Daring to get out!

by Annette Anyango (Kenya)

Making a local connection Kenya

Growing up, I had always dreamed of the sunny Maldives beaches and the thrilling experience shopping in a high class mall in Dubai. I would log into my Instagram account and view all the nice pictures and posts of the thrilling holiday destination sites that the lucky ones could afford to visit. I would drool over such high end places and promise myself that I would one day visit such destinations. I once thought that happiness could only be found in those blue Maldives waters. However, my world and view changed. In my very own local, antique community; I discovered a paradise I would never thought my country was worth of having. I was a firm believer that all the nice places were far away destinations, away from my reach. Places I needed money and class to afford. I think such thoughts clouded my eyes from seeing the beauty that just laid next door. I discovered a haven that completely changed my perspective. Deep down in Kenya, Nairobi city, Mukuru-ini slums is where the haven lies. There is a very beautiful water site that can only be matched with the beauty that those high class holiday destinations offer. The site, a water site (former quarry) sits stills in the midst of a slum, with very serene waters and a background that can only be compared to the Amazon. The site is so amazing that I always wonder how the locals are not bewildered by such beauty that sits in the midst of their lives. The place is totally amazing and the fact that people have not discovered the site yet, makes it rather attractive. There is a feeling of a sense of beauty in the unknown. My perspective is basically that, there are always interesting places within your reach. Open your doors and dare to explore! I really wish all people would one day travel to see this haven of mine. I call it my haven because I love it. Do you love it? Of course you do. I really feel the urge of dropping a picture of this place! Annette's haven.