Saying Goodbye

When the party got started

Habari, 

I apologize for being a day late, but I was out VERY late last night saying goodbye to yet another person who’s assignment has come to an end or who is otherwise leaving the account.  This has been happening quite frequently in the past few months.  As I come up on my two-year anniversary here, a lot of my colleague’s assignments have come to an end.

Some of the gifts we give

Usually we have a quaint group dinner where we provide the departing individual with gifts and a card signed by members of the account team.  Some people even get a Swahili name if they are really special.  It is a pretty tame environment where everyone leaves standing upright and with a full belly.  Well, last night was a completely different story.

First of all, the event was held at one of the well-known hot spots in Kenya called the Brew Bistro.  The departing individual gave everyone spending vouchers to cover their food and drinks.  This was definitely a first.  It is amazing how people let loose when there is the equivalent of an open bar and free food. 

The Shisha bong

My expectation was to go to the party for a couple of hours and call it a night.  I even brought someone with me who didn’t really know the crowd, hoping they would get bored and want to leave early, in order to keep me on target.  Well, some seven hours, several Caipiroskas, multiple two-toned shots of some alcohol combination I’m not familiar with and experimentation with Shisha, we left the Brew Bistro wondering, “What the hell just happened?!!”

This “going away dinner” turned into an all out party.  The dancing went on all night long.  There was an underlining drama that also played out throughout the night.  I wish I could give the details, but lets just say, it seems to be a trend for men to come to Kenya and acquire a ‘girlfriend’ while they are here.  A much younger girlfriend, I might add, but it is rare for them to take the girlfriend when they go back to their home countries.  Well, there is a first time for everything!

The people in Brew last night ranged in age from early twenties to late 50’s.  The music ranged wildly as well, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  There were a few people who were not so happy that we crashed their hot spot.  It was obvious from their quick, but polite departures.  All-in-all, we had a wonderful evening.  It made me realize that my departure is quickly approaching as well.  SMH

How I felt this morning

When I woke up this morning, all I could think was, “OMG, what the hell was I thinking!!”  I think I forgot how old I really am.  That much drinking is for the very young or the insane.  It didn’t help that the elevator in my apartment building is broken.   Somebody is trying to kill me this weekend.  Okay folks, I’m gonna call it a day.  I will see you next Saturday, hopefully fully recuperated.

Asante Sana,

Della Rochelle

Copyright © 2013 by Della Rochelle Williams