What does this title refer to? The always present simmering political tension in Kenya and Africa? My frustrations with 3rd world accommodations? Difficulties with the language barrier? A local Hatfield vs. McCoy feud brewing out in the country-side? The process I go through to prepare my daily bathing routine?
Wrong all wrong! Coffee. Plain and simple, coffee. Like many Americans, most of my days are started with a good ol' cup of Joe. Now I am not one those types who is a troll until my AM fix. But 30 days consecutive, a man can only bear so much. It's amazing, that in a country known for its' gourmet domestic coffee beans, that it is near impossible to find a restaurant serving anything other than instant coffee poured into hot water.
On a recent trip to Eldoret, I set out to find a solution. After asking about single cup coffee filters at three separate locations, I nearly gave up. Holding on to hope I figured with some interesting rigging, a regular filter and some grounds. Three days after I have gotten a pretty good cup of coffee. Sure it is strained through a torn piece of shirt, and is quite time intensive for one cup, but it gets me the finished product.
I am gearing up for the local 10k on Sunday. It seems that this field will have a 99% to 1% ratio of elite to recreation runners. This might be one of the most confusing races I have ever run. I have been warned that Kenyan road races, are plain battles of attrition. Racers start with reckless abandon, and many just fall to pieces, after trying to hang on to ridiculous early paces. This course should lead to some interesting tactics. The first 2km are aimed sharply downhill, and the next 3km are all uphill. I have noted the 5km mark of the course, and plan to make a mental note of restraining until that point. The rest of the course is rolling with a downward slope, and finishes inside the local track 'stadium'.
Logistics are also an issue because the race is point to point. I have decided that since I live about 6km from the start, that I will just wear my race kit and warmup to the start line. Since none of my friends have cars, and leaving your sweats under a bush is a laughable notion, I will just have to bear the elements. Thankfully my roommate can bring some sweats for after the race. I will see about getting some photos up on Sunday but I can't make any promises.
Hope all is well.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Best of luck with your race! Cant wait to hear all about it on Sunday!
sounds like you have a good game plan. Make sure you stick to it. Have a great race.
"With Gods Strength, For Gods Glory"
Adam
We are all anxious to hear about Sunday's race in Neil-speak. You are so much fun to read.
I am delighted to hear you complain about the coffee because if after the first paragraph list of issues (granted there are many, and I wouldn't trade places with you for all the coffee beans in Kenya)coffee is the next major concern on the list, you are surviving admirable well.
Thanks so much for keeping the blog going, it gives us all peace of mind that you are still okay.
It makes total sense why you don't get much of the good coffee there - because the country as a whole knows that they can make a lot of moolah off of it by selling the beans to places in other countries.
Is the tea there any good?
Glad you're doing well, Neil! We enjoyed hanging out with your wife this weekend. Take care and good luck! Katie & Shaun
Post a Comment