I had always hoped my work would take me to Africa one day, and I am so thrilled to say it has finally happened.

I was selected to attend a training workshop in Kenya, an exciting opportunity for sure! I was so happy to meet people I had emailed and spoken to online since I started this job, and to learn new things that would help in the work I do. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that part of the thrill was seeing Nairobi!

Because this was a work trip, there was obviously little time to do any sightseeing. Most of our time was spent in the hotel, meals and training sessions included. So, to be honest, most of my Nairobi experience has been limited to The Heron Hotel. It’s been an interesting place so far!

It’s managed by Sarovar Portico India, so much of the decor and the food are Indian (inspired?).

One of my colleagues said the chefs are Indian, so I suppose that says something about authenticity. Certainly there was paneer and paratha, biryani and samosas, chai and yogurt. I was pretty happy with the food! There were fresh fruits at every meal, and vegetables and soup too.

And I was quite happy with the service! On the day after our training, we managed to schedule a safari. Because the van was picking us up at 6am, we were worried about missing breakfast. We asked the staff if we could get some food packed up, and they said they would just open up the breakfast buffet an hour early! So before we went off to see Nairobi National Park, we were able to have warm food and hot coffee. We were so grateful.

The rooms were another story. Comfortable, no doubt. I suppose it was really the bathroom that was a source of entertainment. Some colleagues said their showers didn’t work at all. Ours was an exercise in faith: before every shower, my roommate and I would pray to the heavens, in the hopes of hot water.

I am happy to report I managed maybe three warm showers over the duration of our stay.

Shower quirks aside, I was warm and fed and sheltered, and these five days made me pretty happy. I wish I could have seen more of Nairobi beyond the hotel, but alas, all I was able to do was a safari with my colleagues. But that deserves its own post.