hence our attempt at maturity. We have the freedom to do whatever-whenever, whilst we are prepped for our becoming of capable and diligent slaves of our various economies – it’s not all bad though seeing as we at least have a say in our enslavement of choice. However we may choose to prolong the arrival of our inevitable fate with a little thing called a gap year. And said gap year may entail travels that take you to foreign destinations characterised by their own exclusive tale. Perhaps you’ve been bitten by the wanderlust bug? And if so you may be pondering over the possible nations you would fancy your travels to take you? Well fret no more as I shall relay the unique affairs of the countries mapped around the globe. And what better country to begin with than Kenya: quite literally THE best country EVER and I can promise you that the voyage wont completely break your bank account.

So what is there to say about this democratic republic whose president and vice president are currently enduring an on going trial at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Where poverty paints the story of a large sum of the Kenyan people as well as housing Kibera slum, the largest found in Africa. And because Kenyan troops are in Somalia supporting the Somali government in their fight against internal upheaval, she currently has a bulls eye on her back as the terrorist alliance Alshabab have sought to cause havoc within the nation, going as far as seizing the Westgate shopping mall, an attack that lasted a couple of days which saw the killing of locals and expatriates who were not of Islamic religion. I mean you’d have to be a lunatic to want to visit a country with so much drama right? Believe it or not however, the country isn’t all bad. The culture imbedded throughout the cities and towns dotted around the country, a cosmopolitan capital, streets that reek of a history so palpable, the wonderful weather, the lush greenery, the majestic wilder beast, the tranquility of the Indian ocean and the lyrical tone of Kiswahili the country’s national language aside from English as well as the 43 other languages spoken by her people a consequence of their ethnic origins all make Kenya a worthwhile experience for any visitor.

As the saying goes when in Rome do as the Romans do, so what should one do when voyaging around the eastern African country? While in the capital Nairobi go kiss a giraffe at the Giraffe Centre; it will be a kiss you will never forget, that I can ensure. Visit the Maasai Market where the activity involves being heckled by the various sales men and women who will entice you to purchase their array of jewelry, bags, blankets, kikoys, paintings, pants, shirts, scarves to name a few which are all authentically Kenyan. Matbronze, Kitengela glass, Kazuri beads, the National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum are rather self-explanatory activities as suggested by their names, which guarantee an eventful excursion in their own merit. Nairobi has a superb restaurant culture so if you are a foodie you will adore the countless options. And the nightlife of course is unbelievable – there’s nothing more I can say really, you simply have to see to believe. When in Kenya one must visit the coast. Lamu town offers a terrific cultural expedition where a car is not needed to get around; rich in history and a soothing ambiance the olden town with unique buildings and hotels offers a serene experience. Mombasa that holds Kenya’s port has a similar vibe but it is definitely worth the visit. Diani in the south coast hosts one of the most beautiful beaches with pearly white sand and a clear blue ocean. The beach is sprinkled with welcoming beach boys who may possibly try their luck to get in your pants but an enjoyable chat is guaranteed. Venturing off to the Maasai Mara is where you can have your very own Safari. The viewing of all kinds of animals happens from an open roofed vehicle. The experience of staying in a tented camp hotel is great too.

Formerly known as British East Africa, Kenya acquired her independence in 1963. The Kenyan flag is based on the flag of the political party that led the fight for freedom and independence. The red symbolises blood shed in the struggle for freedom, the black symbolises the indigenous black population, the green represents Kenya’s fertile landscape and her natural wealth, the white stands for peace and unity and the Maasai warrior’s shield and two crossed spears symbolise the defence of freedom. Lastly the tune of the Kenyan National Anthem is a song heard amongst the Pokomo people, an ethnic group of Kenya. It is a traditional tune sang by mothers to their children thus the tune reflects the idioms of the traditional music of Kenya. The anthem’s stanzas written in both Kiswahili and English express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the people as a whole. I say add Kenya onto your bucket list of travels!