On my way to my seat on the Qatari heading to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, a variety of human painting looked in front of me, the majority of the Kenyans returning to their country with many foreigners, including Europeans, Indians, Arabs, and perhaps other nationalities.
The Spanish young Cristina, who sat next to me, told me about many adventures she had on her first trip a year and a half ago and she is now returning to Kenya on a new “Safari” trip with two of her companions.
An Egyptian background is a Belgian passport, one of them talks about his successful experience in investment and economic opportunities in Kenya.
The destination of many passengers Nairobi and some of them are in rural areas outside it and some of them like Christina came for tourism. The country is known for its tourist attractions that have become one of the most famous destinations in Africa and the world.
After 5 hours, the plane landed. The airport looked compared to the luxurious launch airport in Doha modestly despite its vast area, as the plane went in a runway for about 10 minutes before it stopped in its fold, and the passengers began to go to a small passport hall and a number of limited employees at an international airport serving about 50 destinations around the world, according to his propaganda signs.
The procedure function was slowly dependent on the manual input of the data and a device that takes time to learn about the fingerprint and a small camera on the counter window.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main airport in Nairobi, located in the Empakasi area, about 18 km from the city center.
A plan to develop the dilapidated infrastructure of the airport by leasing an Indian company has not yet taken on disputes and accusations of bribery and union pressures, forcing the president to stop the deal.
From the airport to the place of residence, the humble and parallel road for the famous National Garden seemed empty except from the next taxis or go to the airport, perhaps because of this late time of the night in a city known for its severe traffic congestion during the day and some night.
The weather outside was slightly cold, as the city is located about 1.795 meters above sea level, giving it a moderate climate compared to the coastal areas of Kenya. It is actually one of the highest capitals in Africa.
What do you know what Nairobi
Nairobi, which was founded in 1899 as a station on the railway between Mombasa and Uganda, and means in the Masai language “the place of cold water”, is one of the most vital cities in East Africa, which combined history and rapid development.
The city’s center -built city in life and movement is filled with street vendors and acrobatics, some of whom review their skills with car tires in the crowded streets and some artists displaying their paintings on the side of the road.
A variety of transportation is available, as the brightly -decorated Matato buses are considered the most common means of transportation and coverage of the sprawling city.
In addition to the signs of the taxi, such as Uber, Pollet and Lietel Cap, there are also Boda Buda motorcycles, which is a name derived from the Swahili language, but its origin is from the word “Border”, meaning the borders because of its historical link to transport through the borders of Kenya and Uganda.
Puda boda holds up to 3 passengers clinging to the driver and is considered one of the light transportation and fast that is not disciplined by traffic rules, as they infiltrate the cars and transcends traffic lights and road intersections, and many see them as a effective solution for the hurry.
Swimsuits
General appearances reflect a state of peaceful coexistence that can be clearly monitored through freedom of clothing and dress, and you find remarkable appearance to look at the same street with the veil that may arouse attention and perhaps concern in other countries, but here is an ordinary appearance.
Perhaps this state of societal peace due to the overlapping of ethnic cultures, various religions, the Arab -Islamic heritage and the extensions of neighborhood affected by Islamic culture through the Kenyan Somalis and their number is estimated at millions and became economic and social force in force at the highest levels of power.
The mosque and the church
Christians constitute most of Nairobi in about 67%, while Muslims are about 30%, in addition to minorities that embrace other religions, according to some informal statistics.
Islam has a strong presence in Nairobi.
The upscale West Lands neighborhood mosque, which is adjacent to a church, is directed by a large number of Muslims, whose sermon in Arabic and English is recited in an immediate translation from the imam himself.
As for the permissible eating, it is prevalent in the country, as the law imposes slaughter on the Islamic way, and only Muslims are carried out, and the non -Muslim is punished if it is seized.
The law guarantees Muslims the right to apply civil transactions from marriage, divorce and inheritance in accordance with Islamic law.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims considers the main body supervising Islamic societies and organizations and aims to enhance unity and cooperation between Muslims, as well as spreading Islamic knowledge and culture, and providing support to the Muslim community in various fields.
The most famous markets and malls
Popular markets such as Masai Market are famous for traditional craft products, such as manual textiles, wood sculptures, beads and souvenirs.
Many modern malls of a Western character, such as “West Gate Shopng Mall” and “Fielding Mall”, which is the main destination of tourists. These malls include the most famous international brands.
Among the striking manifestations, the great dependence on payment via mobile applications and the almost complete absence of cash payment, so you find the transfer numbers even among beggars, of course in taxis and sales centers.
The heart of the beating policy
Nairobi is a major political and economic center, and it is also a crucible in which African cultures, which are mixed with local traditions without losing the global influences to constitute a rich and varied cultural scene that increased its emergence of ethnic and tribal diversity, which is reflected by exhibitions and museums, the most famous of which is the Nairobi National Museum.
The city is not just a capital that includes the headquarters of the government and parliament, as it is a pivotal player in Kenyan politics, and it is considered a major center for international organizations such as the United Nations Office in Africa, and a destination for international conferences and is known for embracing mediations in endless African conflicts.
Although Nairobi is considered attractive to business and education, and it has many universities and research institutions, it suffers from social challenges such as poverty and economic disparity, and this is evident in the manifestations of begging scattered in many places.
A large part of the population also lives in poor neighborhoods such as Keibira, one of the largest random neighborhoods in Africa, Matari, Crogzojo, Dandura and Coro.
However, the main feature of those who visit Nairobi is the simplicity of the people, his tolerance, peaceful coexistence and dedication in order to win a difficult living in a difficult economic situation.
