Twenty-first birthday, Kenya style

Twenty-one: by many American standards, the most important birthday celebration in one’s life: the final birthday of importance, the age of an official adult- there is nothing in the world you can’t do because of age-restrictions. When in a college-environment, it’s the best birthday you’ll never remember.

The 21st birthday in Kenya, however, has very little significance for multiple reasons. First, the drinking age is eighteen, not twenty-one. Secondly, the drinking age is not exactly enforced- most Kenyans begin drinking and going out around sixteen. Thirdly- birthdays hold very little importance here. You may get a card or two, and a gift of socks or some other necessity, but even cakes are rare and parties basically unheard of.

So for the actual holiday (9/8/10), I had very little expectations, and was quite satisfied with the day’s events. I shared a bottle of fine South African wine with my roommates at dinner, and then when out with my coworkers for my ‘first’ drink- a tequila sunrise. I wasn’t carded, no TOMBS stamp on my forehead- just good music, good drinks, and good company.

'Delicious' Long Island Ice Tea, thanks to Drew

Jeff, Johnson, Jos, myself and Drew celebrating at Sherlock's Den

The following weekend though, I had no problem telling every American I met at the bars that I had recently turned 21. Thanks to the kindness of strangers (and now friends), my initiation into adulthood is officially complete.