Returning to Home... Away from Home?

Harabi?

I’ve completed my return to Nairobi and as expected, getting here was quite the adventure.  But, let me start this story with the remainder of my time spent at home.  Last week I blogged about the unfortunate sale of my beloved Inga, but what I didn’t mention was that my return to Nairobi was delayed because I contracted a serious sinus infection.  I felt myself getting sick during my departure from Nairobi.  As soon as I started to feel ill, I was panicked by the memory of washing my face in Nairobi and having water accidentally go up my nose.  I thought the cooties got me!! LOL. 

I know it sounds silly, but I was convinced I’d contaminated myself when the water invaded my nasal cavity.  Paranoia took over as my health rapidly declined.  Whenever I sneezed, I thought the left side of my brain would fall off.  I knew then it was time to get to my doctor’s office for some good old fashion drugs.  My doctor was disappointed that my immune system caved at the first encounter with a few foreign germs.  LOL.  I was not amused by her humor.  In the end I recovered enough to get back on a plane to Nairobi four days late.

On the day of my departure, I felt like God was guiding my steps.  There were so many obstacles in the way of me getting to the airport on time, but they were all cleared.  First I left the envelope filled with the money I got out of the bank on my dining room table.  I didn’t realize it until I’d already entered the New Jersey Turnpike.  I only had $3 to my name and that wouldn’t be enough to get off at the Newark Airport exit.  I decided I would go to a rest stop closer to my exit to withdraw money…big mistake.  The PNC ATMs were down at the two remaining rest stops before my exit (Tanya I need to speak you about this as an executive of PNC).  I finally gave up and decided to take my chances at the toll booth.  What was the worst they could do, right? 

Much to my surprise, the sista at the window took my 3 dollars and let me go!  Thank God, because I was pushing my luck, from a time perspective, getting to the airport.  I still had to return the rental car.  I had two large suitcases, a backpack and my purse.  You all know how heavy my purses can get.  I was wondering how the hell I was going to get all of that on the Hertz rental bus, when the team lead of the Hertz crew, Brian, offered to have one of his people drive me to the terminal in the car I had rented. 

OMG, I wanted to kiss him…and don’t think he didn’t want me too either.  LOL.  He said he, “just wanted to help a sista out,”while grinning from ear to ear.  His words, not mine.  I was thrilled!! Then it hit me that I didn’t have any money in my pocket.  I wouldn’t be able to give Brian and the guy who took me to the terminal, lifting my heavy bags, a tip.  I hope Brian will help another sista out in the future despite my shortcomings.  LOL.  I did promise that I would go online and submit a favorable survey with his name attached.  I’m not sure that had the same impact as an appropriate tip J.  Needless to say I made it to my flight with time to stop at the airport bar….it was going to be a long flight so I needed some liquid encouragement.

When I arrived in Nairobi some 20.5 hours later, I was met by three major flights from Paris, London and Brussels.  The airport was packed at 10pm on a Thursday night.  Now, Jomo Kenyatta International is not a very large airport and its employees have a less than speedy sense of urgency.   I saw some people paying the employees to help them get through the lines quicker.  After my long trip, I was not in the mood for game.  So, I put my hood rat cap on and moved to the line for Kenya Residence Only.  I learned this trick from Master Pu when departing Kenya. 

As you can see, I have my hair braided now so I was somewhat believable.  I moved through the line without a problem.  The agent didn’t care who came through the line.  It was all still work for her.  Let me just say customer service with attitude is a worldwide phenomenon…there’s no monopoly in the States.  The next hurdle was getting my luggage.  Now there was no hookup here to ease my burden with the bags, unless I was willing to grease someone’s palm and I wasn’t feeling generous at the moment.  My second bag took so long to come out after the first one that I thought they lost it.  Once I obtained my bags, I went out to find my driver who was nowhere to be found. 

You see, I was told to look for a person in a green shirt from Europcar with a sign bearing my name.  There were guys in green shirts from Europcar all over the place with every name but mine.  I immediately called Master Pu who found humor in the situation.  He said, “They have a sing for you, it’s the one that says we have a car for everybody but you.” He thought he was hysterical.  I was not amused, but I couldn’t help but laugh.  The situation was quickly resolved with lots of apologies and his driver came to pick me up. 

Apartment Lobby

On the road exiting the airport, the driver slowed down and came to a stop.  I was wondering what the heck he was doing.  I was tired and just wanted to go to the apartment.  He pointed to the left side of the car and when I looked out, there were three Zebras on the side of the road.  I couldn’t even make that up.  Apparently this road is a frequent Zebra crossing.  Who knew?  My only concern was whether or not the more dangerous animals followed suit. 

As amusing as this adventure had been, I just wanted to get to my apartment.  I had no idea what to expect, but it had to be at least as good as the hotel.  It is a three bedroom, two bath apartment with a living room, dining room and kitchen.  When I entered the lobby of the apartment building I was encouraged.  As you can see from the picture to the right, it’s not bad at all.  

Apartment Entry

Then once I got up to the apartment and opened the door, all of my worries melted away.  This is a temporary apartment until my work papers come in, but I can do this for a month or two.  I think I’ve found my first home away from home people. 

Tune in next week when I’ll take you guys further into Nairobi.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised…I was.  And hey, don’t be afraid to leave a message.  This doesn’t have to be a one-way conversation!  As always, don’t forget to sign on as a follower…I won’t bite.

Della Rochelle

Copyright © 2011 by Della Rochelle Williams