Day 2 in Nairobi

Day 2 in Nairobi:

We did a lot yesterday. We were introduced to Nairobi. After purchasing and activating our new cell phones and a lovely African lunch (for me - the vegetarian - ☺ this was boiled spinach and rice – very nice and healthy, actually☺), we went on a van tour of the city centre. John, our in-country Program Director, advised us which parts of the city we may go to, as well as the parts of Nairobi to which we are never to venture.

After the tour, we went shopping at Nakkumat, the local superstore, sort of the Kenyan equivalent of Fred Meyer. It of course was a bit overwhelming . . . very few brands or products we recognized. Shopping during my time spent in Germany is not even comparable. But we managed to buy staples for our first few days here. It is fun to plan all of this out with my wonderful roommates, Abby and Maggie, whom I feel fortunate to be sharing this adventure with.

In the afternoon we had time for a break (during which I fought the urge to sleep…trying to fight jet lag and get into a routine) before our initial program meeting. The meeting was intense. Professor Ngugi emphasized academic rigor, expectations, and the need for extreme caution and security at all times. We are in very good hands, though, and fortunate to have John, Patrick and Mugake (our drivers) to help us navigate Nairobi.

What are my first impressions? First, Nairobi is a city of contrasts. It is raw and real. Traffic is intense; I have no idea how people can even drive here – you have to be so assertive and bold. Kenyans are very sharp dressers, as our Swahili teacher told us. Ngugi said that in Kenya, first impressions are everything. It also strikes me that Kenyans generally seem very kind, open, friendly and good natured. There is also the sense that one must relax, take it easy and “go with the flow.” For example, buying our cell phones was expected to take about 5 minutes; instead we spent 2 hours there. But in Kenya, we are told, this is just normal. You just wait – so different than the US where everything is much more regimented . . . time here is much more fluid.

Today, we have Swahili class, followed by our program colloquium. We will be meeting with our internship site supervisors, and enjoy a lecture on “The Role of NGOs in Human Rights Enforcement and Advocacy in Kenya.”

I feel really in my element here. My belief in following your heart has only been affirmed. I feel in many ways that this program found me, I feel so drawn to this work, so passionate and committed.

I look forward to learning, observing, meeting various human rights leaders, and to experiencing how human rights is approached in Kenya.

So, things are off to a good start, and I look forward to much more to come.

Hoping that things are going well with each one of you. Miss you, family and friends, and sending you love from Kenya ~~ !!