My job ain’t a job, it’s a d— good time!
The Beastie Boys
Hello from Nairobi!
It’s been busier than ever, which is my excuse for the two week stretch between updates. Work (can I really call it work?) and play take up almost every waking moment. This has kept the time flying by… it feels like we just landed here a week or two ago. Lots of events are coming up, including a weekend at the Prince of Peace Abbey in Tigoni and an Amboseli safari with my Aunt Kari and Aunt Joanne.
Blankets and Wine
One Sunday morning we saw a poster advertising an event called Blankets and Wine. We thought it could be a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The poster said that there were artists from all over East Africa displaying their work, along with live music. We walked to the gate of the event and asked how much tickets cost. It was more expensive than we were expecting, so we talked it over as a group.
“We’re in Nairobi, we can’t not go!”
This line of reasoning has been used quite frequently by us in the last month and a half. We quickly buy our tickets and walk in, expecting some quiet music, art, and maybe even wine tasting booths. We were met with what looked like the start of a full-blown music festival. I was unable to see any wine or blankets, but there was a lot of beer and whiskey in sight.
We ended up sitting down with two Canadian ambassadors and a diplomat from South Africa. It was very fun to exchange stories from Kenya and hear about some more must-see places to visit before we leave. We leave Blankets and Wine at about the same time as them; they’ve got work in the morning and we need to get back to the monastery for supper with the monks.
Less than an hour later, we’re back at the concert. By now, it’s packed and the music is loud. There is a crowd of a couple hundred people dancing, and we all join the party. After dancing for a little bit, one of the songs ends with a guitar solo. My air guitar antics catch the attention of the lead singer, and he calls me up on stage. As I’m walking up, he’s razzing the crowd for letting an mzungu make them look “wanene na mmechoka” (fat and tired). The security guard must not have heard the singer because he didn’t let me on stage, but I did get a spot in the front row!
A little after midnight, the concert died down and we got some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Then, back to the monastery just in time for a couple hours of sleep before morning mass.
It turns out that this is a recurring concert that happens four times a year. We’ve already marked our calendars for the next Blankets and Wine event this December!
Abbot’s Birthday Party
After spending a Friday morning at the hospital, we’re back at St. Benedict’s eating our lunch. We notice that the monks have got a table with drinks set up outside, along with a grill and an entire pig. It looks like the start of an all-day event. After asking what the occasion was, we learn that it’s the Abbot’s birthday. He’s coming to Nairobi to celebrate with all of us.
We spend the rest of the day eating kiti moto (grilled pork) and drinking with the monks. This is the first time we’ve seen the monks really let their hair down and we have a lot of fun. The Abbot invites us to visit the charter house that they have in Ileret. Ileret is a two-day drive from Nairobi and is one of the hottest places on Earth. The trip ended up falling through, but he’s working on getting us there at some point this year.
A common phrase as the night wears on is “keep walking”. The most popular whiskey here is Johnnie Walker and “keep walking” is uttered every time someone pours another glass. Before the night is over, I almost lose a pushup competition against a 50-year old monk.
Partway through the party I’m struck by how strange the situation is. Here we are, three recent SJU alums, partying with the monks and Abbot of the Prince of Peace Abbey in Kenya. During the last month and a half in Kenya I’ve grown more and more comfortable in these types of situations. I’m starting to enjoy the feeling that comes with such bizarre experiences. We have lived through things in Kenya that would never, ever happen to us in the US. I think this might be what I miss most about Kenya when it’s time to come home.
Thanks for reading!