12/24/15 – Nairobi, Kenya.
blue skies, puffy clouds, manicured lawns, attentive and plentiful english speaking staff, a personal bow tied butler, serene pond fountains, perfectly place rose bushes, winding brick walkways, colonial balconies, the scent of lilac, english hats, neatly and fitted safari-outfitted gentleman, the sound of english boys chatting, swaying palms, hidden pool cabanas, english gardens and marble sinks…welcome to hemingways.
Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s the energy or beauty and comfort that surrounds me, but i am inspired to write, draw and laze around while allowing the threads of creativity to unravel and weave new unimagined tapestries.
I feel as if i should be laying on the daybed posing for a portrait – or strolling the grounds and finding nooks or benches to sit upon, read, write, stare up at the baby blue sky and doze off dreaming of lions… This is a welcome, and most likely needed, respite, from the rough, rustic and trying adventures of Rwanda and Uganda. As much as i feel at home with the gorillas, enjoying some creature comforts on an estate that is a throwback to colonial Africa is a huge relief and indulgence before i head off to the bush for the next 5 weeks.
In fact, such stark differences between the dry heat of Nairobi and the mountains of Rwanda. Here, not a bit of rain to be seen, lovely 75 – 80degrees – no jacket, fleece or rain gear required. I feel as if a summer dress and sandals is more appropriate than hiking boots and khakis. Though i have no such thing in my bag…
This morning, I enjoyed a well-done omelet, bacon and tea for breakfast after an hour long hiit workout in a small but well-appointed gym. The massage at 11 though not technical was certainly relaxing with only hints to remind me that i am in fact, in Africa. Like the missing hand towels from the bathroom, the 10 minutes it takes to get me a robe to steam, no towels provided for after the steam. In America, i would most certainly let the staff know of my displeasure, however, here, in the mother continent, i find myself to be more forgiving, accepting, and shrugging it off to – it’s Africa.
My muscles are thanking me for the needed rub and I nearly feel as if i’m in a new england town in america or in the english countryside in july, yet, the air and sun give it away….it smells like africa and the sun shines like only the african sun does. Maybe it’s knowing that beyond the boundaries of the lawns and gardens lies a vast and diverse savannah filled with wild animals and nearly prehistoric rituals.
Never the less, with an 1 hour left before my charter out to the unknown, i watch white butterflies and swaying palms with gratitude and contentment in my heart.