African Traditions

Been having interesting discussions with members of the old generation from different ethnic backgrounds. The coolest thing about these people is that you get to learn so much from them that you would not learn from TV, FB, Twitter or on many modern sites. The treasure trove of knowledge is amazing, and soooooo interesting.

The best part is getting info on all these interesting practices that Africans have and the preparations and attire involved( I use the word have because contrary to popular belief what happens in Nairobi applies to the rest of Kenya so that means guys in shagz still practice them).

So in essence it makes me wonder what position I would be in if the zungs' hadn't colonised us and if I would have existed at all! And if I had, would I have like 16 tois, mbotching my behind off, be pulling a zuma (being a mkemwenza) and missing a vital part of my anatomy (yep the part that they amputate from mamas for most of African cultures). Kinda makes you wonder where you would be right now and how much of your background's practices you know and practice.

As I head to our brothers down south tomorrow, lets see what interesting practices they have there, siku njema people (despite the cold) (",)

Bad hotels and restaurants in Nairobi

The list is based on poor service and food mostly based on my experience dining there.
1. Art cafe; these guys quite conviniently ignore you whilst signaling them for service-actually the term should be deliberately ignore customers! Then the meal portions are rediculously tiny for the amount paid-just picture ordering a slice of cake and what comes resembles a biscuit and the price is about Kshs250 or thereabouts if they haven't been hiked!
2. Epic restaurant: food takes FOREVER to be served, it comes in uchoyo portions and you will need to walk to the front desk to pay your bill as the waiters usually 'conviniently' forget about some of the diners-next time I will just walk out without paying!
3. The Stanley; apart from treating every female African customer like potential prostitutes, they also have really bad service, but god salad
4. Its a tie-Yes people its that bad! Java Koinange and Java Junction: take too long to serve miros (read white man syndrome here) and at times have waiters with lousy, unecessary attitude.
So good people you now know where not to go for those upscale restaurants that you might consider. And just something small to ponder with such service, do the staff in these places seriously expect to get tips from fellow miros after the 'service' they give? I guess that's why most people prefer locals/mtaani food places, why? The food comes quickly, its cheap and the service is equal for all! And on top of everything these guys do not even expect tips so if you give a tip-you're the star client!
Have a satisfactory day people (",)

Crying in a Mercedes

Had a discussion with a close friend today from her FB posting about an option between crying in a Merc and a bicycle and her response was in a Toyota of sorts in regards to happiness in life and general musings. When she asked for my answer, I replied a Merc-why? Because it has air-con to dry the tears, kick ass stereo with surround sound for an uplifting jam to lift my spirits and a random bottle of something alcoholic to lift up my spirits ;). In addition tinted windows so that people don't see me cry and my credit card in the car to get me a pair of Jimmy Choos to again-lift up my spirits.

At this queried whether we are too materialistic and I told her my deduction of the situation is that we just want the best in life for ourselves, and who can blame us?

Would you rather cry on a bike in the dust, glaring sun and in public viewing where you could even preng the bike and cause even more public disgrace or in a Merc with dignified poise (mind you, while weeping), privacy and consoling surroundings?

Ponder this and a mzuri weekend people as we cheer on Ghana tonight in the world cup! (",)

P.R Kenyan style

Had a meeting for a charity event venue source of sorts and I have to say I met the most snooty 'Sales and Marketing Manager' ever! Fine its a prestigious hotel and you work there, but my dear here is the reality check-you don't own it, so don't act like you do!

That's what happens when you get media personalities to do jobs that do not suit them-whether they are trained or not. I wondered after that meeting what kind of sales manager was in place there and how exactly she met her targets with such an attitude considering the guy who runs the hotel is sooooo chilled out! Anyway as a resolve, I shall invite her for the charity event at another venue just be courteous after all, snootiness only looks good on the snooty (",)