3:30 am is my hour of power and so on arrival in Eldoret at 3:30am, I am immediately satiated with abundance and curiosity.
Bus Car, a service that I become acquainted with when booking my ticket, is efficient, friendly and their drivers are highly professional. They also drive through Malaba, which means that I have a direct route to Eldoret-about eight hours away from Kampala, by road. Contact Rose on +256 704 343205, for bookings.
Photo: Eastleigh Eldoret at 3:30am
This year 2023-2024, is my year of travel across Eastern Africa, to visit friends I have made online. With endless virtual meetings, parties and ceremonies, the time has come for me to make those physical connections.
Eldoret is a principal town in the Rift Valley Region of Kenya and is the capital of Uasin Gishu County.
My host Dr. Elizabeth Owino, a Doctor of Psychology and lecturer at Moi University with two adult children, on hearing of my visit to Eldoret to see her and another friend Cathy Coyte, invites me to her cosy and warm home. I am open to warmth and kindness. It’s my perpetual weakness.
Even with the excessive adrenaline and energy bursting at the seams, I am not prepared for the cold surge of wind that swims through my jacket and scarves. Gusts of wind are fantastic, on occasion. This particular coldness however, is not a fantasy. My taxi driver arrives promptly and after an adventurous tour of the town at the tranquil hour of 4am, I am ushered into Liz Owino’s snug and cheerful guest wing. She is even more exuberant in person.
The guest wing, at Dr. Owino's home
A combination of a warm shower, lemon chai and an agreeable bed, eased me into an inviting and deep sleep.
Sunday lunch and conversations.
As she cooks away, Liz and I speak of families, career, Toastmasters, which is where we made acquaintance, and I marvel at the artistic ensemble of her sitting room. The cushions, photos, plaques and then feast on her sumptuous lunch, before heading to the town. I experience how important it is to be present. Eating together without the buzz of a phone or the ding of a notification, actually makes the food more gratifying.
It is a pleasant journey across Eldoret, which because of the wide tarmacked roads, and cars free from muddy splashes and scars from bad road users, is not a small town. It’s organised and clean.
Rupa Mall, larger and more vibrant than the recent malls I have visited, is a definite highlight. It fits with people who have a cosmopolitan lifestyle. A perfect destination for families and friends on Sundays, filled with activity, endless choices of restaurants, children’s play areas and a hotel on the top floor, overlooking the scenery below.
Rupa Mall-Eldoret
Dr. Liz and I at Rupa Mall-Eldoret.
The Eldoret Club-for golf players who enjoy the company of other golfers, a space for individuals who desire space away from their weekday lives. I am content, because it is here that my goal is fulfilled. Cathy joins us and it is the thrill of seeing her again, this time with the opportunity to actually talk and listen, hear each other and learn more about one another. Cathy is a person you can talk to for hours and it feels like twenty minutes. Down-to-earth and intentional, I am pleased that I have this chance to talk with her.
Cathy Coyte and I at Eldoret Club (Photo credit: Dr. Liz)
It’s a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, without the rush of unnecessary urgency, with only the sound of our conversation.
Supper that evening with Dr. Liz and her husband, a medical doctor, completes the arc of my short and special holiday in Eldoret.
I have begun making bookings for my next Eastern Africa destination.
Bless!
Bev
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