Farewell

It is never easy to say goodbye to home, for me where we make a living is called 'home'.

 Even though I am quite fan of moving, every move comes with it's own pros and cons. I was busy with planning farewell parties for my children at school, we also gathered at friend's house for dinner, there was also another gathering with expat wives club:) for lunch. With every hug and goodbye, I felt sad...I want to say Farewell to:

My friends at total barre class: When we hugged each other with my lovely instructor, Jess, I remembered the first day I heard about this class, how excited I was. It was not only a class for me, it was also a social place where I got to talk to people and made new friends. I looked forward to every Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Dr. King, my pharmacist: who was always there for me, found any medication I needed. We even talked about Turkish and Kenyan politics, and learned so much from each other.

My friend at KPS: John, who always helped me with carrying my grocery, and always asked about my children, brother and husband. With that little morning chat I felt a friendship and care. By the way, he was the one who always picked the freshest mangoes and avocados for me:)

There was also my florist, John, he was my first stop every Monday morning, my fresh lily bouquet would be ready for pick up:)

Our night security guide, Big John, whenever he saw our kids he would just put them on his wide shoulders and run around. He made us felt safe and secure.

Thank you my friends, you made Kenya a lovely and warm place for me and for my family.

Dilara's farewell

Last week I spent my whole day for baking chocolate cakes and cupcakes! I would not complain much if I had proper baking tools! But with what I had, I had a miracle! Imagine, you have to bake 100 cup cakes! At one point, I was numbed! Besides, cup cakes are not my favourite to bake! For some reason, little cups tend to go either right or left! So they never look picture perfect! Well, I think I know the reason, I just try to finish it quickly, so I put more than enough into these tiny cups!!! Rushing is never good, that's one thing I teach to my kids, but what kind of an example I put out there with myself, I am not sure!!!! Anway, after baking 100+ cup cakes and two trays of two colored cake, I was ready to go to school. We had two farewell parties at school one for my daughter, Dilara and other for my little man, Onur.

Dilara and her friends were waiting for us excitedly. What I baked for two days, was gone in 20 minutes, and believe it or not, not a single cupcake left behind! After serving, me and my husband , just listened, recorded their conversation and took pictures. They talked about what they would be missing about Dilara. Their comments were so naive, sometimes silly, sometimes funny, but at the end as a mother I felt very happy and honored. On the other hand, at times, my little angel, who changed many schools in this young age, again was very cheerful, funny, and excited. I have much confidence all these experience will make her a better and accepted person. Is not that we all want for our children?

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Xmax Box @ Marula Lane

Almost every few month's, Nairobi suburbs, particularly, Runda and Karen, is home for open bazaars. Their advertisement can be spotted anywhere, from roads to malls. So far, I have not missed a single one. Local artists, vendors, cute little shops display and sell their products, from textiles to arts and crafts to accessories. Especially, Kenyan crafts are beautifully hand made and hand paint, colours are so vibrant. Most popular items are Kenyan sandals, wall arts, and wooden hand made bowls with beads. Majority of sellers only accept cash, negotiations are again welcome, but not as much as Masai Markets.

This week, Marula Lane is home for Xmax Box. Even though I will be leaving soon, I could not stop myself going:) I evem made a last minutes shop, got two pairs of sandals! It is never too late to shop! Even the owner took a picture of my feet when I tried them on. Finally some part of me got famous:)

There are also lots of activities for children, face paint and jumping castle, plenty of space for them to run around. There are also stalls for food so while you take a bite you can also shop:)

If you are around, do not miss it!