Unexpected Addictions

I have about one day and a few hours left in Kenya.  There isn't anything else to do right now, so I figured I would write one more blog from Kenya.

There are a few addictions I have developed since arriving in Kenya, which I did not expect.  Don't worry, none are bad, but I have a feeling I will miss them when I return.  I'm also sure there will also be other things I will miss, which I have not thought of yet, but figuring out what those are will be one of the interesting parts about coming back to the U.S.

The first is riding on Piki Piki's (motorcycles).  If you don't want to walk, Piki Piki's are the main mode of transport in towns in Kenya.  I did not ride them too often, but it was fun whenever I did.  Growing up in the U.S., I never understood why some people liked motorcycles so much.  To me, it just seemed more dangerous than a car, and did not really look anymore enjoyable.  However, after this last year, I think I understand.  I have considered getting one at some point (not a Harley or anything, those still look uncomfortable to me).  It will not be for a while though, because I don't think it would really necessary right now.  I also worry that it won't quite be the same as riding Piki Piki's here.  The part of riding Piki Piki's in Kenya I enjoyed the most, was riding around the country and being able to look at the scenery.  In the U.S., I would probably mostly be riding in the city, and otherwise need to go too fast on the country roads to relax and enjoy it.

My second addiction is Tea.  More specifically, Chai with sugar.  I never expected to be a tea or coffee drinker, and I figured if anything, I would become a coffee drinker, since that is more common in my family.  But, I have gotten used to at least 2 or 3 cups of tea a day, so we will see if I go through any withdrawls upon my return.

Another addiction is Soda.  I never drank soda much in the U.S., but in Kenya it makes you look wealthy if you buy a soda, and it is also rude to drink a soda when someone with you is not.  So, whenever I was with a teacher who wanted a soda, they would also buy me one.  This is an addiction I really hope I can beat, because I always feel unhealthy drinking sodas.  Luckily, the brand I normally took was Orange Fanta, which is harder to find in the U.S.  So, hopefully that will help me beat the addiction.

Other than my addictions, obviously I will also miss the friends I have made here and my host family.  I am currently in Nairobi, waiting to fly out tomorrow, so I am done with almost all my good-byes, but they were hard to say this last weekend.  I really hope I am able to stay in touch with all of them through email and facebook, and perhaps I will be able to come back and visit at some point.