I will resume normal gisting next week....
Last Friday i went on a familiarisation trip and it was all‑expense‑paid.
And guess what? I had a train ride !
It was my first train experience on the African continent, because I had already had one in China.
As usual, that Morning I took pictures, made my morning videos, danced and posted content. Abeg, excitement has to be documented at all times.
After a light breakfast, our ride arrived, and off we went to the train station. And guess what? We got FIRST CLASS tickets!
Yes o!.... I was definitely going to enjoy myself.
Before we got on that train, the security checks nearly turned our journey into a visa interview.
First, we joined the queue for screening just outside the car park. Men on one side, women on the other. I didn’t even realise the difference at first. I mistakenly joined the men’s queue, but when I got to the front, one of the officers redirected me to the women’s queue.
My bags went through a scanner, and a female officer patted me down with her hands...
Now, THIS was the part that fascinated me.
We were asked to drop all our belongings in a designated line, and then we, the owners of the bags, stood on the opposite side, facing our belongings.
Why? Because the dogs had to sniff our bags.
TWO SECURITY DOGS SNIFFED OUR BAGS.
One dog came through with its handler, sniffing the bags, and then the second dog followed. Once the dogs were done and there was no problem, we collected our belongings.
And everything was so orderly. Like clockwork. Nobody pushed, nobody jumped the queue, and everyone knew exactly where to stand and what to do.
I happened to be at the front, so my bag was the first in line, and I stood directly opposite it. The next person did the same, until the entire line was complete. The same process happened on the men’s side. Honestly, I was fascinated because I had never experienced anything like that before.
And when the dogs were done, guess what? We carried our bags and passed through ANOTHER scanner. This time, it was just the scanner. You put your bag through, it came out on the other side, and you collected it.
Nairobi, Kenya, you people needed to teach some of us a thing or two about orderly security procedures. The organisation was something to behold.
After that, we took a long, beautiful, majestic walk into the main terminal building. The place was giving airport vibes. You know how you walk into an airport and see the ticketing counters, the beautiful interior and the whole organised setting? That was exactly the impression I got.
Since we already had our tickets, we didn’t need to go to the ticketing counters. We just continued into the terminal, taking our usual pictures, of course. Because what was a trip without evidence?
Then came the passport and ID checks. The security officer checked our documents, and those of us who were foreigners were directed to two additional officers for another passport check. When it was my turn, the officer looked at my passport and said with a smile, “Ah, you’re from Nigeria?” I smiled back. At that rate, I should have been collecting ambassadorial appointments on my travels.
After that, another female officer directed us to yet ANOTHER scanner. Yes o, scanner number three. At that point, I was beginning to wonder whether I was boarding a train or applying for Kenyan citizenship. Because how many security checks did one need before entering a train?
Finally, we reached the boarding area, where economy and first‑class passengers had separate waiting lounges. And there I was, entering the first‑class waiting area with my shoulders slightly raised.
Please, allow me to enjoy my small enjoyment in peace.hahahahhahahaha
Soon, they announced that first‑class passengers should proceed for boarding. We stood up, passed through the boarding gate, descended the stairs and made our way to the railway tracks, where we were directed to our respective coaches.
First time on a train on African soil! I was excited. We got into the coach, found our numbered seats and settled down. Air conditioning everywhere, comfortable seats, enough legroom and a charging port beside my seat. What more could a fine babe have asked for?
At exactly 8 a.m., our journey from Nairobi began, and the scenery was beautiful. The only wahala was that the windows were a little blurry, so capturing the landscape on video wasn’t as easy as I had imagined.
But those hills! Hills everywhere! And do you know what fascinated me? No two hills looked alike. I kept looking out, taking in the scenery, wishing my camera could capture what my eyes were seeing. Nature was doing its thing, and I was thoroughly enjoying the view.
Drinks and other refreshments were sold on the train, but nothing was complimentary. No free water, no free food, whether you were first class or economy. So apparently, first class meant you sat comfortably and enjoyed more space. It didn’t mean somebody would come and ask, “Madam, what would you like to eat?”
We arrived in Voi, ready for the next leg of our adventure in Taita the real adventure had only just begun.
Its RON
xoxoxo
Welcome back sis. You really enjoyed this your tripπ.
ReplyDeleteYou see that rush, rush, do here in naija, it's part of us o.
I thoroughly did!!!!! And I've got sooooo much photos, especially the beach looks.
DeleteWhen I do a story on the beach, I'll be sure to share the beach photos. #blushing
Dear Ron please tell us your you tube handle
DeleteI enjoys reading from you dear rom
DeleteWelcome back home ❤️ π π
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sissss. #kisses
DeleteWelcome back π₯°ππΉ
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, babes π
ReplyDeleteAwww, I am literally in the journey with you reading your itinerary in Kenya, train ride is adventurous with all the nature sight seeing, I have had one from Lagos to Offa in Kwara state many years ago.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome back.
You had such a wonderful experience and I highly applaud the various high security screening procedure at the train station, if you beat the dogs sniffing whatever illegal substance or device you have, the machines or scanner will be waiting.
ReplyDeleteAnd see me laughing when you said there was no complimentary for first class, they have to make money to maintain the train station or even the main terminal building and keep the place as lovely and elegant as you described it with your words I assumeπ
This was a nice read and I will definitely go and catch up on others. Keep it coming π
Nice experience π
ReplyDeleteHome sweet home π‘
Welcome back enjoyment Minister
ReplyDeleteSee enjoyment nah π₯°
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home jaree
Welcome back Omalicha Ron π₯°π
ReplyDeleteYou really had fun..
See plenty enjoyment ❤️
Ron I see how you like telling us how big you are just like eka joy . Sometimes do giveaway for this your colums
ReplyDeleteSmh
Delete@anon 19;07, this is part of her job ooo, all expenses paid for. It doesn't mean she is a millionaire, go and hustle and stop being a nuisance!
ReplyDelete@anon 19;07, this is part of her job ooo, all expenses paid for. It doesn't mean she is a millionaire, go and hustle and stop being a nuisance!
ReplyDelete