Tags
Childhood Memories, Culture, Life, Naivasha Kenya, The Great Escarpment Kenya, Travelling in Kenya
As a young girl, I always looked forward to holidays. Aside from not going to school, I anticipated travelling with my dad.
This definitely created fantastic memories, right from waking up in the wee hours of the morning all set for that Kisii bound bus to drinking soda (Fanta orange specifically) with bread (ile mkate ya kuchuna/unsliced bread) and wrapping it up with some boiled eggs-the yolk was my favourite part. This could later be followed with roast corn or strawberry yogurt if we used the Naivasha-Nakuru road and dad was in a good mood.
I genuinely enjoyed sitting on my dad’s lap and laying on his chest to catch a quick nap, though he always had this ball-point pen on his coat’s rare pocket that poked me throughout. Giving me no option but to stay woke and concentrate on what was out of the window.
The journey was always a great learning moment-dad made a point of educating me along the way. He always pointed out the Bata shoe factory in Limuru, the smallest Catholic church On Mai Mahiu — Naivasha Road, the great escarpment and the Great Rift Valley, a couple of animals here and there, the Delamere farm in Nakuru, the breath-taking Kericho tea plantations etc.(this explains my love for Geography). He even made sure I saw a little tree house in someone’s compound somewhere after Keroka.
The drive along the scenic Great Rift Valley View Point was petrifying…I always imagined the bus would roll over- so I closed my eyes until I was sure we’ve passed that stretch. The gazelles, zebra’s, monkeys and baboons on the other hand often arouse a feeling of peace. There simple existence and blending with nature was enough to see me through the then long journey (8 hours of total patience and tolerance).
Fast forward to growing up and living in a region where greenery and wild animals are rare, hence, a realization of how valuable my childhood adventures were. And when I had an opportunity to travel to Kenya a few weeks ago, my urge to revisit my childhood memories became irresistible. So I derailed my small brother and a couple of my new favourites to help me chase these memories.
Off we went and the day was fantastic. I revisited my childhood memories with a twist. I got to stop over and get up close and personal with all the spaces and animals I used to see through the window.
Most importantly more beautiful memories were created.
Lots of Love
xx