Housing

I started my stay in Nairobi at the Ufungamano Christian Leadership Center. Although well located near town center on the University of Nairobi’s campus, I will never set foot in that place again. With a list of over twenty rules posted to the back of the bedroom door, a curfew of 10:00 pm, and after being scorned for not attending Sunday service, I realized the place was not exactly the best fit.

A week into my stay, I moved over to the Sandavy guest house, upon recommendation of my friend David, who had spent some time in the city before. The house was perfect- there was always a stream of people coming and going from around the world, the staff was the friendliest I have ever interacted with, and the food was great. Plus, there was wireless internet. Unfortunately the house was out of my budget for long-term stay, but if you were ever in Nairobi for a brief period of time, there is no place else I would rather stay.

Towards the end of August I started looking at the bulletin board at a local mall for furnished apartments. The first number I called had posted looking for a single roommate, preferably female. I went over to the apartment, only a five minute walk from the mall, and immediately knew I had found yet another home away from home: my bedroom is huge, the entire apartment was spotless, and in the pantry was five boxes of wine and Skippy peanut butter. Not to mention two great roommates, a Kenyan couple in their late 20’s who are self-employed tutors who offer preparation for the SAT, ACT, TOFEL, and other standardized tests.

Evenings have been spent watching Big Brother All-stars and teaching me how to cook traditional Kenyan meals. In addition to the staples of rice and beans, I’m close to mastering Ugali, a silly-putty like flavorless substance. One day Jack and Shi may even trust me enough to cook the meat. Maybe.