One highlight of this trip to Nairobi has been that I've gotten to use public transportation much more than ever before in Kenya. I know that sounds like a strange highlight, but seriously I have enjoyed it.
I have been able to borrow Jemima's car a few times to give myself more freedom for night visits, but for most of my day time appointments, the crazy old 111s served me well. Okay, that might be an overstatement. Let's just say they served me.
When I ride a matatu (or "jav," as some say), I feel more in touch with Kenya. It helps me, somehow, to feel more relevant and connected with the place. Surviving the reckless driving, blaring music, tv screens with perverse videos, humorous slogans written on the windows, and crammed conditions on these vehicles makes me feel accomplished and connected with the city.
Yet my privilege still follows me, like it or not. Once I was standing at stage waiting for a vehicle when one of my older Nav friends passed by in a car, and stopped to give me a lift. I appreciated it. But its funny how even when I make an effort to live so simply, I am still given favors that many Kenyans would not dream of.
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