An exciting year in prospect. New Years day was very busy in Taveta; every family seemed to be out on the streets. Nice to see everyone having fun. I was mainly concentrating on ball bearings and new tyres and getting punctures fixed.
On Thursday 2nd Mercy and I went to visit Dad’s grave. Unfortunately it has collapsed a bit; the thought that the coffin itself might be partly to blame is a bit depressing. But there has been lots of rain as well. Anyway we need to lift off the flowers and add more soil. Joseph drove me back on the boda boda and took a couple of detours via dodgy establishment selling mnazi. This is Palm wine and very tasty. It doesn’t feel that strong, but after a whole bottle the effects were certainly felt.
The next day I wanted to make the most of the last few days on my TZ visa and I went to Moshi. Was invited by the lovely lady I met at the Greek church, and in turn I invited her to dinner. As it happens she had been involved in a traffic accident and it took 2 days to sort out with the police. As a result I had two fantastic tandoori chicken dinners … but on my own. Nevertheless a nice visit to Moshi. I asked an American resident of Moshi to rate Kakas, and she said definitely in the top 5, and if you wanted a more local feel, then definitely no. 1. Was glad to hear it.
Left for Taveta on Sun 5th. Was too early to stop off at Mamka’s for kiti moto. But got one last puncture fixed and cycled to Grogans Castle. The road was in very good condition and I made it in under an hour. Cycling just in my shorts was a lovely feeling in the heat. Unfortunately the hotel was still being renovated and I wasn’t allowed up the hill. I had wanted to visit Alex’s grave ..who died in Nairobi a few months ago…son of Basil. Disappointed I cycled back.
Monday 6th the Naekana vehicle to Nairobi was 2 hours late leaving which meant I arrived just as it got dark. But, saw a dozen giraffes and 2 zebra along the way. Checked into the usual cheap hotel and went to the Holiday Inn for Happy Hour and WiFi. Got talking to a lovely lady after we had exchanged smiles….. I’m so naive, I should’ve known…. after an hour she asked if I wanted some company for the night. She probably thought I was staying at the Hilton. I politely declined and went to bed only having eaten some peanuts after breakfast.
Messed up the morning. Charles was waiting at one location and me at another, so we didn’t get to discuss matters around the residency application. Oh well, when I’m back in Nairobi in 10 days.
Checked out of the hotel and went up the road and booked a shuttle service to Nakuru. Saw some Oryx and zebra and baboons along the way and arrived after nearly 4 hours. Checked into the same hotel as in Apr/May . Then went walkabout and found this hotel with WiFi. Making plans to go to Menengai crater tomorrow.