Wednesday 21 March 2012

Our apartment

Many people have asked what our apartment in Nairobi is like, so I'm posting a few photos. We really enjoy living here. We live on the top floor of a small apartment building and getting up to our floor requires a special elevator key. I know it sounds elitist, but it's all about the extra security.

The best part about the apartment is the windows. Almost all of the walls are covered in huge sliding glass doors. I keep the windows open all day long, letting in the sunlight and constant, cool breeze.

Our favorite hangout is the 800 square foot stone patio off the front of the apartment. We share with one neighbor who is never home, so we usually have it to ourselves. We have a fire pit out there, along with two big lounge chairs, a roomy sun umbrella, and a couple of tables. I work on the patio most mornings, and it's a great place to invite people over for dinner.

Importantly, I have a great home office. My desk looks out one of the wall-to-wall windows. Big hawks fly by all day, and I look down into my neighbor's gardens and watch their little kids run around. Last month we had a three-day butterfly migration during which millions of tiny white butterflies flew right up to the window and around the apartment for about six hours a day. It was hard to concentrate on work with all the magic happening outside.

When we leave Kenya, one of the biggest adjustments will be returning to life without cleaning and laundry service six days a week. Oh, the time it saves. And the "discussions" about who's doing which chores. There are many perks to living in Kenya but house help tops the list.

It came furnished. Not spectacular stuff, but comfy. 

La cocina.

Three things never in short supply at our house: fresh fruit, fresh veggies, fresh flowers.


A small patio off our bedroom.


The master.

Shot from the living room during rainy season.

My office on a rainy day


The view from my office window on a sunny day

Bountiful breeze

An oasis in the city


Monday 19 March 2012

Who says you can't go home?

Last month, Steve and I made a whirlwind trip back to the States to visit our families. First we hit DC (me for less than 48 hours), then on to Texas, and finally Chicago. Neither one of us are ever homesick until we actually go home and see all that we are missing. We are missing new Starbucks menu items, new top 40 hits (honestly, I couldn't sing along to ANYthing on the radio), and new fashion trends (I was happy to see that spandex-leggings-as-as-if-they-are-real-pants seem to be on the way out), but mostly we are missing people. Starbucks is easier to give up than you might think, seldom seeing family and friends is as hard as you might imagine.

In DC, we had every breakfast, lunch, and dinner scheduled with friends and colleagues. In Texas, we celebrated our birthdays with three other February birthdays- my sisters' boys and my mom. In Chicago, we met up with a dozen or so friends and caught up with Steve's family. A highlight was making a trip to Shedd Aquarium with four of our nine nieces and nephews.

Catching up with friends in DC 
To everyone we got to spend time with, thank you for making our trip so special. We can't wait to get back soon.


Luke, just before his 2nd birthday

Isaac, about to turn 1, with my mom

Isaac warming up to Steve
Lunch at Mimi and Grandad's house
Story time at Dave and Debbie's




Jet lagged but having fun
5 birthdays in 1
Check out those fish! JD's face says it all.

We missed seeing Autumn, Aspen and Brooke, but they sent sweet cards