I only had about seven weeks to settle into life in Nairobi before I hit the road again, but it was enough to get a taste of real life. Although I have spent 1-3 months a year in Kenya for the past decade, even staying in Karen—an area in Nairobi—with friends for several weeks, living there is still an adjustment. I am currently back in the states leading my Spirit-N-Light workshop, speaking at three events, and taking care of some things that did not get done prior to my departure.
Several people have commented they are surprised I am back so soon, and I laugh because some of those same individuals keep asking me when my 2016 safari schedule will be listed. Most of my schedule is planned out a year in advance. Therefore, when I moved to Kenya, I already had events scheduled in the US, bringing me back a few months after my arrival. Currently, I am planning to visit the states twice a year: once in spring and once in autumn. The idea was to flip where I spend my time, spending the majority of it in Africa and only a few months in the US.
When I return to Kenya in April, I will post what I love about living in Kenya. If you would like to receive this post by email, subscribe here.
1.Family, friends, and my cat.
I have traveled excessively for the past two decades, more for my fashion career than my photography career. I am used to being away from my family, friends, and pets for half of the year, but living halfway around the world from them is a quite a different experience. After several long days in front of the computer, I can’t just hop on my bike, or into my car, and meet up with friends and family. Skype is great, but it is not the same.
As for my cat, she is living a very spoiled life with my parents, but I miss having her with me. I have a greater appreciation for my wonderful family and friends than ever before.
2. Familiarity
I miss the ease of familiarity in everyday life: banking, the market, the freedom of hopping in my jeep and knowing where I am going. All the things I did in everyday life without having to give them any thought. For the first few weeks, just going to market was like being a deer in the headlights. I recognized very few of the brands; from seasonings to soap, it was all unknown and I had no idea what to choose. I laughed at myself for being so naive about to how big of an adjustment these types of everyday tasks would be in the beginning.
3. Trader Joe’s and ground turkey
I am a single woman who prefers to spend her time doing many things in life other than preparing a meal. Trader Joe’s made this task simple, tasty, and healthy. T.J.; please come to Nairobi. Subway is already here. The one item I have not found is ground turkey. It is one of the only meats I usually eat, so I miss it.
4. Coffee and my American size cup!
Yes, many of you are thinking that Kenya is known for its great coffee. I, however, have gone through about 6 brands and I still have not found one that suits me. I even have a friend whose family owns a plantation. I will be stocking up while I am here. I also miss my big American size coffee cup, as I can’t seem to find one in Kenya. That goes back to the to idea of familiarity, of just not knowing where to go yet. So, I will be bringing my cup with me for now. Few things give me more pleasure in life on a day-to-day basis,than a big cup of fresh coffee and a hot shower.
5. American TV
There are evenings when I just want to plop down on a comfortable couch, put my feet up, and zone out while watching a favorite program. I can’t stream through Hulu or Netflix, but I have discovered I can buy TV on iTunes. Since I don’t watch much TV, this is working for me at the moment, but I miss the ease of just flipping through several cannels of quality programing. I have the NatGeo channel and CNN, but that is about it. Oh, BTW, I also don’t have a couch yet, but it is on the list. LOL.
6. The beach
In southern California, I lived a few blocks from the beach. Everyday, after sitting in front of the computer for many hours, I would either bike or walk along the ocean. This pulled me away from the stress of life and allowed me to be a part of the calmness of the moment where my creativity easily flows. I now live in a beautiful, garden-type setting, where I take daily walks, but it’s not the same. I still miss the beach.
7. Photography events
I was fortunate to live in a city that had many incredible photography events. I love socializing in person and the inspiration it can bring. I miss being able to hop into my car and visit the Annenberg Space of Photography lecture series, the G2 gallery, and local photography club events. Make sure to take advantage of these types of events in your own back yard.
After living 10-15 minutes from a beach in South Africa for 20+ years I am now on my 20th year in San Antonio, Tx, 3 hours from a ‘beach’! I have yet to find something that replaces that feeling of peace and ‘all is well’ that I get from the beach. I hope you find some ground turkey but if Nairobi is anything like South Africa turkey is not hugely popular. Love following your blog.
Being out in the bush, gives me the same tranquility, but when back in LA, I try to get in as much beach time as possible! Yeah I think finding ground turkey is going to be a challenge and I will probably have to settle for ground chucked and get use to it over time…..
Piper: I read your piece with memories of my very same experiences. In med school in 1963 I was allowed to spend a semester studying a subject of my choice anywhere in the world. I chose London, and spent the 3 months there living with a family in S.E. London. I enjoyed partaking of all of the benefits of the city, including its museums, culture, restaurants, and travels to places reachable by the rail system. However, I found myself longing for the simple pleasures of “home.” Whether that was my favorites food, the difference in cultures, my housing arrangements, etc., the saying, “there is no place like home,” always resonates.
Dale
I’m actually going to see you in 48 hours at Sprit-N-Light, but I can answer #5 for you. its called Slingbox (not SlingTV). You connect it to a cable box and the net in the States and you can watch either live or recorded shows anywhere in the world.
Thanks for the tip!! Definitely looking into this. It was great to have you at the Spirit-N-Light workshop!!
Piper, thank you for sharing the challenges of following ones dream. Your insight I am sure will help others.
Well Piper…welcome to the world of the expat! At least you are in a former British hang out…so most speak English! After settling into 10 different foreign countries, where only one had a lot of English speakers….I suggest you count your blessings for that! The rest will soon seem like the norm…even without ground turkey! I shall send you part of my blog (on settling in…in the Arab world) when I can find it! Many hugs and good wishes….and see you somewhere soon…I hope! Nancy
Piper, Congratulations on your big transition. I sympathize with what you miss but also know from personal experience that immersing yourself in another culture on a day to day basis has some mind expanding benefits. When I graduated from college at the age of 22, I left Seattle for Pago Pago, American Samoa to work at the educational television station there for two years. Unlike you, I had no idea where I was going except “on an adventure.” Boy, howdy! Even though American Samoa is a US territory, I was astonished daily at the differences – physically, environmentally, culturally, socially and every other way. Every assumption in my life was overturned – constantly. It was scary and fabulous at the same time. As a working photographer, I was in heaven because it seemed like every picture I took was amazing, mostly because what I was seeing was so different. Silly as it seems, I really missed crunchy iceberg lettuce and cold milk – neither of which was available at the time. I did learn to bake bread (so I could sift the weavils out of the flour), grow vegetables I missed and read voraciously about what was known about Samoa and Samoans. It was an interesting education, but not as moving as the experience of getting to know Samoan people socially, day to day in a real life (as opposed to a visitor’s life). As much as I thought I knew, they continually taught me new ways of thinking, new orientations to the world around me and generally challenged me mentally and emotionally. I learned that patience, time and openness reveals a new, exciting and humbling education and experience. Looking back, I see that Samoa changed me and my orientation to the world, and my appreciation of differences, forever. Pay attention to what you miss, it will change over time. You may never be completely comfortable, but you will be completely alive! Enjoy this rare and wonderful thing you are doing. Can’t wait to hear more.
I have a whole new appreciation for all those who have had the courage to become an expat!! I do love the area I am living in!! I would love to read your blog on settling in, in the Arab world!! We did not have enough time to chat all about it. Big Hugs back and I would love to see you again! Hope you are having a wonderful 2015 and are taking another adventure soon.
Piper… just came back from 2 weeks in Bhutan … where they didn’t have television before 1999! They post Bhutanese proverbs on the roadways as words of wisdom. One of my favorite:
You will only truly realize the peace and happiness in your own country when you travel around the world.
and this was FROM the Bhutanese perspective. ;-}
Love your posts Piper – can follow about your life so!!
Thank you very much for sharing about your dreams and also changes in your daily life!! All will take time to be perfect for you again, but you’ll do it! You are so courageous – admiring this a lot!!
Thanks Severine!! It was a joy to travel through India with you!
Piper –
Isn’t it amazing how we take so much for granted here in America? Glad you are able to return twice a year…that should ease the transition. All the best, girl! 🙂
Lori
Exactly! Very good for you my friend.I have enjoyed your story,and, I wish you the best of luck.I hope success will be very kind to you.!!!!!!!!!!!
will like to meet you. I am in Kenya, been reading your blog for sometime now.
Am in Kenya, I have been following your blog posts. When In Kenya I will like to meet you. You inspire me
Piper, you have carved your life into quite an extraordinary adventure. I haven’t been in to check on you in a while. What you do, what you live, who you are is a gift to us all. I hope that you know that. The pleasure is ours to behold!