Day 30 - Arusha to Nairobi, Kenya

---

Up at 6am this morning and took down the tent for the last time - hurrah! We packed up the truck, ate breakfast and then left for Nairobi. We mostly fell asleep for the first part of the drive to Arusha but after the road was being resurfaces and we had to travel on the dust track next to the old road. Clouds of dust were blowing into the bush, covering the bushes and trees for 20-30m in a white coating. A poor Maasi boy standing at the side of the road was almost completely white with sandy dust. The road was so bumpy - the worst so far. I was airbourne quite frequently off the seat and it was uncomfortable, as it made my head ache to focus on anything. Of course writing my diary was completely out!

We arrived at the border and Michelle went off to get all out passports stamped. While she was gonean Immigration officer tried to get onto the bus, but I stood in his way, as we had been told to do. He was blabbering on about how he could do what he liked, but I politely but firmly told him to wait until Michelle got back. It turned out he wanted to do a survey but everyone was thankful it wasnt an inspection because we were carrying meat in the freezer, and it means that everything has to come out of the truck.

It took an age (maybe 2 hours) to get through the Kenyan side - I;m not sure why, but it was for the visa payments and I think Michelle was trying to get transit vias for most people. I wrote some of my diary in the truck, which is now relatively up to date. I have been jotting summaries on scraps of paper, which helps when I get behind.

The road from the border to Nairobi was, in anything, even worse. The same problem as before - rebuilding the road. When we drove onto the new tarmac it was like heaven! The bus was so noisy over the bumps and now.. peace! Only the noise of the cooling breeze through the windows!

Soon we arrived at the campsiite where Michelle and Richard and some of the others were staying. It seemed nice, with a cute cat outside sunbathing. The taxi for us into town was supposed to be arriving in 15 minutes, so Donna, Jen and I got our stuff together. Half an hour later "Smiley" still hadn't arrived... 3/4 of an hour late he turned up. We said goodbye to everyone and piled into the car. Then he lost his keys... then his phone rang... Michelle had recommended him to us for airport transfers, and Donna leaned over and aid "I don't know about you, but we aren't going to use him!". My sentiments exactly.

After a brief stop at an ATM for me, we arrived about 20 minutes later at the Youth Hostel. I checked in and waves to Donna and Jen. I lugged all my stuff upstairs to the 2nd floor and found my room - a small twin with a bunkbed - I was the top bunk. My roommate was out and I quickly sorted out my stuff and put the bedding on. As I had left my water in the taxi I asked the way to the shops. A short while later I was walking down the road (the only mzungu in sight) past Nairobi Hospital to Hurlingham Shopping Centre. I had to ask people a few times, but I found it eventually although it was an acade of shops rather than a centre as I had been looking for. I purchased some water, noodles (for emergencies), cashew nuts, fruit juice, and chocolate!

I walked back in the evening sun and it was very nice. I felt very pleased that I had ventured out and survived! After putting away my shopping, I went on the internet to update my blog (the first time in 19 days since Livingstone). I managed to write four days worth in an hour for 90 shillings (less than 1 pound - no pound sign on this keyboard!).

At 7pm I had dinner in the Youth Hostel - beef stew and rice. Nothing stunning but edible enough and filling. I also had a lovely hot chocolate - no amerula though! Which I took to bed. I wrote some of my diary and then I met my roommate who is Kenyan and called Faith. She goes to university near here and lives here in term time. She's doing medicine and has beautiful braids.

I went to bed reasonably early as it was so nice to be back in a comfy bed! I slept really well and felt quite content not to have to drive somewhere tomorrow or put the tent up and down!!

Sally
xx

---

Comments

[James M Gichohi]

Good Story
Thank you sally your story good that you enjoyed your stay at the Nairobi Youth Hostel i remember you soo well wish you all the best and please visit us again in the future. James. Nairobi International Youth Hostel