A five hour flight seems so easy, lol. Flying over the African continent at dusk... it looked so peaceful. Rolling hills, an endless sunset on the horizon, and no lights or buildings or roads. Until you get to Nairobi, a city of 4 million.
Only my flight was arriving in customs/immigration, and I'll politely call it chaotic. Overhead signs bore no connection to the actual lines (you know, the different lines for Kenyan citizens, have a visa already, need a visa, etc). Passengers tried different lines and compared notes, we switched lines multiple times based on the latest rumors. Finally it was my turn, and I made it through. The even better part is they did not inspect my bags - I was worried because a week ago Kenya banned possession of plastic bags (but unlike when San Jose did it by restricting when merchants give out bags, Kenya is doing it by banning possession of bags). But the internet was unclear if that also meant ziploc bags - like the kind you need for airport security. I had multiple ziploc bags for various suntan lotions etc (gotta have 50 spf at the equator!) and was prepared to play dumb.
Was met by a representative of the tour company (Gamewatchers), and driven to the Eka Hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi. Already have the impression that the Kenyan people seem very warm and welcoming.
The hotel had a security gate (with a guard checking the car extensively). AND the front door to the lobby had a metal detector for me, and a separate bag scanner. (Learned later that these security measures were put in place all over Nairobi due to a terrorist incident a a mall). Quick late dinner ($13.00 including wine!), then off to a fitful sleep - jet lag and the malaria pills (which can cause crazy dreams) finally catching up to me. Not much of an impression of that first night, other than the symphony of the amazing crickets? birds? that I have not heard in years since Martinique.
Was met by a representative of the tour company (Gamewatchers), and driven to the Eka Hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi. Already have the impression that the Kenyan people seem very warm and welcoming.
The hotel had a security gate (with a guard checking the car extensively). AND the front door to the lobby had a metal detector for me, and a separate bag scanner. (Learned later that these security measures were put in place all over Nairobi due to a terrorist incident a a mall). Quick late dinner ($13.00 including wine!), then off to a fitful sleep - jet lag and the malaria pills (which can cause crazy dreams) finally catching up to me. Not much of an impression of that first night, other than the symphony of the amazing crickets? birds? that I have not heard in years since Martinique.
