Letters

Dear Friends and family, Thank you for all your birthday wishes. I felt like I had a week of celebrations, with my trip to Dubai, a weekend boozy brunch and then bowling on my actual birthday. Blessed.

Dear Jenn, Snail mail is great. Thank you for the inspirational card that I recieved on my birthday...what are the chances! Hollie, this was a great idea!

Dear Kerry, Thank you for my brilliant card! Honestly...love it! (The gift too-but the card was great!) I loved your positivity about the parcel getting here before my birthday! Brilliant! (Was very close though!).

Dear legs, I think you are tired from hill training the other night, (I ran over a bridge/fly-over multiple times...exciting AND good for you...not!) but you did ok on my 19km long run today.

Dear Avenues mall, You have outdone yourself. The new phase is pretty awsome-just like shopping outside...but inside. Loved William Sonoma and now own my first Kitchen Aid...go me....so grown up!

Grand Avenue, Kuwait

Saying that...think you might need to build a new carpark if it stays this busy...crazy busy!

The Big Things

It is pay day!! A heavy weight is being lifted off my shoulders.

We all know there is more to life than money. But in reality, we know money helps.

This month, my first pay in Kuwait, will equate to about 4 months working in East Africa, where I was for 3 years. (This is partly due to exchange rates as well as outgoings on my salary).Now that I have left, I really don’t know I how I managed to go on safari, own a car, have a few holidays (yes I do-thanks mum and dad!).  People will say, 'oh, but it is cheaper in Africa'. Well, only people that haven’t lived there will say that. Nairobi is expensive. Yes it is cheaper, than London, Dublin, New York…what are you comparing it with? Kampala and Nairobi were both cities where the cost of living was rising monthly. (Not helped by the UN and big Western NGOs that paid big housing allowances and salaries).

I didn’t leave because of my salary. But I know that I would have had to soon, if I hadn’t gone this year.

It is such a nice thought that soon I will not have to worry about reaching the end of the month. Or have to scrape together my glass bottles to take back to Nakumat, just to get a few more thousand shillings!

Saying that, there is a downside to getting paid in Kuwaiti Dinar (only a tiny one mind)….

My friend and I treated ourselves to a coffee and macaroon at Laduree the other morning.  Only after we left I  converted  the money into dollars and we had just paid over $9 each for a coffee. Bit crazy. Eeek!...it doesn’t sound that much in Kuwaiti Dinars! Once I am paid, I will stop converting money, it is the only way to spend it! (Ha!) Anyhow, it was worth it, for an hour or so, my friend and I happily pretended we were on an avenue in Paris...quite hard to do in a mall in Kuwait…but we tried!

 

The Little Things

There were times in Africa, like after a long day at school, when I longed for a coffee in a paper cup. A coffee to go, so I could take it back to my classroom, ready to work again after a caffeine fix. Coffee ‘to go’ started appearing in my last few months in Uganda, in a Styrofoam cup…and there was never any rush for the customer. Kind of defeating the purpose.

Times like that I would go on Google and find where my nearest Starbucks was.  Egypt. Quite far for a coffee fix.

Now I can nip across the street (well, two) come back with an iced latte and get back to work. Or grab a double skinny capachino while I go round the supermarket.

Seriously.  How great is that!?

I tell you-it is easy to forget, but these little things make me happy.

Another thing that makes me happy, is finding all the ingredients to try a new recipe. After seeing these this recipe for Nutella Stuffed Cookies on a couple of websites, I just had to try them.

 

(It is the sea salt that make them great by the way!)

 

 

Looking forward to starting Kuwait Cook Club again!

Paradise

For a few years now, Kuwait has been a bit of a shopper’s paradise. Shiny malls everywhere, full of well know British and American high-street stores, as well as all the designer shops. In the three years I have been away in East Africa more malls have been built, more sections have been added to the existing ones and more shops have opened. I have been to Dubai a few times, but I have to say the malls I visited had nothing on the ones here in Kuwait…but maybe I was in the wrong ones! It is hard to imagine the size of some of these…in one there is actually a walking track. (Probably just so we all know how far it is from one Starbucks to another!) I texted my mum the other day when I spotted a Lakeland shop, joking that I may never be leaving Kuwait now…a baker can never have enough pretty cupcake cases or plastic from this shop!

The other day I was taken to one of the new supermarkets. When I was previously here there really was a monopoly on the supermarkets, but now we have other supermarket chains with local produce and more affordable imported treats for the expats…and…two-for-one offers and discounts (previously quite unheard of!).

Well, recently I wrote about my shopping experience in Scotland for Laura’s blog (here-on Yummy Laura), when I was a bit overwhelmed by the size of the supermarket. Well, I was a bit like the other day, picking up in disbelief Weightwatchers frozen meals, Rachel’s yogurts, Goldfish, Kingsmill bread (bit random-but it is here! ) and other well-known items that you can find in Kuwait.  Some things about shopping in Kuwait have not changed  (thankfully!) though; waiting at the fish counter while they shell and clean the biggest King prawns that are as cheap as chips or getting your bags packed and carried to the car. Yep, it is a shopper’s heaven!

I heard Harvey Nichols is opening…shame it won’t have the champagne bar though!

 

PS- Actually – they are still missing a good bookshop. I would go for it…but with the censorship, I don’t think my café/bookshop/gallery would work here. Back to the drawing board on that one...

Maple Nut Granola

Friends of mine at the 'w' place were laughing at me the other day, as I spent my whole evening (and admitted it!) at home looking (with my tongue hanging out) at the Martha Stewart website!

I wish I could be that creative! I'm not...as I have mentioned before..!

Anyhow, I decided to make a few homemade gifts this Christmas. When I was younger it was snowballs and truffles, then the past few years I have made chutneys. This year I thought I would make granola. A funny kind of gift, but granola is expensive here, so I thought I would have a go-as you can actually buy flax seed, wheat germ and lots of other gems here. Anyhow, by the time I bought all the ingredients I would have been better off buying a box of Dorset's and decanting it into a jar with a home made tag on it!

Hey ho-it's the thought...

I used a recipe from this lovely blog, but I used dried blueberries instead of cranberries and I left out the coconut.

Nutella or...

 

Interesting selling point! It won me over! 

PS- tomorrow I am making edible sparklers with my class to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night (read-my birthday!)-Israeli style!

Country Bumpkin

Trying to find checkouts where there is a breathing person at it and I don't need to fiddle with scanners or press buttons myself. Filling up the car with fuel...myself ...(something I may not have done in about 5 years!), having to remember what pump I was on, who to pay and to do all this quickly (as everyone is rushing). Oh-and did you know, now the BofS card just needs to be waved at a scanner to pay for things...this is a shiny first world nation...!  It was all rather exhausting today. Nice to hide away on the peninsula.

(Oh-although I do like the shiny car that tells me when it's time to change gear...eh...like I need that!)

Rainbow Spectacular

I collected my kanga material, Ugandan made, rug this afternoon, made by Kampala Fair. It is now home, in my little apartment. I love it! It is so colourful and bright...just like the rest of my lounge actually(...I think I will have to tone everything else down a bit). Plus, the bonus is that it is super soft for bare feet!

After all my moaning about shopping in Kampala, I have just found somewhere new to spend my Shillings. Yeaaaay!! I also walked away with two new cute dresses, that are very Mad Men (apparently... I am behind in getting 'into' the show).

This made me very happy today, but here are some more...
3 more beautiful things for today.

Sweet goodbyes, success and spreading it on thick!

• Reading some really sweet messages from pupils in my class to a pupil that is leaving. We created a leaving book today and it is clear that EVERYONE is going to miss this amazing wee boy.
• Successfully downloading my photos from my phone... for the first time.
• Spreading lemon curd on my slice of toast, having it with a cup of tea now - mmm,mmm,mmm!

Bread, milk, Chie Mihara shoes...

Although it is a bit early to start the count-down until the summer holidays, the talk at the 'w' place is already about them.

Not, where everyone is going, but what everyone will be buying. One friend is heading to the shiny, air-conditioned malls in Dubai to go retail mad...I like her style! Could I fit in a weekend in Kuwait? Perhaps not!

I have an ongoing shopping list of essential buys for the summer, so that I won't get overwhelmed when I enter bright shops, full of glitzy and glamorous and totally unpractical items! I have written in capital letters; TWO BOOKS ONLY! I always get a bit carried away on this one- there are actually book shops in Kampala and Nairobi - but I get a bit over excited when I see new books with fresh pages.

There are always a few necessary items which I kind of begrudge having to buy; the new pair of trainers (a must, but so expensive), the sports bras and socks, some new outfits for the 'w' thing, the stickers for school etc. They are also on the list.

As well as...jeans. Jean shopping - something that is never as much fun as it should be. I think I may allocate two days to this task in the summer - I will start early and have breaks and try not to cry in the changing rooms!

Since I am on a budget, I should really stop looking online at Chie Mihara shoes...shouldn't I???

Currency converter

I 'treated' myself to some Kellogg's Fruit and Nut cereal this weekend. I usually don't buy cereal in Kampala. It is exorbitantly expensive and sometimes soft or just funny tasting. But I couldn't find Dorset muesli the last time I was in Nairobi...I know, the city is slipping from its pedal stool!

But this weekend, when I saw the box, I thought, well it is only $7, about 3KD, that is probably not so much more than it would be at home. Is it? I now realise that I am a bit out of  touch with things.

My mum used to always complain that my dad had no idea about the costs of things as he had lived away for so long.  This is true. This is also the man who has panic attacks at the thought of getting on public transport in the UK (Concord and Boeings are not in this category),saying that, I think he got on a boat or train in 2006 actually! (Dad??)

But what does it matter what the cereal would cost in the UK. I was willing to pay $7 dollars for the cereal today in Kampala, I might not next week. In Kuwait I paid silly money for silly things, P&Q bread being one of them...but that was when I was being paid silly money.

I'll ration the cereal! 3 times a week perhaps, my Tiptree Lemon Curd is for weekends, I can have fruit for the others!

Car for Sale!

I have decided to sell my car. It has been a great safari car, (brilliant having a sunroof for game drives!)but it is time to start looking for a buyer. I'm not looking for a quick sale...yet, so I will start slowly and put the word out...starting here.

Gorgonzola (quite strong and beastly, like the cheese) has taken me to the very north of the country, to Kidepo National Park, as well as Bwindi in the south and lots of places in between. She is part of all my safari adventures so it will be hard to say goodbye.

Gorgonzola has had work done on her recently; including new shocks on the back, new back break disks this month and a new water pump. She is regularly serviced (all details have been kept) by a reliable and trustworthy mechanic. She is also fully insured until October.

If your interested get in touch with me and I'll give you more details.

Holey Moley

Everybody who knows Kampala, knows it is no shoppers paradise.

I have been looking forward to getting  few new pieces when I go home this summer. I have for a while. Now am I counting down the days until a mini shopping spree!

My VIV (very  Important Visitor), Kerry, came out for safari, looking lovely, dressed head to toe in Primarni (a shop I have only ever walked in and out of empty handed when I see the queues!) and made me feel quite unglamourous.

"No Robyn, (she would say) your clothes are nice. I just wouldn't wear the ones with holes in anymore! Did you wear that when your Mum visited!?" (Actually yes I did, in the secret hope that my mum would then buy some new clothes for me...it hasn't worked, yet, maybe in the summer!!!)

Or... (my glamorous visitor says)

"Eh,I think there is something missing from that bikini...like elastic!!! I really think it is time you throw out that bikini top."

Oh bugger, the hand washing really is ruining my clothes! I've just purchased a new bikini online and am hoping that I'll have a washing machine in Nairobi!

Reading my set literature for the holidays!

Today's problem

Since today I do not want to have to deal with any real problems; like...I don't know...finding a job!! I have found a new one that I can enjoy solving!

What shall I wear to my brother's wedding?

Obviously this day is not ALL ABOUT ME...but still, I want to look nice.

I do get worried about being introduced as, "This is Robyn...She lives in Uganda," and with a nod of sympathy I will then be excused for my outfit, made more so with the addition of Jesus' sandals! Actually sod it, maybe I should go wearing a friggin' gomesi!!!

Waiting for the buffet at the wedding...
wearing the Ugandan national dress.

I don't have this worry for my fabulous friend Jo's wedding, that outfit has been chosen for me.

Jokes aside, I am thinking fabulous shoes from  Chie Mihara and a simple yet tres chic dress. The wedding will be in Ireland, ceilidh dancing will not be occurring (actually this needs double checking)-so I am not going to be wearing flats.


Obviously my outfit will not be found in Kampala...so the online hunt begins!

Today's day dream

Today I am day dreaming about how I can bring one of these beautiful pieces to Africa. Aren't they just so unique and pretty?

I can imagine sitting on a white wooden chair at this very cute desk. I also think the Patchwork desk is fantastic!


Maybe I could break one up and put it in a suitcase??? Day dreaming...

Oh...I should add; the reason I am day dreaming about pretty wallpapered furniture is because last night I saw a rat the size of a small pony...all that was missing was the saddle...I kid you not! It gave me nightmares!!!

Location, location, location

After all the 'ups and downs' of safari on bumpy Ugandan roads, at the first opportunity I jumped on a plane to Nairobi to make the most of the rest of my holiday. I watched my parents fly back to Kuwait, then grabbed my own bag and headed off to meet my African Adventurer.

I do realise that, like many cities, Nairobi has its slums and leafy suburbs, and the contrasts are vast. But for me, coming from the ghetto of Kampala, Nairobi (with its smooth roads…most of them!...rubbish- free streets, green spaces, shiny shopping malls, good customer service, fresh hummus and Dorset cereal) to me is the perfect mix of the modern world in Africa. 10 minutes in the car from said flashy mall (with shops that you might actually want to spend money in !!!) and you can be spotting giraffes and searching for lions or less than an hour away, having sundowners looking over the mass barren expanse of the Rift Valley.

However, there are some pitfalls about Nairobi after the convenience of living in a small city like Kampala. Size being the biggest downer. With no traffic (yes, it can happen) it can take over 45 minutes to cross from one part of the city to another. So rather than asking, like we do in Kampala, how long (new) friends are intending on staying in the country…the question may be “Where in Nairobi do you live?” ,not out of snobbery but for pure logistical reasons!

But of all this doesn’t really matter...

I came back with three boxes of Dorset cereal..!

Not a bad place to relax and read!
That is the outdoor bath!



An escape to the country...not far from the hustle and
 bustle of Nairobi.

Shopping, Kampala style.

As I have written previously, shopping does not give you the same joy, here in Kampala, as it does in the shiny western world. Sweat beads form on my brow if there are more than two jobs or items on my 'list' in any one Saturday morning. Numerous shops have to be visited before any meal is prepared, especially for cook-club! This is now made more difficult with the temporary closure of our local goodmarket...super would be too strong a term! But, having said all that...I have picked up some great buys through car windows, road-side markets and other wonderful places in Uganda.

Some recent top-buys:

• A battery-operated-mosquito-zapper-racquet . Not the most aesthetically pleasing item in my sitting room, but the most useful by far! I have actually just found out that I paid way over the odds, for this through-the-car-window buy...hey ho!
• Papaya, by the truck load. Ever since I discovered that papaya can indeed taste good, once copious amounts of lime has been squeezed on them, I have been enjoying them while I wait for mango season!
• Ugly Betty, Season 3 -  to be honest, this one wasn't even bought! Until recently I had never watched, or been inclined to watch this, but I have enjoyed all of two episodes so far!
• A mobile phone with a flashlight...yes, it is worth spending all of $20 for this nifty addition! 
• Belgium creme-fraiche ice-cream...can you believe you can find such a thing here...this, I think, is reason enough to stay for one more year in Uganda!

I'm sure I have forgotten lots of fantastic Ugandan buys. I'll update the list when I think of more!

The Most Beautiful Shoes in the World.

Once upon a time, I lived in Kuwait. I earned a substantial amount of money and I also spent a substantial amount of money... on pretty things- Mulberry bags, Kurt Geiger shoes and dresses from Reiss. Oh how I loved dressing in my pink sparkly shoes or my polka dot dress.

Those days are, for the time being, over. My bags are in dust covers and I wear Africa-friendly clothes, namely; Jesus sandals and shorts. Oh, apart from last night, at an art exhibition, where I received a compliment (or what I think was one, it was hard to tell, because it came from a man!) saying that I looked good, very "London-fashion" ....yes, I was wearing shorts...but I did have heels on- quite the novelty!
I am reminded of my old fashion-loving self every now and again when an e-mail arrives into my account to announce the new collection for this or that. These e-mails are usually deleted before they are opened,I remind myself that it would not be fair for such items of beauty to be brought to Africa, where they would be  couped-up in a cupboard (that, and the fact that having an empty purse makes it much harder to buy pretty things). But recently I have been spending many hours gazing at the most beautiful shoes in the world.  My favourites...well I have so many, but aren't the VICENZA C - INDI CASTAÑO divine...and soooo practical for Uganda!!!
Yesterday I had to par-take in some retail therapy to get over the most beautiful shoes in the world. I came back with a bunch of flowers!
Next weekend I am getting all dressed up for the Ascot of Kampala; The Goat Races. I have a hat and a pretty dress and on my feet I will be wearing...flip flops!!!

Airports, Aeroplanes and African Coffee!

Airports, for me, signal the start of a mini adventure. I am not a business traveler, I do not clock up the miles to get anywhere near past a Blue loyalty card. Actually, I still enjoy just going to the airport to pick-up/ drop of friends and family; I start getting excited about my next trip!

I am not yet bored by air travel, I still want to dress for the occasion and wish it really was the 1950s so that I could wear high heels and Jackie Onassis glasses ( remembering that I am not Victoria Beckham, so doing this in 2010 would look rather ridiculous!)..but am happy when splurging on a new pair of comfy(yet flattering..eh, no!) tracky bottoms for a journey instead! I still get a thrill sitting at the bar in an airport ordering a glass of white wine …and even more of a thrill when I pop into the Mulberry store and buy a bag that matches the said tracky bottoms!!

I enjoy making-up stories of all the people I see coming and going to and from exotic places. All airports have their own highlights; Zanzibar has their outdoor check-in and chalk written departure black board, Heathrow, its caviar bar and SHOPPPING, Dubai, the Irish Village…and Entebbe International, Uganda…has a brand new African Coffee Shop!

Yes, well, quite…air travel from Uganda now suddenly doesn’t quite hold the same excitement! Good job they upgraded me to First class! I’m off for more champagne…it must have been the Mulberry bag!!