The Arrival

The flights went smoothly. Having minimal sleep in the nights approaching my trip, I slept almost the whole 14 hours. The food was not bad, but I was not really that hungry either. There is something about flying and eating at the same time that has always makes me a little queasy. I had the much dreaded middle seat on the flight to London. As Lisa put it, “Well, I guess someone has to take that seat.” Surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad. On my flight into Nairobi I had the window seat. I probably shouldn’t have slept during this flight because it was daytime in Kenya, but I did anyways.

On my flight into Nairobi I sat next to an Indian woman. It was obvious she did not speak English, so I did not even attempt communicating with her. However, when the flight attendant passed out the entering country forms to fill out and I sat there waiting to ask the woman on the aisle for her pen, the Indian woman handed me her pen and simply said help. I found it interesting she would just hand over her passport to me. Of course I helped her. Another strange thing happened on that flight. When we entered Nairobi, the flight attendants came through to spray the plane for bugs. The spray was supposed to be harmless, but isn’t that what they said about DDT?

Entering Nairobi was quite the adventure. Before getting onto the plane, the flight attendants checked my bag because according to them, American bags are slightly bigger than the European type and mine wouldn’t fit in the overhead compartment. I was unsure if I was supposed to pick this up at baggage claim or not. I figured I was and proceeded to customs. Walking through the airport, there were so many different people and the quarters were close. The signs for customs were also very vague and I found myself asking people I saw with a United States passport what to do. At first I was in a line for Visas, but I think that was for purchasing them. I then transferred to the line labeled ‘Other’, hoping I would get help here. The man in front of me was from the United States. The line seemed to be moving slow, so the man jumped to the ‘Fast Track’ line. Seeing him get through smoothly, I did the same and without any questioning went through.

Next task, find my baggage. I think every traveler’s deepest fear is having your luggage lost or stolen. I waited patiently, just hoping it would soon appear. I later realized the baggage had been set on the center area and was no longer going around in circles. Finding my driver wasn’t a big problem either. He was waiting for me right outside of the gates with a sign with my name on it. A sigh of relief went through me when I saw him, something about finding someone I know, in a sense, in a country so foreign to me. He insisted on taking my bags, which I’m guessing is a cultural thing. His name is Mr. Gilbert, the only name I can remember from all introductions thus far. I got into the van, almost on the wrong side until he stopped me. Silly American. The trip to icipe wasn’t long, but there are a few things I noted about the road. There are speed bumps all over the place and a bunch of people walking on the sides of the streets.

We entered the gated icipe area. I was escorted to the guest house and given a key to my room for the next two months. Since I arrived late at night the area was dark and kind of creepy. I pretty much went straight to sleep, trying to get acclimated with the new time zone.

I woke up this morning for a breakfast of eggs and toast. I was really confused on what I was supposed to do today. I guess my official research doesn’t start until tomorrow, but I thought at least I would meet up with someone. Turns out I’ve had the day to myself.

I have spent my day unpacking, reading, and walking around campus. The place really is a beauty in its own—from the beautiful gardens to the buildings that hold solutions to saving crops for many starving people. The power went out for a bit, forcing me to resort to lots of reading. I was just afraid it would stay out, so when I heard the refrigerator turn on, I was more excited than I should have been. Since it’s Sunday the place seems kind of deserted. I have met a few people, but my English is probably just as challenging for them to understand as theirs is for me. I can’t wait to meet everyone tomorrow and see what is in store for me in the next few weeks!