Is this Hawaii?

2 Feb, 2009

Today reminded me of a day in Hawaii (without the beach). Taxi George and I began the day with a visit to Kiambethu Tea Farm. It is one of the oldest tea farms in Kenya. The last time I visited a tea farm was on the Hawaiian island of Kauii. The drive to the farm looked much like the interior of a tropical island. We felt amazingly blessed with a beautiful day in the garden and private tour (because the others who had reservations were late).

Part of the tea farm tour is through the indigenous forest on the property. A Kenyan guide points out the traditional plants and explains their medicinal uses. I was thrilled to begin my research project and our guide, Kimani, was excited to teach someone who was truly interested. He grabbed his well-used book and I took copious notes and photos of each tree Kimani showed us. George was my lovely assistant. We could have done that all day, but settled for an hour (much longer than the usual tour).

George enjoyed tea and lunch served to him and the other drivers in the garden, while the rest of us (tourists) dined inside. I was pleased for him. What a marvelous treat compared to driving taxi all day in the city. My lunch companions were a delegation of five from Belgium. Never in a million years would I have anticipated sharing lunch and conversation with the Ambassador and Minister of Belgium. They were in the country working on a resettlement project for refugees. Of course, they asked what I was doing in Kenya. They seemed interested in my research project and the work of Open Arms International. Their last words to me were, “Give us a call if you’re ever in Brussels.”

The farm has been passed down through three generations. Fiona and Marcus Vernon are the current proprietors. They enjoy having daily guests for tours. I’m sure they get to meet many interesting people from many parts of the world. The garden was especially lovely today, because they have a reservation for a wedding the following weekend. I gave them medical advice for their orthopedic injuries and suggested we barter – lunch for treatment. They gave me the “missionary rate” instead. I was grateful for that. It was an absolutely delightful experience!

Our next stop was the Kazuri factory. It is world-famous for handmade beads, jewelry, and pottery. They receive orders from all over the world. The business was started by Lady Susan Wood (of Britain) who wanted to provide employment and healthcare for single women in Nairobi. It has grown considerably, but, thankfully, the original mission has been preserved. Lady Susan Wood passed away two years ago. Her good friends, Mark and Regina Newman, took over the business when she died. Mark passed away last year, so only Regina remains. I asked who would take it over when she is gone. Our guide thought it would be her son. Hopefully, the original mission will continue with the successive owners.

Last stop (other than an ATM machine) was the Karen Blixen Museum. If you have seen the movie Out of Africa, you have seen it. I didn’t go inside; only made inquiry.