A day at the zoo - Nairobi Post II

Since we didn't make it to Uganda as planned, decided to explore Nairobi a bit more on the weekend. Went to one of the game parks to see the flora and fauna. Was walking with a co-worker of mine and saw a flock of guinea fowls. I remarked that these were really tasty birds and was raving about them when he remarked ' D., you know you are living too long in Ghana when half of the animals in the zoo you can actually identify as having eaten'. While this may be stretching the truth a bit, there were a couple of animals that had 'graced' my plate and palate before. Note to self - do not look at the animals in the zoo with a view to eating them.

A post from Nairobi I

So there I was, all packed and ready when my colleague called to say that our trip to Uganda planned for this weekend had to be canceled. There was an outbreak of the Ebola virus that had reached even the capital city, Kampala. Am disappointed of course - already planned the pictures of me with one foot on either side of the equator, the traditional wedding we were going to attend - the reason for going in the first place.

My disappointment aside, I feel even more sorry for my co-worker who was supposed to be getting married. Due to the outbreak, he has had to cancel the wedding. Can you imagine? All the preparations, akl the excitement, then this? Must be hard. I just hope that he and his family will be ok.

Coming from Jamaica where the most dangerous disease is dengue fever - and even that had a periodic out break as opposed to a constant presence - it is quite frightening sometimes to think about what diseases the average person is exposed to here on the continent. In the past two months, I have had one co-worker and another friend coming down with typhoid, countless others with malaria - that's like having the flu.

I have of course seen the news reports about outbreaks of the Ebola virus in Central Africa, but never really took the time to read about exactly what is is. I got the following from wikkipedia post on ebola(follow the hyperlink to read more if you are interested):

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is potentially lethal and encompasses a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain or malaise, and sometimes internal and external bleeding. Mortality rates are extremely high, with the human case-fatality rate ranging from 50% - 89%, according to viral subtype. The cause of death is usually due to hypovolemic shock or organ failure.
Because Ebola is potentially lethal and since no approved vaccine or treatment is available, Ebola is classified as a biosafety level 4 agent, as well as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has the potential to be weaponized for use in biological warfare and was investigated for this particular use by both the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. Its effectiveness as a biological-warfare agent is compromised by its extreme deadliness and its quickness: a typical outbreak spreads through a small village or hospital, affects the entire population, and then runs out of potential hosts, burning out before it reaches a larger community.

Frightening isn't it? So will spend today exploring Nairobi instead. Hope my friend and his family will be safe.

From West to East...

Started this the very day I arrived in Nairobi and after a week am not just posting.

Came to Nairobi, primarily to attend a conference and team meetings at our new offices. Isn't my first time in East Africa - have been to Tanzania before - but yes first time in Nairobi or Kenya for that matter. I do like what I have seen and am already planning on coming back! Thinking it would be cool to spend some holidays here with Ashes.

It's quite modern city - sky scrapers, plenty of things to see and do. The energy reminds me a lot of Kingston - could actually see myself living here. It's the largest city (population) I have ever been in - it's a bit more than twice the size of Accra with a population of roughly 9 million people.

Interesting how some sub-cultures remain the same where ever you are. Take for instance the 'matatus' or what would be referred to as mini-buses in Jamaica or tro-tros in Ghana. While I haven't ventured on one, driving in the city with them around just seems to be one of near misses and constant prayers. Funnily enough, drivers here seldom blow their horns, driving just seems to be an intricate job of flashing your lights and intuition.

Did manage to take a quick trip outside the city on the day I arrived to Lake Naivasha which is about 90 min trip from the capital. On the way up the mountains, there is a beautiful view of the Rift Valley. Yesterday also went to the Karen Blixen house. For those for those like me that didn't know, Karen Blixen is the famous author of the book Out of Africa, which was then later made into a movie starting Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. The book is essentially her auto-biography and details her time spent here in Kenya.

Friday night did the Carnovire (restaurant) and Casablanca (dancing) which was also fun - now off to see the baby elephants, giraffes and do a bit of shopping and meet up with some Ghanaians who are living here.

Certainly won't be my last trip to Nairobi.
DC