On the road again....

Hi again friends and family!

Here I am, once again, about to depart on an African Adventure. The phrase "Be careful what you wish for" comes to mind, lol.

About two years ago I had a little dream of going to the place where my Mom was born (Kenya), an opportunity presented itself...and I took it! As you can see from my previous posts, my 2013 trip was amazing. It still might be too soon to say it "changed my life" but it certainly has made it take a sharp turn!

Over the past two years, I've been taking courses online with UBC and I recently obtained my post-grad certificate in International Development. I've learned so much and it's made me that much more passionate about getting involved with what is happening to the people on the other side of this planet...the ones few people (myself included) think about when they are getting their daily grande, non-fat, half-caff, no whip, extra hot mochaccino that costs more than some people make in a week.

Another opportunity presented itself to me as I just finished volunteering at We Day Toronto. Feeling completely inspired by thousands of change-making youth, I decided to apply for the UNA-Canada's International Development & Diplomacy Internship Programme. To be honest, I really didn't think I had any chance of getting into the program, let alone being chosen for this specific internship with UNICEF Kenya. But I did! It's always been hard for me to pause and give myself a pat on the back but this is one time I feel really proud of myself.

Needless to say, I could not do this without the amazing support of my work, family, and friends....all of whom have said a resounding "go for it!!" (even if they were giving me crazy eyes at the same time).

So, I have absolutely no idea what the next 6 months has in store for me...and I'm ok with that. I'm just going to enjoy the ride and learn as much as I can so I can pay it forward. I hope you will all join me on this adventure.

The End

Apologies for dropping the blogging ball like that! I'm finally ready to close the Kenyan chapter of 2013.

So, let's see, where were we?

Ah yes, leaving Mombasa was an EARLY start to the day...the first of many it would seem. Thankfully that meant more time with cousin George, Erin, and Valerie, a nap, and a relaxing evening of watching movies and eating popcorn. So glad I got to spend one more night with them.

Up at 5am the next day, still had a cough and cold...ugh, traveling while sick sucks. :( Especially when you have nasty kids behind you and very inconsiderate Mom and Grandma beside you. But somehow landing in Amsterdam makes it all better! And if you think I was going to let a bit of snot ruin my only day in one of my favourite cities, you don't know me very well. ;)

Dam square

Gorgeous sunny day!

Shopping and touristy stuff!

Bridges and bicycles...so Dutch!

Say cheese!

Flower market...on a boat of course!

 

Super easy to get from the airport to town via train and then a short walk to my hotel, which was quite nice...yay for Trip Advisor!

By the time I showered and changed it was 6:30pm and the shops close at 7pm...luckily hotel was very close to my favourite stores so managed to fit in a bit of retail therapy before dinner at the pancake bakery. :)

 



Mmmmmm pancake and chocomel! :) 

 

Unfortunately, I arrived too late in the day to do all the cultural/touristy things I had planned but I did walk right by the Anne Frank House so had to stop and pay my respects.

 

 

 

Although bitter sweet, I did enjoy walking the memory lanes of Amsterdam, even getting lost a bit!

Early morning in Amsterdam

Empty street to the train station

Was pleasantly surprised by the buffet breakfast at the hotel! So much so I was actually late getting back to the airport, oops! Uneventful flight and so nice to be met at the airport by Jessica.

And that was that, dream trip to Africa was over. :(

So, what did I learn?

• Well, I knew this already but...I love traveling, meeting new people, exploring and learning about new cultures. Kenya is a beautiful country and the whole journey was eye opening and wonderful. I can't wait to go back one day.
• I'm so luck to have been born in Canada with all the privileges that affords.
• I'm so proud to be part Kenyan. Met fantastic people here, some that I'm even related to! Was great to finally meet "cousin George" and family. Everyone I met in Nairobi, Mombasa, and the Maasai Mara was extremely hospitable.
• There are many people in this world living without the basic necessities of life (clean water, food, sanitation etc) but that does not mean they are necessarily unhappy. Happiness is appreciating what you do have and those around you. I love the African spirit.
• With great privilege comes great responsibility...I think it is our job to help those less fortunate than ourselves, locally or globally.

I'm sure there are some other things that I can't think of right now, 8 months after my trip. But I plan to take all that I saw and learned and what I am studying now to help make this world a better place in some small way. I look forward to the next step in my journey.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this blog! Thanks for following me and the words of encouragement. I'm sorry I took so long to finish it.

~The End