How could such a small place make such a big difference?

Hey everyone...

Well this is it, that turn around point in any trip. That day where it seems that magic has happened and that the winds of fate have finally began to blow in your favor.

I have a house.

With that simple phrase you may think... all that wait, all that pissing and moaning for 2 months for such a simple sentence.

Ok.. Good point, but lets go through a list of things that have happened in the 12 short hours since I have took possession of a room with a door:

- Had my 4th hot shower in 2 months
- I cooked my first meal for myself since arriving in Afirca
- I Hung my dress shirts up for the first time in 2 months
- I have a place to plug my laptop in which I can leave there without tampering
- I have FREEDOM to be independent for the first time in months.

Good god it is that last one that you really start to feel, like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders that the prison you had been in for months has just had the walls pounded down and you have been released.

I can now go out for drinks with buds and leave when I want.
I can now save SOME money on food buy cooking it for myself
I can purchase fun things for my room to make it feel like home
I don't have to worry that much about safety as FINALLY I have a place where it is completely lock and key in an area with guards and a bus that takes me up to the door (basically).
I can freakin watch MOVIES and EAT POPCORN in peace.

Wow. I am in a good mood. I even wore "normal clothes" (read: dressy clothes) because I am not worried about being robbed as I am not carrying anything expensive because I have a place to lock that stuff up.

It has seriously changed the way I see things on the street.

Haha I will now bust out with some quirky differences I have noticed while down here... not so much quirky as copy-right infringement!

You can buy a 5 in 1 DVD of the newest movies JUST in theatres on the street for 500 shillings... while that is strange in Canada, it is not strange in several other countries. What IS strange is that you can buy these pirated DVD's in NAKUMATT. Nakumatt is like the Wal-mart of Kenya. Seriously. A major chain pounding out pirates.

Nearly every business has names like "Comfort Inn" and "Midas" for break pads and VARIOUS other names of huge chains in the states. Even in the company colors most times. But having nothing to do with the original company in N.A.

I find it interesting first of all that a country which is openly anti-american is so willing to start associating itself with every business venture. Not only businesses.. but I have even seen American slogans which hit the major news centers like "No child left behind" plastered on the sides of Matatu's.

If the people here hate America so much why are they always using their sayings? I think the answer lies again in the way that America has been marketing itself for years. Everyone I talk to hear still really views it as the promised land of opportunity, despite their hate for it and the capitalism for which is stands.

But if you wanted to make a COOL 20 dollars you could sue all of the companies here which are infringing copyright.. so all you blood thirsty lawyers (As I will be one day)... think about it!

Ohh the redness has nearly cleared up 100%! The itchiness and the flakey skin is almost gone too! I am refering to my SUNBURN. I don't know what you were thinking about.

Today or tomorrow I am off to Kareoke with a Japanese girl! She is an awesome singer.. So Shirley isn't the only Asian girl I have met who can sing up a storm. Both of course put me to shame. I am looking forward to singing something where I can just mumble really loud. That is how I roll.

Peace out with your piece out.

Adios.
Devan