The Flight to Kenya

After our meeting in Toronto with Julian of SWB and Alden of Aeroplan, Irene, Rachelle and myself (The Nairobi Engagement Team) flew for about a day to finally arrive at our destination. We flew to Dulles DC, then Zurich and finally arrived Nairobi last night. After going through the long ardous journey, amidst baggage complications, and stopovers we arrived the city warmly received by the welcome chants of Nish and Ndichu's team of Safe Spaces. What a happy surprise indeed. The girls received us with jovial chants of KARIBU MARAFIKI!! (Welcome Friends). As they encircled us three, we were greeted , sang to and danced to. We were then driven to the Hotel Utalii. On the way, we passed through rough dusty roads, pot holes, traffic and lots of pedestrians. We went thru fresh fruit markets, slum areas middle class residences as well as commercial retail outlets. The sights of this third world developing country were not all pleasant and sometimes even saddening; but the warmth and hospitality of the people gave one's heart a certain glow. I was reminded of Manila my hometown and felt a nostalgic affinity to the place.