[Nairobi (Gigiri), Kenya]
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT outings less planned can sometimes turn out to be the most surprising (in a good way!) experiences in life. Well, today, me and my good pal were just going to the Village Market to pick up some stuff at Nakumatt and the Telkom Orange shop. Then, she called her pal (a real go-getter!) who has an amazing position at the UN here in Gigiri to join us for a bite or a coffee.
Instead, we were invited on to the complex for a bite at its Village Market-like cafeteria. My first impression of the complex is simply this: Wow, it’s bloody massive!! That’s gotta be 50 to 80 acres of buildings (offices, gym, cafeterias, library, etc.), green landscape, conference facilities, etc.
In addition, the 3 cafeterias have a wide variety of vendors serving tasty dishes — just like the Village Market. And the prices are amazing since you don’t pay VAT. I also hear that peeps who drive UN red plated vehicles get something like 30% off their fuel costs if they fill up at the UN gas station. And they also get to shop in the duty free stores — no VAT ever! Damn.
In short, I had a great time at the UN today. It’s such a peaceful atmosphere and you get to see citizens from all over the world who are (ahem) “trying” to make a difference. But alas, what a fu!ked up world we live in. Ooops, sorry for the negativity. Here, I’ll smile for ya. 
Hi Max,
Great website / blog — great enthusiasm, great images — I particularly like the aerials of the UN’s campus, the colors, the oranges look good…
I’ll put a couple of things about you up on Facebook and on The WELL. It looks like you will be in Kenya for a while? Glad to see that you like it — I’ve been just about everywhere else, but never seen either Africa or the Near East.
Jack Kessler, kessler@well.com
ps: If you like funk try Sharon Jones & the DAP kings — “This land is your land” — particularly the YouTube version at Amoeba records where she dances
Hi Jack!!
Too much to see and it’s a great break from the fast-paced West. You must visit Africa. Things are definitely looking up on the dark continent. Don’t listen to all the media hoopla.
Thanks for the compliments. Been soooo busy the past few weeks. Well, I came down to Kenya on a 1 week business trip in late 2005…and as they say, “the rest is history.” Haven’t left Africa yet.
I’ll check out your WELL on FaceBook and also take a peek at Sharon Jones & the DAP kings.
Happy web surfin!