Notes from Nairobi. 1 - Someone else's city.

I'm back on red soil, a recognisable place, but different. I keep forgetting where I am and get funny looks when I thank 'Sebo'. Robyn, you're not in Kampala anymore. (Although, it is great hearing from friends that are just over the border from me...makes this settling in period easier!)

My soon-to-be-home is not ready yet, so I have not started to live the life that I will. For now I am guest in a lovely house, where I can run down to the pool to do laps ('can'!) , go to bed hearing the distant screeching of hyraxes and wake when the African sun seeps gently into my room (the 'w' thing has not started yet-hence a wee lie in!).

It is lovely being  guest in a new city. I was invited to join my hosts for dinner at the Muthaiga Country Club, where game  hunters used to meet and was a port of call for new arrivals in the 1900s...so it was fitting that I went as a newbie. It was another Karen Blixon  moment  - apart from the fact that I was allowed into the bar. A bit surreal, as I am sure I will not be going there on a regular occasion (translate-ever!) when I start work.

It will be hard leaving this little bit of luxury and comfort, but I am ready for my own space and routine, I need to get lost in the city to find my way around and I really can't wait to unpack (or collect my 21 boxes/pieces of luggage from Uganda when they arrive!!) and set up home.