The lion sleeps tonight

A nice little nap on the flight to Nairobi (between looking for lions) and a long walk up a stone stairway to heaven gets you into the terminal. Inside it looks like a storm shelter, with packs of people on the floor waiting to leave, or maybe just living there. Either way, you have to pick your footing around them. I did overhear one not-from-here tourist ask an airport worker if the air conditioning could be turned on. He was hot.

The passport stamp looks nice, with some man-eating kitty on it of course. And the folks behind the counter where more like tour guides, giving me some good travel tips (“You must eat the fish in Kisumu”) like a fortune cookie. Good to know.

Better than a sign with your name on it is hearing your name called out and seeing a friendly face. Joell gave me an official greeting and then we were off – me in the front seat just for the thrill factor – into Nairobi traffic. Yes, we were immediately into a driving “Circle of Doom” (for the record, they MIGHT call it something else) and the beloved/dreaded boda bodas did seem to come out and buzz by, but it seemed just a slight bit more civilized. I’ll give you it was still much like getting into a filled parking lot, finding the center spot and then realizing you are really in a compactor. The trucks/vans/cars all seem to be closing in on you. Sure, it IS a nice way to meet other people and exchange intimate details, like who has scars where. It’s a bit like stadium parking right after a game that held about half a million people. And does not end.

But there is a bit of variety here. Instead of just people walking, now you add in some people peddling stuff. You know, I am really not in the mood to buy a cheese grater (really) in this kind of traffic. And the guys selling the hazard signs were thinking way ahead. And all the while Joell is quizzing me on how to properly say hello, I am fine and thank you so the locals can understand me. And IF I survive this ride I will learn how to say thank you, all right.

The hotel here is great. Staying at the GraceHouse Resort, where I got a warm welcome. The ladies at the front desk seem to fight over who gets to carry my bags, as I see all my stuff head off towards the room. The handle of my roller bag seems to be broken for sure, after a repair in China (beating it into the ground at the airport, that made the guys with the guns kind of nervous, judging from there expressions) and in Africa (EXACT same thing. Just change the faces) so its rolling days are limited.

A great treat of American food (Philly cheese steak and fries) at the nearby Ya-Ya shopping googolplex, along with a Krest, and starting to feel more at home. Returning to the hotel got me some great Internet access and…

TEA TIME!!!

Under the canopy of trees, just off the lobby and in the garden is an array of teas waiting for your sipping pleasure. Yes we are in the middle of everything, so this little oasis is indeed a nice getaway. You can pick your sweetness – honey or local cane sugar. And then the server unveils the treats – and thoughtfully suggests the ginger cookie.

And IF it all works out just right, you can drag out your laptop as the wireless just barely reaches this spot. Had a great video chat with my sweet baby, while Walter, a waiter, was in awe of this additional sweet I brought to my tea time.

Belly full and the promise of sleeping in late is dashed with a 7:30 a.m. bus departure to start my day. Headed to bed and while looking around in the room, admire a giraffe painting over my spot. The bed has netting to keep me covered during the night. Just before I close up my laptop for the night, I turn around and notice a painting of a lion right at the foot of my bed.

And he looks hungry.

Good kitty…