Me again, I warn that this is a lengthy one and honestly it is so delayed because I have thought about not posting this one MANY times. I wasn’t sure if it would come across wrong or offend anyone but at the end of the day, I do want to share my perspective. Everything I am about to say is with the utmost respect and I am truly sorry it my words don’t articulate it accurately. Here we go!
We are finally settling into a bit of a routine and damn, it feels nice. We don’t even have our house fully moved in or even decorated at all but I already feel as though this is home. I hope you watched our couples Q&A, I will put it down below because that will help answer some questions that people have regarding our move!
I think one of the biggest questions is “Is it what I expected?” ish? Is that an answer? I found there is such a broad range of economic status that I didn’t expect; I didn’t expect the wealth. In what I consider a small distance, we can see hardship as well as massive gorgeous houses, and malls such as local stands to large modern ones. I admire the resourcefulness here. Its such a small thing but it took me off guard: the large concrete foundations that are being built, instead of steel beams it was all wooden beams.
Kenya is also so much more beautiful than I ever expected!! The nature, the lushness, the flowers: it is incredible! It makes me realize that we don’t always have an accurate picture portrayed by the media back in Canada. We have had several comments on our videos from Kenyan’s saying basically just that; they are so happy that we are showing this side of Kenya and trying to change the way people see it. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are definitely areas of lower economic status, and when you are in the city business district there is no green and it is not as clean but I feel as though it is the only thing that social media shows and that is upsetting. I do agree that awareness is crucial to institute change, but so is having the full picture. People all over the world are missing out on this beautiful country! It is our goal to change the way the rest of the world views Kenya, come see it and help the incredible country flourish!
Now lets dig some into the culture side of things. Keep in mind when I am talking about this that I have only skimmed the surface of the culture, but this is what I have noticed so far. Someone told me this the other day and I do believe it is true: we always talk about how Canadians are friendly but I think the difference is, Canadians are the most polite but Kenyans are the most happy and friendly people. In Canada we tend to say hi, ask how you are, which we believe is genuine, but do we truly listen to the answer? I am finding here that when you are asked how you are, they genuinely want to know, they take the time to stop, listen, and talk. Everyone is incredibly happy. This is very hard to put into words but when you experience it, you will understand. Now yes, we have been advised that MOST interest comes from a good place and it is something to stay mindful of but overall, Kenya has welcomed us with open arms!
We also now have a gardener! He is amazing!! I cannot say enough good things! When I said that I was overwhelmed with the lushness and flowers in Kenya, now put those in my yard, and I am someone who can’t even keep a tomato plant alive LOL. I needed help! Something different than Canada, Kenya has a culture of a 6 day work week from what we can understand so he was extremely grateful to have 3 days here to add to his current 3 days at another property.
Anyway, enough for now. To sum it all up, the more we travel and get out of our little bubble, the more and more beautiful I realize that Kenya is. I’ll admit, from what I saw in the media before moving here, in my opinion, is definitely not a true portrait of this country. To think, we almost missed out on this beautiful place! The emotions these last few weeks have been overwhelming with the realization that this is exactly why we began this journey: to get out of our comfort zone and experience a different culture, way of life and beauty.
Until next time,
Tracey