We made it!

After 5 cities, 7 security screenings, 5 airline meals, 7 hours of time change, and too many crying babies to count, we made it! While the rest of my fellow DukeEngagers connected through Amsterdam, Cardinal Travel decided to send me to Dubai by myself. But after the screaming-baby filled flight, I arrived at Dubai and was pleasantly surprised; a quick cab ride took me to the largest mall in the world (over 600 shops) that absolutely blew my mind. Not only was it four floors filled with every shop imaginable, but it boasted two full grocery stores, the UAE equivalent of IKEA, an movie theater, an ice rink, and a full fledged aquarium. To top it off, the largest building in the world towers over the city just yards (uhh, I mean meters) away. Kind of like the Grand Canyon, it is magnificent but pictures don’t do it justice; you’ve got to see it for yourself. Fast-forward a few flights, more crying babies, almost not making it through customs (apparently you can’t do work with a “Business Visa”), and the airline losing my bag, and we arrive in Kenya. Our host in Kakamega, Peter, picked us out of a crowd because well, we were the only six white people (and one Indian!) for what seems like miles. Driving back to the small hotel where we are temporarily staying, the difference between the Kenyan culture and that of the US (or Dubai for that matter) was astounding. Compared to the hustle bustle I have grown accustomed to, seeing people just meandering along the street side was a refreshing sight. People seem to be satisfied with just walking along enjoying each other’s company. There isn’t the same sense of urgency of getting from one place to another. Instead, there is more of a mentality of living in the present. But what do I know, I haven’t even been here a day yet. I’ll let you know when I actually meet these anonymous faces and start to understand what their world is all about.