Lynette Ogollah
I recently had one of the most fulfilling experience traveling with my entire family when we took my sister to join form one in January.
The trip from Kisumu to the capital and back was so enthralling, as we hit the road again, traveling with parents as an adult mom felt as an adventure in itself.
One thing that never failed to put a smile on our faces was the ritual of our family prayers, but I had never heard myself nor my sisters say Amen this boisterously. The joyous echo of "Amen" lingered in the air, leaving us with a sense of togetherness that only strengthened as we headed back to Kisumu, our hearts lighter, and our smiles brighter.
As someone who has a keen interest in planning events, I felt such a simple outing could make a good idea for that road trip you keep postponing.
The a six hour drive from Kisumu to the capital Nairobi is scenic in the cloak of greenery
It was a bright and promising morning when our family embarked on a six-hour journey to the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya. The excitement in the air was evident as we were about to admit our last-born sister into high school – a significant occasion for our close knit family.
The journey was long, a six hour drive from Kisumu to the capital Nairobi but with scenic cloak of greenery across the Great Rift valley landscape. Something about the open vastness made our family discussions vibrant because immediately we approached the city the closed spaces shut us down.
Nairobi stops at its gates, the city's notorious traffic greeting and testing our patience. It was only the spirit and excitement of first day at school for one who was only a child the other day that overshadowed the inconvenience as we navigated through the web of vehicles and finally arrived at our destination.
Before diving into the world of academia, we decided to refuel our energy by stopping at a Shemeji, a local eatery. The tantalizing aroma of Kenyan cuisine filled the air as we indulged in a hearty late lunch. The Nyama Choma, skillfully grilled and seasoned with aromatic spices, was a dietary masterpiece. Served alongside ugali, kachumbari and a refreshing Fanta Orange.
Uniform Adventures on Ngong Road
Next on our agenda was a visit to a uniform apparel store at Ngong Road, where we busily tried on various sizes. My sister faced a sizing challenge as most of the uniforms in her size had already been sold. Left with limited options, we settled for the available ones which were larger fits. We reassured ourselves that in a few months of adhering to the school diet and routine, she would likely grow into the oversized uniform and that, the uniform would become a symbol of her growth during her high school journey.
As the sun began to set, the task of finding accommodation for the night loomed ahead. Navigating the city's nocturnal traffic, we finally got to my brother’s place at Kasarani. The surroundings buzzed with activity, reflecting the vibrant energy of city life. Even with the busy city life outside, stepping into his abode felt like entering a homely sanctuary.
Surprises during Admission
The following morning, with the sunrise casting a golden hue over Nairobi, we headed to the school. Upon our arrival at the school, a wave of disappointment washed over us. Expecting a seamless admission process, we were taken aback by the disorganization. The school issued a new list of necessities not previously captured in the online admission forms.
This unforeseen development meant an unplanned and costly return to town to secure the additional items. The frustration and inconvenience of the situation weighed heavily on us, casting a shadow on what was supposed to be a smooth transition into the academic year.
On returning armed with the additional necessities required by the school, we navigated through the final steps of the admission process. The once taxing list of items now became the key to unlocking our sister's entry into the new academic chapter.
Saying Goodbye
As the administrative formalities concluded, we found ourselves at a juncture where we had to bid our little sister farewell. A touching moment unfolded as she carried her essentials towards her dormitory. The school's policy prevented us from escorting the freshmen to their dormitories, emphasizing the beginning of a journey marked by independence. Our hearts swelled with a mix of pride, nostalgia, and a touch of anxiety as we watched her embark on this solo venture, stepping into the realm of high school life with determination.
I felt that if I could, turn this drive into a little family road trip that can make interesting budget travel plans this year.
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