Today I took down my Christmas tree - a little late - since one should dismantle it officially on 6th January - the 12th day of Christmas - but I was out of town on a work thing. Still as I packed away the various baubles and beads, some of which date back to my childhood a good 35 years ago, I was taken to pondering 2011 and what it was like for me.
Way back in January 2011, I was blessed with a plethora of amazing friends who helped me celebrate my 40th birthday. We had two incredible parties - one in Maryport and one in Singapore with over 160 guests between them. I used the word "blessed" because indeed I was and truly am. And even those who couldn't make it sent beautiful greetings of birthday wishes. It was without doubt a splendid way to start my 40s.
Shortly after that, Baxter and I voyaged to Burma and stood in awe of the valley of Bagan with 4000 odd stupa, monasteries and temples in front of us. One sees pictures of superfluous sights and one sighs in admiration - but seeing it for yourself is really breathtaking. This was a first holiday for Baxter and me since our separation, that was repeated when we journeyed to Tokyo in May. Walking down the winding streets we did when we lived there, brought back splendid memories of our time there together. We met friends, ate well and enjoyed all that is Japanese.
However, it was only a few weeks later that I left Singapore and ventured over the Indian Ocean to taste Kenya life and sample what the "dark continent" had to offer. Perhaps this was partly a mid-life crisis, partly my urge to experience more and more of life, perhaps partly jolting a certain man back to reality, partly a life-trek to purge my own demons. And then, who cares now, I'm here and loving it. Africa, and Kenya in particular has so much to give the world. I hope the world sees and seizes it.
Since I've been living in Nairobi, I've been lucky to travel to Dar-es-Salaam, Kampala, Lusaka, Accra and Lagos. I'm learning the differences between east and west, between ki-Swahili in the city and on the coast, between kikuyu and kamba, between Westlands and Karen and Kangeme. Life is the pulchritude we call diversity. I've safaried (with Baxter) in the Masai Mara and seen flamingos by the thousand (with my parents) in Naivasha - and there is so so so much more to see. In a couple of weeks, Baxter and I (again) will be flying off to Zanzibar, and its spices, beaches, serenity.
I had a house-warming in December and was again blessed with a flat full of fantastic people. I've made some awesome friends here in Nairobi - and for that I'm also thankful.
I then topped it off with Yuletide in Bangkok and New Year in Singapore - again surrounded by friends of all hues.
So, on balance a good - nay awesome - year 2011 was.
I turned 40, I moved to Africa, got my Baxter back, saw amazing places and have so much more to see and do.
2012 has just started, but it's gonna be a tremendous stupendous year - and I hope as many of you as possible reading this, will be part of it.
Returning from my Christmas and New Year jaunt and being a good 3 kilos heavier, it was natural I should ponder my expanded waistline and share with you some of the reasons for my orcine bulge.
