Forbidden fruits are the SWEETEST!

Danger! Lust! inappropriate! Crazy! Unforeseeable! Forbidden!

Our first instinct when we hear the above words is to grin in disapproval yet we still cannot hide the massive boner that pokes right through our clothes. 

Yes.. all things forbidden and wrong are extremely attractive. The idea of us going against what is morally accepted turns us on more than we let on.

As kids our parents always used to tell us; not to eat sugar, not to go past that point in the forest, not put things inside electrical sockets. We would then wait anxiously until they left to do those things they specifically told us not to do. The fact that it was wrong drove us crazy.. We wanted to know why those things were wrong. We tested our boundaries.

The more disturbing revelation however, is not that we liked forbidden things but the consequences that came after. The spanking we got, the whole getting lost in the forest and being scared is what really made us tick. 

When our parents punished us, yes we cried in pain but it was always assuring. We knew that we were actually cared for. That they cared enough to punish us for our mistakes. That there are consequences for our actions.



Take a ride on a roller coaster... Mentally if not physically. What goes through your mind when its on its way up? First you feel safe and stable but your busy worrying about the fall, the speed, how far down you have to go and your body muscles tighten in panic. However when its on its way down you let go, as if you have absolutely given in to death. You embrace your fate going down. completely letting it take you either to safety or to your death. As the cycle continues one thing is clear... the only reason the roller coaster ride is enjoyable is simply because you worry and agonize about the fall. Yet somehow when it finally happens.. the worry disappears. You're free, reborn and safe again.

Let me give it to you straight. In life and in Love the roller coaster effect is what every single human being longs for. Its what makes us tick. Its every man's fantasy. By definition; the roller coaster effect is 'An action, event, or experience marked by abrupt, extreme changes in circumstance, quality, or behavior.' In truth for one to achieve ultimate happiness and Joy one needs to have felt sadness and despair.

In sadness and despair their is a gap created.. a sudden hole that needs to be filled. Only when you have nothing can you truly appreciate everything.

We all wonder why women stay in bad relationships, why people cheat, Why good guys finish last, why bad boys are so attractive, why someone would destroy something so perfect and nice. The answer is ' The roller coaster' 

Perfection and Security are overrated. Just words used to define what is morally accepted by the society. Most relationships which are normal; the usual he calls everyday, we meet every weekend, we never argue, we communicate well, we are doing well..... ARE BORING.

The laws of physics are simple: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Highlight EQUAL and OPPOSITE. (newton's law of Motion).

If someone has never made you feel  "suicidal kind of sad" then he simply can never make you feel "Out of this world- happy." It's until you completely let go, give into his charm, his charisma, his love and affection and you give him everything (emotionally); then allow him to drop you at his will... will you experience the true sensation of happiness. His ability to drop you to your death (figuratively of course) is what actually elevates you to that point of extreme happiness. If he is incapable of causing so much as a bruise to your emotions then he is as well incapable of making you truly happy.

Routine is the virus that eats through the fun in any relationship. Its like driving a Fiat on a super highway... flat and boring. Everyone has a liking for the forbidden. Everyone loves drama. The price of that kind of adrenaline rush is high, but that's precisely the point.

 Men are not actually commitment phobic, they probably would commit if they could get the same rush of adrenaline that they do when hitting on many women at the same time especially in fear of them finding out. You know .. who would give up driving a bugatti on the Superhighway? especially because there is a chance they would leave it in a body bag.


We were all born with a masochistic gene . we secretly take pleasure in pain and suffering. We are exited by danger both women and men alike. That's just the way life is.Once you taste it and experience it... you will never fall for average. It will simply never be enough.

Everyone at least once will take a roller coaster ride.. be it in their career or relationship. Its human nature. Mediocre lives and relationships are for cowards ... but all the same, you can't raise a child in a roller coaster. In short we are all doomed repressed fantasies and emotions or NOT?! 

Love on a train...

From the very first day i read the set book coming to birth by Marjorie Macgoye.. where Paulina was anxiously being awaited by Martin at the train station, iv thought of trains and train stations as extremely romantic places(Paulina's horrible experience notwithstanding). The whole experience in my mind sounded and felt romantic. I was dying to experience it and surely after the long wait... after being left by the train one too many times in the last two weeks, I finally made it and began my journey to the newly opened Syokimau Railway Station.

Again, for the umpteenth time in the last two weeks i was late. It was a very hot Saturday morning, and i was hot on my heels trying to make it in time. For starters, i had never been to the station so i used the wrong entry and had to go all the way back to the right entrance. My heart was racing i had no idea what the procedure was. All in all i got my ticket and there i was inside the train cursing my self as to why i didnt get there early and how i was supposed to savor every moment of it.

Everybody in the coach stared as i was practically the last person on board. You can imagine my relief at the sound of the horn as everyone's attention was diverted to our imminent departure.... My heart skipped as the train began moving.  "THIS IS IT"

I drowned in my thoughts and lived every fantasy i ever had in my brain. I wondered why Paulina had not enjoyed her commute to the arms of her new husband. Perhaps its because she had not taken the syokimau train, sat at the same spot and looked at the same view. I couldn't help but think of how much she had missed.

As the train gently wobbled away...  





















  



i experienced that which i had longed for. It was half as good as what i had imagined. I needed to experience something new; tired of the routine and the normal commute; i was glad to be there.

Like a naive country girl i stared outside my window as if i had just landed in a new country. Somehow everything looked beautiful.






The view was amazing.



























My extremely enjoyable commute was short lived. In less than 25mins we arrived at the syokimau train station. For a minute i felt short-changed as i expected it to be a much longer journey but as the train came to a halt, i looked out of the window and was mind-blown yet again by the amazing architecture of the station. The field trip was not over yet.






My next stop was the engine. 

Contrary to what i thought the train's engine does not have many controls. It actually looked easier to navigate than i thought.


The two friendly train drivers were kind enough to show me around. 







They  gave me a crash course all of which blew over my head just as fast as it came out of their mouths.

It was time to say goodbye to the long iron snake. I had an amazing ride irregardless of the fact that no 'Martin' was waiting at the station. I live to re- write the sombre ending of this story. I may have not found love waiting but i loved the commute.



Facts about the syokimau Railway service

The train can accommodate up to 200 passengers per coach. With a total of 6 coaches, it can transport approximately 1,200 passengers both standing and seating. Currently, its an express train to and from syokimau but in the coming months as more stations come up it will make other stops at Makadara and Imara Daima.

Covering a distance of 16.5km from Nairobi to syokimau, it only takes you less than 30 mins to reach your destination.

Every coach has two attendants with an additional ticketing officer checking whether all the passengers on board have a ticket. Security is tight as well, as there are armed policemen on the train.






The syokimau Train station is the first to be built in independent Kenya 80 Years after the Butere station in western Kenya.




The syokimau statue standing at the center of the syokimau train station is a tribute to an Akamba Prophetess from way back in the 17th Century who lived in the area around Machakos. She is said to have prophesied about the coming of the white man riding an iron snake with many legs and fire in his pocket(matches) and that the white man would speak like the birds.(English).






The syokimau station has food courts, a sitting area and a waving bay.

The syokimau station has ample parking space accommodating upto 2,500 cars at a time. The parking fees are from as low as 30/= to 100/- depending on the number of hours of your stay.


A one way ticket costs you 110/- with a park and ride ticket going for 300/- on weekdays and 200/-on the weekend.

Train schedule:

                                                   WEEKDAYS   

Syokimau to Nairobi:                                  Nairobi to Syokimau:
                                 7.05 am                                                  8.10am
                                 9.40 am                                                  10.50am
                                 12.05pm                                                 1.15 pm
                                 4.00pm                                                   5.20 pm
                                 6.30pm                                                   8.45pm


                                                      SATURDAY
                                9.00am                                                  1.00pm


No train on sunday.

Be it for fun or as your daily commute, this is one trip everyone should take. There is quite a lot my photos and my words have not captured. Take advantage of the 100/- return ticket offer. Go out there and live the adventure, get lost in the romance, Experience something new; something different... Find love on a train




*All the pictures on this post were taken by Ann kim*

Glorified Mental Slavery

WARNING: The pictures posted on this blog post may be disturbing.


My heart bleeds as we head to another election. It seems like we have learnt nothing from the past, from our leaders and from our own actions. We choose to have selective amnesia when it comes to politics, buying what our leaders say for truth yet they have wooed us the same way, with the same words... for years now. Refresh your memory....

Have we forgotten;

Photo: Christophe Calais - The New York Times

Man begs for mercy- Photo:Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

 
WHERE WERE OUR LEADERS?

Church burns in Eldoret

A mob torches a church in Eldoret killing about 30 villagers. Photo:Reutus

 



WHAT ROLE DID YOU PLAY?

Photo: Simon Maina/Agence France-Presse - Getty Images

PHOTO: REUTERS

 
1,100 PEOPLE DIED...

Child cries over dead mother's body- Photo:George Phicipas

Luo man stoned to death- Photo:AFP

Identifying loved ones- Photo: Reuters

 HUNDREDS OF WOMEN WERE RAPED...

Child overwhelmed with fear - Photo: Ben Curtis- Associated Press

3,500 PEOPLE WERE INJURED...

Boy terrified of the police- Photo:Getty Images

600, 000 PEOPLE FORCIBLY DISPLACED...

Photo: www.ogiek.org

IDP Camps - Photo: BBC

 
HOW IS THIS JUSTIFIABLE?


  DON'T WE CARE ANYMORE?

Graffiti along Muindi Mbingu street

We condemn our leaders when they are in power but come election date WE vote for the same leaders we condemn.

Who are you voting for? why are you voting for them? What are their policies? what is their track record? Who is their running mate? who are the members of their party? 


We are all ready to vote but we can not fully answer the above questions. Instead we choose our leaders based on tribe, affiliations, popularity, like, and sadly through the elimination process. Our options are Bad, worse and worst; forcing us to choose the least incompetent candidate.

Graffiti along Muindi Mbingu street

We were all glued to our screens as the US presidential debate went on. Taking time to YouTube for the few who missed. We follow very closely the reviews,the critiques... i just wonder how many of us will watch the Kenya presidential debate. I wonder how many will pay attention, how many care for what the hopefuls have to say or are our minds already set...

I wonder if it will even make a difference...

Graffiti along Muindi Mbingu street

Too many presidential candidates, not much to offer.
Too many eager to lead, none to follow.
Too many scandals, not enough justice.
Too many political parties,NO leaders.
Too many promises, No delivery.


I want a Peaceful Kenya.

A Kenya where leaders think of the way forward for the country not the way forward to steal from Kenyans. A Kenya with leaders ready to work as a team, not individual minds with no strategy and intention to deliver. A Kenya with leaders ready to serve NOT eat.

A Kenya with an open mind, but mostly a Kenya ready for a fresh start. 

Lighting 'Her' Jiko

                                               
                                                         .
                                                         .
                                                         .



Dear grown fellas out there.....


Please see below.

The above is called a jiko/ charcoal stove. If you have never lit one please stop reading this post, find one and light it.

Done? CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are officially one step closer to understanding the anatomy of the female species.

You would think that in this day and age, with all the 'Getrudes' out there dishing out advice the game would have changed by now. But women are still asking the same damn question Y U NO DO IT RIGHT?

Listen carefully....

Preparation

The Jiko is a complex device. you do not rush it... you take your time with it. You remove the soot in it by getting your hands dirty.Don't feel shy, no gloves are necessary just get in there and explore the inside perimeter making sure to check every angle. Trust me the stove loves this... you will be amazed at just how efficient cooking with it will be when you do this.



Getting it on heat
There are tones of methods to do this. A while ago running around with the stove in hand against the wind usually did the trick. Its was better known as the chase. You engage with the stove as it plays hard to get. If your persistent enough it will light. 

That was then... Nowadays stoves are more compliant. You don't need to use the extreme method above but you still need to be persistent enough for it to comply. You need to light a match box, make sure the stove is aware of your intentions. Once the match is lit continue to blow on it systematically. Do this repeatedly, for a SIGNIFICANT amount of time. One touch is not acceptable. Eventually the charcoal will give in and light up.



Please note that there are so many different types of coals.. when you have tried all methods you can think of and it still wont light you are allowed to bring in the big guns. 

Spread the fuel/paraffin strategically on the coal.... and Voila its ready. P.S do not bring the paraffin into play unless all other methods have failed and you are completely sure it is necessary. Trust me, if you do your job right you will have no reason to add paraffin to the charcoal. It will flame up like a furnace on its own.

After all these steps are followed you can now place your pot on the stove and cook away. The results will be more than satisfying. 




In case you are tempted to skip any of the above steps your food will not cook. Its as simple as that. Get the stove ready for you. otherwise you will be cooking for hours on end in vain. Your stove needs to be lit. No shortcuts. You have to go the long way.

You may also be tempted to think that you could trade in the charcoal stove for cooking gas.... please understand that in this market no Cooking gases are available. But you have the option of switching camps. Here you only need to light the match, turn on the gas and voila.. your cooking away in no time. No prep necessary... or at least i think.

Advantages of adequately preparing the charcoal stove are many, for one the delivery is way faster so the pressure of waiting for hours on end for the food to cook is off. plus it guarantees amazing results.Once its on fire you will not have any more problems.

Short and to the point... this post that is... i trust that the opposite will be true as you prepare the meal. Please let the food simmer and marinate... savor the moment, enjoy the aroma and serve while hot:P

The Club Scene ~ Fellas style Up

Clubbing is slowly loosing its appeal simply because the male species; leave their manners at home, think all women in the club have loose morals or simply do too much to get a girls attention.

Sakata all stars

In high school, being the guy who could bust a move and dance better than kanda king earned you points with the ladies. (Notice "high school" is highlighted). So how is it that a grown ass man will be in the club shaking his booty like beyonce and pulling MJ stunts just to get a lady's attention? Dont get me wrong though, having two left feet is also not acceptable but having rhythm and moving gracefully is. No lady goes to the club to find a mate who can win a dance off competition, unless of course they are looking for someone to dance in their music video. TURN IT DOWN A NOTCH.

Camping outside the ladies washrooms

The club is NOT a place where you come to perfect your stalking skills. Camping outside the ladies washrooms just to try and talk to any girl who comes out of it makes you a lunatic. The thought of following a lady to the washroom is creepy enough but pitching tent there with the hopes that someone will fall for your played out pick up lines is plain disturbing. STOP THAT.

Dishing out compliments

You spot a pretty lady walking towards you and your first instinct is to scream in her ear of how much you love her hair or her dress? Genius... NOT. Who lied to guys that compliments are the best way to start a conversation with someone? Contrary to what men think, most women do not suffer from self-esteem issues and just the fact that you think that they will melt into your arms because you find them super sexy is insulting. Actually if a woman falls for that you should run as fast as possible in the other direction. 

 

Grabbing a lady's arm

Men are taking the "kuchinjia dame" phrase a bit too literal. Like a poultry farmer, they walk around and grab any 'chick' that they think is suitable for slaughter. Seriously though, you have no business touching a lady without her consent. If your lame pick up lines are not enough to get a lady to give you an audience then by all means move on. Or better yet, buy yourself some chicks and make your skills useful.

Deo and fresh mints.

This two items are not optional. Let me say that again, NOT OPTIONAL.

 

Suffocating the tushy 

We get that maybe as a guy you may have had one of those long weeks where you haven't had much action hence you have a certain itch but grinding on a girls tush the whole night is not exactly dancing. Don't force her waist line to move to your rhythm on the reverse follow her lead. Most ladies pride themselves with being able to shake their derriere so by all means let them. Give them space to pull those beyonce/shakira moves they've been dying to unleash.

Stop insisting on a nightcap

Any man out there with an ego should take this advise very seriously. If highly intoxicated chances are, you will give a very poor performance.... IF ANY... so save your self the embarrassment. Go home and sleep.

Bromance is the best Romance - No homo!

Women have their girls, Men have their boys but which relationship is superior than the other? which relationship can withstand all challenges and still remain unscathed?

In my humble opinion i believe men spend more time with each other, have fewer or shall i say short lived squabbles and arguably have better relationships than women. This is why;

Bros before Hoes Code

Men will never and i mean NEVER fall out because of a woman. Of course they will fight and actually at times even get physical with each other but in a few days, sometimes weeks they'll be back together laughing and drinking like nothing ever happened. They know when to accept defeat. Fine they will be pissed if you steal their chick but they always respect the fact that the better man won.

Women on the other hand have no code whatsoever. You do not even need to "steal" their man away. Just a simple thing like calling their man will indeed get you hated and banished for eternity.

Easy "A" factor

Men are random. They don't need a venue, a fully detailed description of where they are going, they don't care what they are wearing or even who you are with. All they need to hear is that there is a plan and they are 'inside'. Whether you are seated on stones or outside a parking lot they are good to go.

Women on the reverse NEED to know the "4W and a H". Where are we going? What will i wear? Who is coming? When will this be? and lastly How are we going? Plus on top of all that you have to be timely. Notify a sister way in advance or she will not show up!

 Beer and sports

Every problem between men can be solved over a beer. Nothing brings men together than drinking and sports. This is their hobby, problem solver, loyal wife and home away from home. Nothing needs to be said. A beer will always suffice. One for the road as they call it.

Women's universal pass time is gossiping. Tempting as it may be to applaud that they actually have something to do together, it does more harm than good to their relationships. 90% of failed female relationships are caused by this.

I would really love to correct myself and say shopping is women's universal favourite pass time but as a woman i know better. Shopping with your girlfriends is a disaster waiting to happen. I know you agree.

Men are Generous

How so? A man's first instinct when he lands on money is to celebrate, and the best way to do that is by drinking with his buddies. He will speed dial all his friends and invite them to an 'all drinks on me' night, Spend more than he was willing and still repeat that the following month without any apologies.

A woman's first thought when she lands on money is to buy that dress she always wanted, shoes or something for the house. Women seldom call their girlfriends over to buy them anything not even lunch. All lunch/dinner dates are split 50/50 no hard feeling.

The Nagy Woman

Ever wondered why men end up doing so much together? simple. They are running away from the annoying woman in their lives. Hence why a man will cancel on a woman with the simple and lame excuse that they are taking "nani's" car to the garage! yeah like that ever needed two people or more.

And of course there is no woman side to this. I'm guessing this is the part i would have said that women will ran to their girls to b*&&# about their man.. NOPE! most women will NEVER bad mouth their men especially if he is their spouse. They always want to portray a happy family image. so they lie.


Brotherhood bond

Men always have their boys back. remember this experiment. Call one of your man's pals and ask whether they've seen him. then call another one of his pals and ask the same thing. Make sure you do all this as he seats right next to you.They will all have an answer to his whereabouts. They will all cover and lie for him. They always have each others back no matter what.

Women on the other hand... Oh my! OK lets not even use the same experiment. Lets try something more simple and less morally wrong. Ask one of your girlfriends for some money. Yes ask again and again. then ask your self why you keep getting the same answer.. 'NO'. Case and point.


I could go on and on...


Its a fact that men spend a lot of time together. They will also be in greater numbers than women as women prefer to be in smaller groups. Men will always have each others back but they seldom know each others problems. Men never go into details of each others lives. They will not ask questions like how is your family like women do. They do not have that caring gene. Maybe being vague is what makes their relationships last and their bonds even stronger. Perhaps that is how women should relate in order to maintain their relationships. Maybe We all need to be basic and focus on the things that make our friendships tic and bloom instead of weighing them down with baggage. I'm convinced that we should borrow a thing.. well a lot from guy relationships!