Posting 2: Day 1 and Day 1

12/01/14

Day 1 in Nairobi
After a very long night, Don and I landed at the Nairobi airport at around 4:00 Sunday morning.  Our hired driver was nowhere in sight. We were exhausted at that point (me more so than Don, as he had been upgraded to Business Class from Istanbul to Nairobi--I'm still pissed about that!)  I had suspended my phone coverage and Don's phone battery was very low.  This was a problem as we had been cautioned not to take a taxi--only use the contracted drivers. After a few stressful calls, our driver appeared.  He had fallen asleep in his car!

While the drive to our lodging was similar to the first phase of many far away trips previously taken, the significance of this trip finally hit me.  I immediately felt homesick and missed my family. Thank goodness for Skype, email and cell phones.

We spent our first afternoon at a Thanksgiving dinner at the NGO Regional Director's home. He and his family live in a lovely house with a beautiful garden and 24 hour security. We were welcomed by a houseful of friendly, enthusiastic expatriates who have lived abroad for most of their careers. It was a lovely afternoon for our first day.

We stopped at the supermarket, loaded up on water and returned "home."  Our apartment is fine.  A one bedroom with a living room and what is advertised as a full-kitchen. Only problem: the appliances don't really work.  The toaster caught on fire and the refrigerator leaks.  Oh well, good excuse not to cook!

Day 1 at work
Our driver picked us up at 8 am, and we started the day with a 8:30 staff meeting, followed by a comprehensive security briefing. I must admit, I was overwhelmed, but I also appreciated the care and caution provided.  Regardless of where we are, if we experience ANY trouble or problem, we have a security person to call.  The rules are very different here--only use designated drivers, do not carry a purse, don't go out after 6 pm unless your driver takes and picks you up, stay out of certain parts of the country--but people seem to do fine as long as they follow the rules.  Rest assured--we'll be following the rules!

The NGO Kenya Director took us to lunch at a pizza restaurant near the office.  Looking around and eating the pizza, we could have been anywhere in the US. So many things here are the same as home, but the differences are important to pay attention to.

To be continued....