Archive for February, 2006
On Delhi’s New Roads
Dear Ms. Shiela Dikshit,
Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi, I am writing to thank you for the amazing improvement in Delhi’s roads over the past few years. I left Delhi 5 years ago, but have returned each year. Congratulations are in order for the immense improvements, only some of which I can highlight here.
First, I must [...]
The Socialist Republic of India
Delhi’s international airport has had a facelift since four months ago. There were new luggage trolleys at the airport - they were smooth and almost went straight! In the middle of the arrival area was a new information desk. I could have rejoiced.
Except the trolley’s were badly designed - no brakes, and too little space. [...]
Last Moments in Kenya
As I await my flight, it perhaps is fitting to reflect on what the last three months have meant. Yet, it was only yesterday, at midnight, that I started to feel anything.
I am full of wonder for this country. At the local Westlands market, or the upmarket Annabelle Thom in Junction I was struck by [...]
Lamu - Paradise Island
Leave your worries at the airport. Relax. Airport transfers by dhow.
Lamu is that kind of place, where you do not dictate the pace of your life. Everything the Rough Guide says is true. Life moves at the pace of a dhow or donkey. Pole Pole – Kiswahili for ‘slowly slowly’ – is an oft repeated [...]
NGO’s Claim Victory
This may not have made it to your headlines. The French President has ordered a ‘toxic’ ship home.
The ship had been the rallying point for much of the environmental community. It had been on its way to a ship breaking yard in India, where the ship - decommissioned in 1997 - was to be taken [...]
The Turkana Trip
I could not even make it to Lodwar, let alone Turkana – a combination of impatience, bad (or in this case no) planning, and bad luck. I went instead to Lamu (more on that later).
My attempt was based on the premise that you can get to Lodwar in 1 day from Nairobi. I know now [...]
Lake Turkana
What do I do with a week to spare in Kenya? Go to the coast - Mombasa and Lamu - and enjoy the legendary Kenyan sun and sand? Go to the south and climb Kilimanjaro? Take random trips from Nairobi to a few national parks - Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo? Or go north?
North, did I say? [...]
Last Day At UNDP Kenya
Wow! Its my last day at the UNDP - already. The past week has been overwhelming, and now its the end of the road. I am so conflicted, I don’t want to leave. Ever happen to you - you want to but don’t?
Anyway, I know so much about this country now. Today’s paper had a [...]
