My full names are Antony Shisia Were Makokha. I have been inÌýCornwall since the 10 April 2005 and I amÌýat the 91Èȱ¬ Radio Cornwall station on work experience for six months. I head back home sometime in September after what I would call a very pleasant and educative experience. Pleasant in the sense that I have experienced overwhelming hospitality from the many (or are they few?) people I have met, not to mention theÌýincredible pasty that tantalises my taste buds every time as if it was the first.
 | | Fishing in Mombassa |
Anyway back to more calorie friendly issues. Well, first impressions... Richer, very beautiful, cleaner! Hey, I understand clearly that Cornwall is considered one of the poorest regions of England, but compared to Kenya - this could be heaven on Earth. A pipe dream, utopia for our African city.Ìý Nairobi is an incredible city (home is best). Cornwall is magnificent (that's if we choose not to talk about the weather!) Before I came, I was warned, Cornwall is not your typical English County. More conservative. The people can be cold they said. Not enthusiastic about immigrants. You will get plenty of stares. I was also told I would probably be the only black guy for miles around. So you can see what kind of mindÌýframe I came to Cornwall with. I expected some conservatives (I am not talking politics here!) to call me the "N" word. This would have been comic for me because it's an affectionate tag back home, just like "mate" is in UK. Well two and a half months down the line and no obscenities or racist remarks have been hurled at me. In fact, I was touched by the only comment about my skin from a toddler while on the bus. "Look mum,he is brown!"
 | | The Nairobi skyline |
Moving away from that squirmy issue, I must admit it has been a very differentÌý for me here. I love the serene and tranquil aura that umbrellas the County. Nairobi is loud. It's nick named the "Party City" because Nairobians (local moniker) are considered good time seekers, 'don't- worry- about -a -thing' kind of fellows. I am not the same. I like some peace and quiet. I would love living here. I am sincere. On the subject of calm and tranquility, I observed two local events that I think were way too tame. A strike and the elections. I participated in the 91Èȱ¬ nation wide strike. I know I am not a member of a union, let alone a British citizen but I decided to show some solidarity. My take is that it was too diplomatic, too soft. I felt like, 'Come on make some NOISE!!' It's fireworks back home, I mean we have chants and marches, and tear gas canisters fly, cops show up. Then a little running, street closures, that kind of thing. We don't consider it barbaric, we like to think of it as more radical. It also grabs the attention of the authorities a lot quicker. The elections were an anti-climax to say the least. No euphoria, no enthusiasm about the privilege of electing national leaders who will affect your day to day activities. Enough said. I think I am going to be a green activist when I go back. I have been to a few gardens in Cornwall and I absolutely loved it. Penrose gardens in Porthleven, Trelissick Gardens and Trebah in Falmouth. I hope to pop in at the The Eden Project before I go.
 | | Anthony enjoyed Trelissick Gardens. |
When I first came I had vowed never to venture into the sea, but thanks to a few heat waves, I have been lured to some of the beaches on sunny weekends. But you must give me credit for plunging into the chilly waters without a wet suit. Brave heart I am! I have been swimming in Falmouth and Porthtowan, and I am still looking forward to a few more dives, and maybe even body boarding lessons! What then can I say in conclusion? It is beautiful, amazing, I could live here, ooh the Cornish, the chicken or beef and stilton pasties.... I am afraid I am repeating myself.... CHEERS CORNWALL. YouÌý are the bomb... (This means you're great-you rock!)
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