The two-hour ride to Nakuru was rather uneventful with the majority of us opting to grab a few winks. There was, however, a breakfast stop in beautiful Naivasha where we enjoyed pastries and coffee and tea (of course the Kenyan portions came up for discussion).
Ten found us in Nakuru where Kamau Mugure (Territory Manager) and Fred Matengo (KBS– Kuza Biashara Sales) met us. The first interview took place after a ‘short but invigorating’ walk to the first SME’s business premises. An interview that had Vas and Anil proposing we move to Nakuru (The interviewee was from India you see!). The next few interviews took place in a mall then we were off to a hotel where we were to hold more interviews. We set up and interviewed one SME after the other, till they were all done.
Now did I mention that the hotel happened to be a Chinese restaurant? Well it was. Mugure (bless his soul) had decided to order the meal before we were done with the interviews so that we could eat immediately after but there was still a short wait. Fret not, for we put that wait to good use taking photos of the team and indulging in beverages (read chai!).
Immediately after, our amazing meal checked in, Egg fried rice, kung pow chicken, stir fry mutton and delectable mixed vegetables. Salivating yet? I decided it was a good time to polish my rusty chopstick skills. Not to blow my own horn but I’m still pretty good (after a few tips from Sensei Vas). Fred created a laughter riot with his wacky sense of humour!
Still holding our stomachs, we moved onto another interview that we concluded quickly & then it was time to call it a day (work day, that is). Sightseeing was still on the schedule! As it was rather late, we realized we couldn’t go to the Nakuru Park and decided to push it to a later date and instead visit the Lord Egerton Castle. Vas & Anil kept complaining that they couldn’t visit the Jalaram Temple on the way back. Now, the castle proved a tad difficult to find but many calls and a stop later we found the picturesque building.
Lord Egerton built this house for his ladylove who sadly, was not interested and deserted him, preferring London city life to the idyllic
country serenity. Poor Egerton!
A nice old gentleman gave us a tour of the entire building and led us to the very roof-top that provided a stunning view of the countryside. But for the gentleman there was no way we would know that the castle has virgin ladies bathroom! The old man claimed that nobody had used the bathroom ever since it was built. Hmmm…
After taking dozens of photos it was time to depart and head back to the confusion and melee that is Nairobi. All in all it was a day well spent.
Do I still need to say I’m looking forward to more such trips?
