When I first arrived in Nairobi, the big city feeling was comforting and I assured myself that any culture shock I might experience would not be severe. After all, how can you experience culture shock when everyone speaks English and the mall down the street from your apartment is known for its bowling alley and Thai food? However, the more time I spend in Nairobi, the more I see that any similarities to Toronto I thought I saw at first are only skin deep. It is true that Nairobi offers much the same amenities and services you would find in a similarly sized metropolis: a variety of cuisines, a vibrant downtown, an interesting arts and culture scene, and an unusually large number of shopping centres, among other things. I quickly learned that leading my life the way I did in Toronto was still possible here…with a series of slight adjustments.
For instance, it quickly became evident that few locals can pronounce my name. After I introduced myself, I usually got a puzzled glance and an incorrect name offered in response, such as “Casey?”, “Carrie?” or “Kevin?” (Yes seriously, Kevin). It was clear that my life would get much easier if I simply switched to Kate. I have also noticed that ‘Patterson’ has slowly morphed into ‘Peterson’, and I’m fine with that.
I feel like everything here is kind of like home, but not. Not unlike the Seinfeld episode with Bizarro Jerry. I work for an NGO – but while working at an NGO at home usually means you can barely scrape together enough for rent, here it means you are part of the elite. The people I work with, along with the UN staffers across the street, own the nicest homes and the fanciest cars. When I tell people I work for ICRAF, I usually get wide eyes and nods of appreciation. Can’t really say I got the same treatment when I worked for CUI.
Just like home, I still live in a suburb – but now, I live in the wealthiest suburb of Nairobi. Ever seen the show Cribs? The houses on my street put them to shame.
When I go downtown, I still take public transportation. Although in Toronto, 4 out of 5 accidents are not caused by rogue TTC buses attempting to dodge traffic by driving on the sidewalk.
At home, I lock the front door before I go to bed. Here, I lock the front door too. And my desk drawer. And my closet doors. Then I check the stash of money I’ve hidden under the couch. There’s even a key to lock the fridge. But just like home, the fridge is half-empty and what remains is on the verge of rotting so I don’t figure too many people would be interested.
At home, I like to meet up with friends to see a movie. Here, I go into town to pick up the latest theatrical releases on pirated DVD. Unlike home, where pirated DVDs are sold out of a suitcase by some sketchy Asian guy in Chinatown, they are sold in reputable stores all along the main streets. For a buck.
They also have the show Cheaters here. But unlike home where it only comes on Sat night after midnight, here it has a primetime slot at 8pm, FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK.
Needless to say, I’m getting along just fine.
