Sunday, September 13, 2009

Nairobi, the lifestyle, the vibrance, the restaurants, the lounges, the people

By Journey Kenya

Nairobi has been a much overlooked destination. This travesty must be remedied! The Capital of Kenya, Nairobi is an absolutely magnificent cosmopolitan city the most vibrant, exciting and entertaining city in Africa.

The pace in Nairobi is not be underestimated with new swanky bars lounges and restaurants opening up every month. The fresh ingredients that are homegrown are not to be taken forgranted. The fish tastes divine, the vegetables are a wide array of traditional and foreign - a kaliedoscope of colour and nutrition await you. The fresh fruits make for the most decadent cocktails to be enjoyed during a relaxing sundowner. Nairobi and Kenya for that matter is soon to be a foodies heaven. You read that here first. It truly is a best kept secret.

The five star living is juxtaposed by informal dwellings. Less to do with the lack of ambition of the Kenyan people but more to do with the lack of provision of affordable decent housing. This never stops Kenyans as the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Pick up some trendy in-door and garden furniture by the roadside.

You read it first here 'savannah-fed' beef, goat or lamb, bred in Kenya will be rivaling the Argentinian pamapas-fed beef. The meat is so good that the Carnivore that serves both game and Kenya's savannah-fed beef, is world renowned. Whereas Argentina and Brazil have the churascaria, Kenya has nyama choma - a favourite passtime with succulent cuts eaten with Ugali, the equivalent of sadza or pap! You will be spoilt with a selection of boutique and luxury hotels to choose from. Many in close proximity to the shopping and party district in Nairobi.

The Nairobi Safari Club is luxurious and beautifully put together with unique architecture, making it stand apart from any building in Nairobi. The Nairobi Serena, is the finest hotel in the City, nestled in the tropical gardens of Nairobi's Central Park, yet a stone throw from the vibrant city centre. Just three kilometers west of the city is the aptly named Westlands - here you can take in the best shopping Nairobi has to offer at the different malls - Sarit Center, Westgate or the Mall. Stay over at the Holiday Inn and if you are feeling lucky there are a few casino's to choose from.

Foodies will be spoit for choice. The fresh ingredients in Nairobi makes it a vegetarian's heaven!! and oh my, the cocktails at Blanco's are to die for! Alcapulco will serve up sumptuous Mexican cuisine and Havana, Nairobi's own Cuban restaurant, whose humidor serves up cohibas. The mojitos are not shabby either. As for those that love their meat. The Carnivore is second to none. Serving up delicious game meat and a wide array of salads as well. The nightclub at the Carnivore is not to be missed as well.

Gigiri in Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters. Nearby, the Village Market, Kenya's first open plan mall plays host to the Maasai Market. This is a world renowed market selling beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments. Village market is also home to Tribe displaying afro-chic interior design at its best - this five star hotel is truly unique.

Feel like pandering to your art and literary nature, Nairobi will indulge you. Phoenix players stage some of the most refine artistry in town whist Gallery Watatu has exceptional paintings on display. The first ever Haymarket festival held in Kenya in August 2009 saw Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Who said Kenya's do not excel in the literary arts? The StoryMoja cast staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' to full houses in London.

MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) are to be applauded for recognising the emergence of Kenyan music onto the world stage and is hosting the awards in Nairobi. This celebrates the Kenyan renaissance that is train, in music, design, fashion, art, cuisine - you name it. Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) are all amongst Kenya's musicians who have received nominations for this year. So get your party shoes on and get ready to party to Kenyan music as well as celebrate music and artists from across Africa.

A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The FAFA awards hosted annually in Nairobi highlight that African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. We salute the fabulous trend - celebrating Kenyan culture, creativity, enterprise and talent. Kenyan's both young and old are showing that wearing our own unique get up is what being hip is about.

Nairobi has the variety to keep the most discerning traveller engaged. Next time you are transiting at JKIA, take the time to stop over and enjoy the entertainment, culture and people of Nairobi.

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