A Year in Nairobi: 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.