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Tag: inspiration
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Hippie on an Adventure: Magadi
How can I authentically live the beauty of a foreign place if I keep the same comfort and routine?
‘Mekatilili’ I don’t think I’ve ever been early for a road-trip, at least the much I can recall, this time; I packed 10 minutes before we left, called Duncan, our guide, to confirm on availability at camp & set out for the drive.
Cargo transport in Kajiado That’s how spontaneous my travels get sometimes, all dependent on planning as well as the level of preparedness. Magadi road isn’t as bad as it used to be now that it’s fixed; having left Nairobi at 6:30pm with slight traffic in Rongai we arrived around 8:45pm.
‘Salt hills’ Camping was such an amazing experience for me especially because my tent didn’t have any pegs and it would get really windy. My worst case scenario was waking up in the lake with the flamingoes which wouldn’t have been a bad idea. Although I believe I’m heavy enough to get the tent grounded. Surprisingly I got through the night.
Sunrise at the hot springs From waking up to admire the sunrise after a 25 – minute drive towards the lakeside view point, to an hour of yoga and meditation and marinating the self in the hot springs, to going for a mini hike around the reserve, to reading and journaling on the safari recliner, it is safe to say that I had a worthwhile adventure.
Lex and Mekatilili Hot water natural pool Such beautiful views Viewpoint Pano Micro Springs Reaching out x Maudhui Sunrise View Point Rear glow Lake Magadi and the flamingoes Duncan our guide Points to Note
Carry an extra blanket; it gets really chilly at night.
Temperatures during the day could rise upto 40C, dress lightly.
You have the option to camp by the hot springs as opposed to the designated camping grounds in Magadi.
If you’re planning on any activities ensure you get that done by at-least before noon; the heat is unbearable.
The sunrise is magical. Never miss it!
Photos taken on Huawei P9 Lite
How was you Magadi experience? Let me know.
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Hippie on an Adventure x KenyanBohemian – Vibrations of Tremors
“Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and it’s beauty.” ― Albert Einstein
Pack that bag, go on that adventure… the world has a lot to give.
Bend differently… behind that fear lies your greatest breakthrough.
The fire in you… ignited by love, passion, motivation, innovation, battles, it dies out if you don’t keep it burning.
Life is like math… add value to it, subtract the unnecessary, multiply the virtues and share the happiness.
Selfishness and selflessness… there are days that will call for you to be selfish, and there are days that will call for you to be selfless. Don’t get them mixed up.
Embrace the sunrise… it is a beautiful way to start your day.
The moon is a loyal companion… sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. It understands what it means to be human.
Long for perfect sunsets… they leave you untroubled and bring a little happy each time.
Watch the stars… there is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars.
The Great Lake Elementaita called, and I had to go… I listened, took nothing but pictures, left nothing but footprints and gained a little healing for the world.
Words by The Kenyan Bohemian; follow her adventures on Twitter & blog.
Photos taken on iPhone 6.
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Untamed Kenya. Driving through the Rift Pt. 1
THE ROAD TO LAKE NAKURU
This details my trip from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru and about Lake Nakuru when I get there. The trip lists information about the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita and finally culminates at the end at Lake Nakuru. So, sit back, relax and read away as I take you through my drive down.
The travel route from Nairobi to Nakuru takes us over hills and navigating through S-shaped roads as we descend in to the Rift Valley. The drive begins through Nairobi’s Waiyaki way, a highway that leads on to the outer rims Kenya’s Western Provinces and Districts and imminently to the highlands of Kenya.
To get in to the Rift Valley using this road, there are two distinct routes to take. The first would be the Mai Mahiu route and second would be the Di- rect Nairobi – Nakuru Highway. We will be using the latter.
The van departs Nairobi at 11AM from town, and the initial impression I get as we leave Nairobi is that we’ll never get to Nakuru before 7PM. The traffic is horrendous, but, public transport does have it’s benefits. The drivers are no strangers to back-routes and navigating through heavy traffic in order to get to their destinations.
The drive is arduous, and I can see the driver getting frustrated as he continuously engages the passengers as well as the tout on his rants about the situation on the road that’s definitely a reason to get worked up about.
A Dramatic sky fills the frame with Mount Longonot, a Kenyan icon and landmark. Located in the Suswa Escarpment showcasing the grandeur of Mount Longonot. Wool hats being sold at the Rift Valley View point Wool hats being sold at the Rift Valley View point Mount Longonot from a worm’s eye view as we descend to the bottom of the valley using the Mahi Mahiu route. The descent in to the valley using the more scenic Mahi Mahiu route takes us right down to the Mount Longonot and we get to circumnavigate it seeing most of the facets of the mountain and it’s sheer volume.
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano. an ash and cinder mountain, which was created when the acidic lava erupted vi- ciously causing major and frequent eruptions.The name Longonot is derived form a word in the Maasai Language ( Maa ) called oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges”.
The mountain was thought to have last erupted around the 1860’s. Though dormant at the moment, it’s crater has life being sustained within. Some say it may even have the elusive leopard in it’s confines.
Stay tuned for the next chapter as I get to Lake Naivasha en route to Lake Nakuru
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Home Pt.2 – The great Rift
One of the most intrinsically shaped, beautiful and natural phenome- nons traversing through Kenya.
If one was to trek through the Rift valley, they would find themselves at the northernmost point starting in Jordan, stretching across through the heart of Africa, down to the southern most point in Mozambique. Discovered by John Walter Gregory in the late 19th Century, it was named “The Great Rift Valley” by him. It spans an approximate 6000 Kilometers ( 3,700 Miles ).
A view of the dormant Mount Longonot as seen from the Suswa viewpoint While the Rift may seem to be one connected and distinct valley, it is in- deed a part of three different rifts. The Jordan Rift Valley, Red Sea Rift,and the East African Rift Valley.
A View of the rift Valley en route to Lake Magadi. The three are part of the Great Rift Valley, also known as the Gregory Rift. Aptly named after their discoverer.
A View of the Soda Ash lake from the entrance to the National Reserve. During the migratory season, this is a hotspot for Flamingos and Pelican’s for the Algae and Mineral-Rich water from the Lake Our interest for now lies in the Eastern Rift Valley, where the deepest part of the Kenyan valley lies just north of Nairobi ( Kenya’s Capital city. ). This is also where some of the great lakes of Kenya lie. Because of no drainage for the lakes, they are very high in Mineral content as the water tends to evaporate leaving salts behind.
The dried out crystalline Salt Bed from the Lake’s water as it gets carried for processing at the Soda Ash Factory located at the lake. The Menacing approach of a storm as we look back at the Rift Valley from a view point near the Kajiado area. A view from the Kerio Viewpoint at Iten. The vastness of the valley is evident and spectacularly displayed for all to see. There are many ways to get in to the Rift Valley. Our interest however lies in the North Western route that would lead out of Nairobi traversing the ominously extensive trenches and leading us to one of the Great Lakes of Kenya. Lake Nakuru.
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Gin & Tonics and Khakis birthed the name ‘Brubru’
Let me start by saying that I am not saying that the Australian naturalist who discovered and named this bird either liked Gin and Tonics or wore Khakis, although I am pretty sure he did.
However, as much as his imagination was wrought with creativity, so does my mind wander off to a setting equally vibrant. And while we’re deep down in the dark of this ‘imagicave’ of mine, for good measure, lets go ahead and add a smoking pipe to the khaki clad gin and tonic-er.
Admittedly, the Brubru was a lifer for me on this trip, and my first sighting of it was from afar as it gave impressions of an overweight Batis. Which is what I yelled out with the confidence of “astounding ornithological authority”.
With no one around to correct me, I moved on swiftly to larger, more easily identifiable members of avifauna. It was not till later that night in a khaki-free, sober note at the campfire while conferring with a field guide that I smacked myself across the head as if to swat an insatiable mosquito (in the event anyone saw me).
However, no one was the wiser then and if not for this blog post, no one would have known that khakis influence and channel precise and masterful identification based on deduction and years of knowledge.
What I should have paid attention to, when confidently mis-id’ing the Brubru, was the call.
The Brubru – momentarily disregarding nomenclature – is a fascinating bird on several levels. Albeit wanting to side step nomenclature, it useless to mention the fascination without mentioning that though it is classified as a bush-shrike, it stands alone in its genus: Nilaus, and the word Brubru according to Urban Dictionary is “a nonsensical term of friendship or endearment towards a person of Orient” (bat your eyelids didjya?).
While we’re on that subject, whilst bush-shrikes were considered related to true shrikes, the two families are not closely related. Which is odd (to me), considering they share a few anatomical similarities. Then again, if that was a solid argument then I would have no trouble talking to girls (all being human beings and all), and yet, I seem to hit barriers quite often. I blame the khakis.
The other fascinating feature are its physical attributes of rufous markings that contrast the black and white feathers and it’s striking superciliary stripe with beak that professes lizard hunting capabilities (which is a very shrikey thing). But mostly, the call of the Brubru is – dare I say – Brutiful?
There, I said it!
Like other bush-shrikes, the Brubru is a talented ventriloquist and whistler of long – throwing, flutey “toot toot truuuu’s” that are responded to with love by a female as they ‘wooingly’ duet hot afternoons away.
To end this bird blog, Birlog®©, I would like to mention that this bird was spotted at the Selenkay Conservancy at the Game Watchers Camp and the place begs a visit. I also had one of my best kill/ hunting sightings there. Stay tuned to be surprised at exactly what hunted what (you will be bafflingly Brubru’ed).
Keep it Baobab for the next Birlog.
Till then, keep eyes in the sky and let me know if you spot a cool bird or need help with an ID.
A day after the first ID-ing it, I spent a little more time at its favorite tree and got a shot of the Brubru. Northern pied babblers. Some of the wonderful bird life at Selenkay Tawny Eagle in flight. Some of the wonderful birdlife at Selenkay Brown Snake Eagle in flight. Some of the wonderful bird life at Selenkay -
Jam Squad: Kendi Nkonge
“God is a good God”
Hello my lovely people, I hope your week is going well! I am really excited to tell you that I will be sharing pieces on the artists of the Jamhuri Festivals Jam Session Series 🙂 I feel like you guys should also let me know what you want to know about them that way we can make this fun!
Our featured artist this week is the beautiful, bubbly and outgoing soul, Kendi Nkonge. This amazing woman is a lover of God, good meat, good people and most of all music. “I am always ready to grab opportunities and create them where there’s none to be grabbed” She says.
I got a chance to have a conversation with her and it was an experience like no other.
Courtesy Quaint Photography - How do you get to convey who you are in your music?
I am a lover of music. Like legit!!! I LOVE to sing. I do it all the time. My music is from the heart! I tell stories, about me and about society. I preach change, positive impact and God’s Love. That’s what my music is, about healing and feeling! I can’t fit it into a genre yet but it sure is soulful and heavily vocal.
- How did you get into music?
Music for me started way back, I started singing from when I was about 5. I Sang in church, I sang in school for plays, at assembly, just jamming with friends and even for guests in school. Every chance I’d get I’d just SING!
Courtesy Quaint Photography - How did your parents take it?
My folks knew from the onset that music is my thing. (Laughs) I think what I respect the most is that they want the best for me, it’s not what youngins want to see first but that’s what it is. I have to say though, different parents do it differently but mine are all I’ve got and I’m grateful. We’re working the way up together.
- Do you think children/youth should be encouraged to pursue their dreams?
Yes! Yes! A Million times yes! We should throw away the era of pursuing our folks dreams. I believe that when it’s your dream, no one needs to push you; no one needs to keep rubbing it in your face that you need to take it seriously. Plus isn’t it liberating being able to thrive doing what you love? Though the flip side happens when people use this as an escape not to be ‘serious’ in life or fail to do something substantial with the gifts they have. While children in many places don’t know the meaning and the importance of pursuing their dreams, Or rather they have been made to believe that poverty or suffering is all they’re destined for which just isn’t true.
- What challenges do you face?
Lord! Balancing school with music is NOT easy! Well not Law school at least. So making sure that none of them suffers is quite a tough call but with God’s Grace I manage to do it. So I basically work to make sure that I miss NO classes and still work my way through rehearsal sessions and gigs.
- What/Who inspires you?
Hmm. I’m honestly just very passionate about singing. It’s how I best express what’s in my heart . There’s a high that it comes with that which makes me want to wake up every day and just do it and do it well. Music just makes me so happy! As for who, I’d have to say like-minded people. As well as a couple of artists who seemingly sing from that same point of passion. For instance: Lauryn Hill, Tori Kelly, and Cece Winans among many others.
- Are you seeing anyone?
The Lord is my personal Savior and I am happy and blessed!!(Laughs) Yes, I am.
- Have you done any collaboration?
I haven’t released any music yet. So the correct answer to that is no. I have however had the privilege of working with so many amazing artists performing live from Eric Wainaina, Atemi Oyungu, June Gachui, Shamsi Music, Rigga, Sage, David Hunter, Laura Karwirwa, Benjamin Webi, Elsaphan Njora, Noiz the Beatbox champion and the list is increasing!
Courtesy Quaint Photography - How has Jamhuri Festival changed your career?
It has for sure exposed me to more people, other singers in particular. I love that Jamhuri Festival is one of those platforms that breaks beyond what’s mainstream, breaks the silence and pushes artists that are not very well-known and are uber talented to the rest of Kenya. Not many people invest in younger talent and that’s where loads of the gold is. I’m glad I get to share my music through this platform and get to watch and learn from other artistes too! It’s a healthy environment at Jamhuri Festival.
- Any advise for the readers?
Terens! Terenssss! (This is my Wangari Maathai moment) I pray that we all find peace, healing and love through music and that all men will be drawn to their true calling in this life that we live. It sucks to sit and remember that there are people out there who are just out to put you down and spit on your success. But I always say, if it’s on a firm foundation then the spit will trickle right down like it never even happened. Be true to yourself. Please don’t live to please people, it’s tiring, it’s extremely draining. Just do you!
Courtesy Yves Didier Photography Don’t you love her already? Well I definitely do! Be sure to catch her performing live tonight at Nyama mama, Delta at 7:30 PM. 😀
In the meantime do enjoy her cover of Fire on the mountain ?
Keep up with Kendi and Jamhuri Festival:
Facebook – Kendi Nkonge, Jamhuri Festival
Instagram – @kendinkonge , @jamhurifestival
Twitter – Kendi Nkonge, Jamhuri Festival -
Samburu Visuals
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
A recent visit to the Samburu National Reserve left me elated and amazed by the picturesque landscapes and the great deal of game that we came across. The Reserve is located approximately 345 KM away from Kenya’s Nairobi capital in Samburu County. The Ewaso Nyiro River cuts across the southern corridor of the reserve. Here are some of the stunning visuals from Samburu National Reserve…
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A Conversation with Thomas Olang’o
“Music is a mission. Not a competition.”
I was honored with the opportunity to converse with such a talented and brilliant soul.
Thomas Olang’o is a 25-year-old art and music enthusiast who is driven by the possibility of change in the arts and creative industry through youth empowerment. He is a man of many talents; He plays the guitar for a living (how cool is that?), scripting is also a huge part of his life. On top of all that he occasionally draws. Back in the day he used to be an amazing basketball player until he “stopped being awesome”.
Courtesy Humphrey Gateri aka Nairobiphoet ‘I think travelling is so refreshing, and I love peace and quiet’ says Tom. During our conversation, I was blessed with a few puns and I have to admit they helped ease the tension, this made it easier for me to pester him with my questions.
- What does your typical day involve?
A typical day involves devotion, work outs, Guitar practice, and more guitar practice with the band and a little more guitar before I sleep. Music is my life really.
- Did you always want to get into music?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a pilot. At another point in life I wanted to get into architecture because I really loved physics. However, I found a home in music from as far back as I can remember.
- Who or what inspires you?
I’d have to say Life, Love and the Human mind but most of all my big brother (Polycarp Otieno).
- What was your most challenging gig, why and what did you learn from it?
My most challenging gig weirdly turned out to be my best gig. I will give you 2 instances and both are Jamhuri Festival experiences.
The first one was from the launch. My first ever gig and I’m telling you I had scripted the entire show. I was the bass player and the event organiser. We had over 30 artists in the script and I really had to split myself to follow through on the vision. I had an amazing team with me then; Maggie, Wayne, Edu, Snyder, Chrispine, Keshie, the Watooz and Swizznet. A major S/O to this people! It would have been impossible without them. I love and appreciate you guys so much. It was insanely challenging due to the fact that I really had to work my brain for that show.
Courtesy Humphrey Gateri aka Nairobiphoet The second one was a few months later in Kariobangi South. What made this challenging was almost everyone in K South knew I was a musician because they always saw me walking around with a guitar but they never really got to hear me play up till the 25th of April 2016. I managed to play up till area that was my playing field while growing up. A majority of the people in attendance were people who had known me pretty much all my life and I have to admit it was scary but special at the same time.
Those 2 nights have to be the best nights of my life. They also taught me that charity does indeed begin at home and most importantly, team work makes the dream work.
- Have you worked with international artists? If so who are your top 3?
I have been fortunate to work with a number of international artists. Top of my list will have to be Alikiba. I was his music director for quite some time and I got to enjoy such good food while playing with him (laughs) you do know I love food! On the real though, playing with him gave me an extra confidence boost because it gave me the hope that my gift can reach as far and wide as possible. Second on list would be 2baba (2face) and Sautisol. Working with them was an amazing experience. I got to learn a lot and I did a script for their music video which happened to be my first script outside Jamhuri Festival. Oya come make we go is a beautifully written song with such a powerful message. I was honored to have scripted, cast and set directed the music video. Lastly, I played with Becca from Ghana. She gave me my first out-of-town gig. We played to a Maasai village audience in Narok as she was working on her documentary. It was humbling that an artist from that far considered and had me on her project.
- Do you feel like the government is doing its best to support local artists? If not, state what changes can be made.
I feel like it can definitely do better. Our education system is brilliant, it just doesn’t have that extra branch that isn’t really as extra as might seem. It doesn’t support the arts and the artists in the society. There’s no music, art and craft, woodwork, metal work and all the more practical and creative subjects anymore. Sometimes I wonder where I’d be if i got the chance to do music in school but they stopped offering it from when I was in class one/first grade. In addition, major festivals around the world have government backing but it’s really hard to get their attention here. The arts industry is an industry like any other. I don’t want to put all the blame on the government though because I feel like for us to actualize this, we’ll definitely need all other stakeholders to step up. From the artists to the consumers. It’s all connected really.
- Parting thought?
Love is all we need. Art and music is the vehicle I choose to propagate that love. I want to be a part of the generation that brought change to the society. That change is love. More love. We can all make it in this world! Let’s love another a bit more. Team work does indeed make the dream work.
Courtesy Humphrey Gateri aka Nairobiphoet This by far has to be one of my favorite interviews! Talking to him helped me understand the hard work that goes into a good performance as well as a successful show and also to appreciate his art. I do believe that we need to come together and support our local artists. Artists work tirelessly to deliver amazing content! Hence the need for us to support them as much as we do international artists. Thomas started Jamhuri with the intention to shine a light on undiscovered talent and I ask you not to be left behind! Join the movement and if you do have a talent you’d like to share, do not sit on it!!! Here is a platform for you to bless the world. Are you as eager as I am for Jamhuri Festival?
As we wait on it, you can join me and other music lovers for Jamhuri Jam Sessions every Wednesday at Nyama Mama, Delta at 7:30.
PS. He did not comment on his relationship status. I am sorry ladies but if you want to keep up with what Tom is up to, you need to follow @jamhurifestival on all social media platforms.
Thank me later – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYYjtJ0AV5Qh52cYvpbtNVg
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A suitcase, a phone, and a train. Sharing my trip from Mombasa to Nairobi in 4 hours
Welcome to Mombasa’s ( actually Miritini ) terminus.
But. I moved too far, too fast. Let’s draw back a little.
This is Miritini. On the Map, you can see it’s way past the Mombasa International airport, and has to be reached by car or bike ( Bicycle or motorcycle ). I advise against walking to the station, will explain in a bit about why.
Before I proceed further, it’s important for you to note that while this may seem like a rant, it’s more of an observation. I truly do appreciate the new SGR and would recommend everyone try it while it works.
The distance of 11 Kilometers can be traversed by car or matatu ( Local transport ) or Tuk tuk ( Not recommended ).
In order to reach the station, you’ll drive for about 45 minutes to 3 hours because the station is located along the Mombasa – Nairobi Highway, a road that’s riddled with transport vehicles that simply trash the road and cause a traffic jam that’s possibly visible from space. On one trip to Nairobi from Mombasa, I counted approximately 120 lorries on the road. While that’s great for the jobs market, I will explain that it’s the worst thing for a town as small as Mombasa. Yes a town. We may be called a city but it isn’t a title we deserve.
This is what it looks like trying to get to Miritini from Mombasa.
Now try imagining that all the way to Nairobi. There’s a single carriageway road ( like in the video above that’s not really a road ) that’s trying to push tonnes and tonnes of Fuel, Poisonous gasses, cars and a lot lot more. There’s absolutely no way for you to get to Nairobi without being frustrated. And it’s even worse when you get in to Nairobi with all the extra unnecessary traffic.
Once you manage to get out of that mess, you get to the bridge that crosses on to the mainland from the island of mombasa, all the while contending with traffic, and then comes this putrid, horrid smell that’s simply a waste disposal dump at the edge of the ocean, and it’s unbelievable that this is the entry point in to Mombasa whether by bus, car, or plane.
What you’re looking at are the garbage pickup trucks lined up in green and the garbage disposal running in to the ocean.
So. Now that you’ve gotten through fighting with lorries, and past the horrifying scents and smells of Mombasa’s “Beauty”, you get to Miritini. But you realise the station is nowhere near here. And why? because there’s no signs leading to the station. Turns out, it’s not even at Miritini. it’s off the highway, to the left ( when heading to Nairobi ), in to the forest, and there in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find the train station.
But, that’s not the best part. This here, is the road leading to the station:
What you’re seeing is a one way road, with these mountains of sand on them and they’re chocoblocked because there’s absolutely no way to get through.
But then we get in to the station and everything’s sort of hunky dory.
We start the lineup for entering the station and nothing happens. 5 minutes, 10, 20, still nothing.
Turns out, there was no electricity. The station was offline. We ended up being ushered in by policemen who searched us manually.
So we’re in now. The view is stunning:
I’ll cut to the part where we board the train because it’s fairly uneventful till then, i’m just sitting in my chair listening to the choir of ten-ish children crying away while trying to make a call in a No-Network area.
The first thing I see when walking from the boarding area toward the train is the statuette of an old chinese dignitary.
From then on, it’s more and more about how the chinese are a benevolent people who are here on a “Fair” trade and partnership with Kenya. Forgive my sceptical nature, i’m seeing things a little differently considering the fact that they’re going to be running the station for the next 10 years, and that we’ve got absolutely nothing to do with earning any revenue from it. Or even better is the news that we won’t be done paying them off after ten years either.
But I digress. This is about the train.
The entrance to the train lobby and the mural i referred to earlier seen through the door on the right. As we proceed, we get to the red sands of the tsavo almost immediately.
In the cabins, there’s adequate room to sit facing one another. Privacy is something that doesn’t exist in the regular cabins. On the plus side though, everyone, and I mean everyone was talking to one another. Mobile network isn’t the best along the route so it was interesting to see how people’s phones were put away and conversation was taking place.
Our Kenyan beauties are a match for all. As we drive through the Tsavo, there was much a buzz about elephants and the landscapes. People would whip out their phones and start snapping away. I think as Africans, we a people are very sociable. And very warm, and welcoming. But we’re also getting to a tipping point where it’s almost blatantly obvious to the rest of the world that we’re suckers.
Apart from the ride being uneventful, there is an issue i’d like to point out.
Heading to the meals cabin is a task in the SGR. One way and not too spacious. We as a Kenyan people enjoy our meals. We like to sit and have our 10AM teas with Andazi and chapo’s. On the train, if you haven’t carried your own, you’ll run in to this long line of people waiting to get in to the food cabin.
I understand as of writing this post that they’ve resolved the matter by getting the cabin crew to take tea to the cabins. But it’s still to be confirmed.
Overall, despite the hurdles in getting to the SGR, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend everyone to try it at least once.
A few things to keep in mind if you are going to take the SGR:
- Book early so you don’t miss getting a ticket. They sell out fast.
- Keep your ticket with you at all times, you’ll need it to exit the train station.
- There’s no power sockets in the train so make sure you’ve got a charged phone / laptop / tablet or carry a power pack with you.
- I haven’t seen luggage space for large bags, you may have to make alternate arrangements for them or see what happens if you take big bags. ( let us know )
- Network on the SGR is iffy. Be ready for a conversation with random people.
- Be respectful of your peers. It’s easy to get in to a heated discussion with such a variety of people on the same cabin.
- Be on time. The SGR unlike most local transport is actually keeping time.
Hope you guys liked the article.
Rahim.
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An ode to self portraits: Maira Stephanie
“All my images are self-portraits, even when I’m not in them.”
― Nuno RoqueI’ve always been fascinated with self portraits but in fine art until I found some images by different creatives in digital form. After following along Maira’s work I managed to catch up with here and here’s what she has to say;
Hi! Ever wondered how people get into self portraiture? This is a look into how I, as a 23 year old dental surgery student, got into it and what I’m about as a self-portraiture enthusiast.
What is self portraiture?
I would define it as a form of art where one is free to express themselves however they like in the form of a picture.
How did i get into self portraiture?
It all happened by chance…or is it by fate? *shrugs* It started with a photograph I took of my hand reaching out into the light from the empty darkness. For me, that picture signified a sliver of hope in the dark situation that I was in.
From darkness into light Thus started my love affair with the art. From then on, self-portraits became a sort of safe space, a world where I could explore sides of me that I normally didn’t show out there in the ‘real world’.
What is my inspiration?
My inspiration comes from almost anything really. It can be from a line I heard in a song that touched me in a certain way.
Inspiration from Take Care – Drake ft Rihanna It can be from a particular mood or emotion I’m feeling. Be it missing someone, or craving a little affection or even finally gaining confidence in yourself and your body.
Mood: Missing a significant other Mood: Craving some affection Mood: What’s wrong with being confident? I also get inspiration from other photographers. I normally see amazing shots on Instagram that make me want to try something outside the box.
Through the looking glass. Inspiration comes from everyday experiences and events, from African leaders and even friends. There is literally no limit to the things that influence my ideas.
Thought process.
Now, I can’t say I have an actual thought process. Every idea is different, from its conception to its completion. But what I can say is that I definitely have to sit down and think of the ways I can take a photo without compromising my own beliefs. For example, I am not comfortable with nudity, so I find ways around that. I also try to make sure that the photograph is an extension of what I am feeling at that moment.
The eyes are the window to one’s soul. Shooting process
It is amazing what you can do with good natural light, a small space and a camera phone. Until recently, I had been using phone cameras to take all my self-portraits. I found it more convenient. I am however exploring taking self-portraits with a DSLR now and its working out pretty great. So far I’ve been using natural light only, I take advantage of rooms with large windows. It does, however, limit the time I can actually take the self-portraits. As for space, I don’t have an actual studio (fake it till you make it, ha-ha!) I use the spaces and rooms available to me. Add a few props depending on the theme and I’m good to go.
Good lighting is everything What do I get out of it?
All in all, I would say self-portraiture has helped me discover things I didn’t know I was capable of, it has opened me up to feel more and experience more, it has taught me a lot about photography and last but certainly not least, it has led to new friendships.
Nourishment. Parting short
Self-portraiture isn’t just about serious faces and deep thoughts. Have some fun while you’re at it. Smile! Happiness is an emotion too.
Let me know where you draw your inspiration for your self portraits (if any). You can see more of Maira’s work on Instagram, VSCO , Facebook & Twitter.