The year 2008, it seems, will end with a whimper -- such as it did not begin with. So it seems, at 5.14 p.m., here in Nairobi.
Of course, I know there is bloody fighting over there in the Middle East [Israel does have an inalienable right to defend itself, and Palestinians have a God-given right to a safe and secure home. So, where does that leave the Hamas militants who unilaterally provoked the latest bloodbath?]
But I'm talking about Nairobi and about Kenya, as I watch the year tick away toward the last midnight. The bloodbath that began this time last year was here, not there.
And yet, as they say, it aint over till it's over. There are a few hours yet.
How was your last day of the year? Quiet and ordinary was mine. A little pensive, thinking back to this time last year; which is why this year began, for us, as it did -- and seemingly will end quite differently. A lot pensive, in fact.
Did a little walkabout in town. Bought two (perhaps contraband) CDs of Congolese Oldies and Goodies (Veve's music). Some memories die hard.
Even bumped into my VC at a supermarket in town -- completely unexpectedly. He was gracious enough to step over for to exchange a few pleasantries. Of course he is always gracious in those one-on-ones. That's my experience. But we hadn't previously met at a supermarket, or even outside the campus. It was, then, a surprise encounter -- and I was rather surprised at my surprise.
It has been a quite year for me, and in several ways quite re-energizing. I think Joan, my wife, would agree. But I have to stop this blogging now, for I have to go see her, before the year runs out.
