Last week Chuck and I went to Nairobi for a few days and I decided to take a few (ok, more than a few) pictures of just some stuff we normally see going to, in and coming from Nairobi (plus a few of just around here). I usually don’t think of taking these types of “every day” photos but some of you might be interested in what our travels look like (at least into the big city!).
Entrance to the TRM (Thika Road Mall). This is fairly new and about 27 miles from us. It has a nice Nakumatt (wal-mart type store) where we can grocery shop.
Not sure if this is a tree farm, but there are lots of trees here along the highway (Eastern By-pass)
Traffic on Mombasa Road
This is one of the entrances to Kenyatta University….lots of students out and about at this time.
Rain clouds over C4KK…praying it will rain soon!
Clay pots are sold along the Eastern By-pass. You simply pull off the highway, buy what you want and continue on your way.
You will see groups of motorbikes hanging together on the sides of many roads. These are piki-piki’s, or motorbike taxis.
Speaking of motorbikes, it isn’t surprising to see motorbikes drive between vehicles on the roads, even the highways! This motorbike is carrying crates of items and this is actually quite a small load. Some are stacked up 10 high, couches or even goats!
A local butchery right on the side of the road. Usually no refrigeration in these places so it’s fresh….butcher and take home. You ask for 2 kg, the butcher hacks off a piece of meat (bone and all) and you have your meat for dinner.
This was our view from The Pub where we went for lunch at The Junction.
For my friends from Michigan. This is actually a restaurant near C4KK but I’m not sure if they serve food! Chuck stopped once for lunch and they kept him waiting for over an hour until he finally just left…we haven’t wanted to try it again since.
You can find all sorts of stuff to buy along the roads…here’s a lumber yard.
Buses have no problem stacking items sky high. We’ve seen items piled up high and literally tied to the side so the bus looks like a mushroom cap!
These are various kiosks selling all sorts of items along the side of the frontage road along the Thika Highway.
Hotel Gutters…..just the place you want to have a nice lunch, right? Remember, hotel here usually means restaurant but with a name like Gutters I think I’ll pass. Plus it’s at a gas station.
Just a view of the Thika Highway
It’s been awhile since we’ve been in an animal jam, but right on the Eastern By-pass Highway we were stuck in a goat jam! The Masaai women were quick to herd them off the road though.
You can buy a gate on the side of the road.
More kiosks on the side of the road selling fruits, vegetables and charcoal.
Another frontage road filled with kiosks. Plus you can see the woman to the far right crossing a major highway. This is VERY common and I’m surprised more people aren’t hurt or killed this way.
Time to get pumping! I know the weights aren’t stacked the same on the bars, I was simply experimenting. But I’m ready!
The bridge over the highway is called a “flyover”. This is where people can cross the highway safely.
All sorts of plants for sale at this road side market.
Why show you empty plates? Chuck and I ordered KFC one night and after 1-1/2 hours they still weren’t at our place. We called and since there are no addresses they asked “what are you opposite?” A fence! Tried giving them directions (they were listed as being delivery in our area) but still no KFC. I finally just told them I was going to bed and forget it. No dinner that night, no biggie.
Another common sight….young men and boys jumping on the backs of dump trucks, riding to their destination then jumping off the back again. They normally wait until the trucks are going over speed bumps so the jump is a little less jarring, but still unsafe in my opinion.
Just a donkey enjoying the grass on the side of the road.
Bear and Pixie taking their morning nap.
Pizza Inn knows how to deliver (in Nairobi not C4KK)! We also found Doritos for a special treat.
Clouds in my coffee 🙂
A herd of cows being herded along the highway
This herd was right at the entrance of the TRM.
Throughout Nairobi you’ll see these push carts being pushed in traffic, literally in traffic. This guy is at least on the side of the road and he’s hauling sugar cane.
English breakfast one morning. Eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, baked beans (tasted like canned) and “black pudding”. They said black pudding was a sausage based patty and it seemed to have a liver taste to it too. Not sure exactly how else to describe it but it was tasty.
You can buy a bed on the side of the road too.
Bear and Pixie love to look out the gate and attempt to terrorize the cats. I think the cats terrorize them instead!
We found a nice place for breakfast while in Nairobi.
Well there you have a few sights. Thanks for traveling along with me 🙂