Nairobi, Kenya

As I was walking on the terminal ready to leave for Europe, I never knew what I was leaving behind. I was always oblivious to what I inherited as a Kenyan. Onboard the flight, I looked outside and saw my fellow brother working the runway, feeling nothing of any sort. As the plane started to ascend into the air I saw my beautiful homeland Nairobi.

The vast pastures full of history, animals grazing, tradition brewing all on that birds eye view. Having stayed for a few months in a foreign land I began to get homesick, a sudden realization of what I had left behind and taken for granted. I found out that what I loved about Nairobi was the very thing I had ignored and escaped. Nairobi is full of history, culture and beautiful people; the land itself has a deep brazing texture that spews natural fruit. Its meaning is from the Maasai tribe meaning "Sweet water".

I love traveling and experiencing my homeland for myself, the rich and delicious food that I crave so fresh and ready for me to devour, but the one thing I missed the most was the people. The millions of humans all different shades of color, different traditions and different meanings. I miss the legends and myths that were told by our fathers that enriched our lifestyle about our past. As I stand on my balcony I am constantly reminded what beauty is, it isn't well mowed lawns or white picket fences, it letting nature paint on its canvas - the earth. The acacia tree, the equator line, the stampede of uniformed wilder beasts, Simba - the lion and most of all the boundaries surrounding us that forms from far away as seen from the sky, our heritage - Kenya.

Natasha T

Submitted: Friday 13th February 2004, 12:39 AM

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