Shutter Speed

An internal Trip

2011-12-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

For those that don't know, a "trip" is an experience of hallucinations induced by psychedelic drugs. Here are the commonly known ones: LSD, Mescaline (peyote) and Magic Mushrooms (Shrooms). These all popularized during the tripping hippy days of the 1960s but ever more popular with the growing rave scene around the world. Traditionally the use of psychedelics where a bit more spiritual and meditative - thats all gone now with the arrival of popularized raving and clubbing scene. Now that New Year's is knocking on our door with a sinister expression of a drug dealer, Mombasa beach parties are underway with reckless consumption. Enough about the raving - Native americans have been using peyote since 3660 B.C. as part of a religious ceremonies - heard of a vision quest?

But the question is can you induce a Trip without drugs? Especially if you have never tripped before. Essentially if you think about it, yes it is entirely possible. This means we have to move away from the Native American Paradigm of meditation and shift to the East where psychedelics are in your mind. Your mind is like clay - inducement is a matter of thought. In fact you are constantly hallucinating - your mind sees what it wants. Well if you truly believe that you are entirely lucid and live in the world of complete clarity you still hallucinate. Dreams, day dreams and those amazing lucid dreams as you wake up are hallucinations - fundamentally. If during a dream and in certain states of mind you could completely disassociate from reality then psychedelic living is an everyday truth.

Why must we hallucinate? Escapism or self discovery. People have an endless methods of escapism and here is a list of:

Alcohol and other drugs
Music
Meditation
Prayer
Sex
Reading
Film watching
Spacing out
Painting
Mountain climbing
Swimming
Running
Delusional fantasy sport legues
Eating
Self inflicted injuries

Hallucinations just happen to us quite regularly - but hallucinations are not always a retreat from the pains of reality. Very often it emphasizes them. This is why an internal Trip is a useful way to find out what is wrong with you internally - actually that is what meditation is for. Okay so you don't randomly trip out in a usual state of lucidity. There are numerous "gates" that get in the way of us actually reaching a true state of hallucination. Number one is fear - people like to be in control of everything - let go! Very often music is a good way to gage how rigid and fearful people are. Usually the more rigid a person is the more likely for them to abuse a drug - the same goes with fear.

Here is a study about music and personalities - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7598549.stm

Your conscious awareness and link to reality is the very thing that holds you back from entering a state where you are at peace with the physical and transcendental. What the psychedelics do are remove these gates for you to explore a mesh of physical and fantastical. There are several forms of meditations that unbound us from the "gates" of reality and allow you to be fully conscious parallel to your transcendental self.

If you are an existentialist and not assigned any specific religion - understanding yourself through out all levels of your mind help you understand your purpose of existence. But also it is important to live apart from the worldly possessions and fickleness of consumerist reality.

I think that is called "Culture Shock!"

2011-12-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

So, I recently realized that I live in a sort of bubble - actually most people live in a bubble but I just noticed mine. For the longest time I have been living under this umbrella paradigm of: "I must try to be completely acceptant of everything." I sort of liberal ideal I guess. Usually people who are coined as living in a bubble are conservative or just "backward" people. However is there such a thing as a "liberal ideal" bubble?

Okay so where am I going with this? - I will have to start from the beginning.

I am a "Nairobian" not the typical one or the streetwise one, I was a "bubble child." So that seems a bit negative but its true. I grew up with relatively liberal parents, both of them work. They have traveled the world etc. I am mixed race - Half Indian (Ismaili) and Half Seychellois - so I have no real intense bond to any culture. Travel, studied and worked in not the conventional places as people seem to assume of me. I am one of those that try my best to be unconventional in the fear that I am just normal. There have been many moments of culture shock that I quite enjoy - I like

to meet people for different cultures and enjoy the diversity.

A lot of people make it seem the world outside Kenya is all roses, but really not, tall buildings and chain clothing brands don't make a country. I mean I could deal with certain things in Nairobi like corruption, driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid traffic, the leaders of the country's complete disrespect for their people and blatant racism/tribalism. But Nairobi is an amazingly diverse and contemporary city, the youth are modern and creativity runs deep in this city. Because I went to an international school and very often the administrators of the school feel like we are not exposed to enough local culture; so they make "Culture Week" or "Culture Trips." Under the premise that a group of students hanging out together and going to tribal destinations for a week will make us understand what culture is. But contrary to what you may think I actually learned a lot. And here are list of highlights (only the fun ones though):

- Cut the tails of goats with hot iron

- Drinking cow blood

- White water rafting (Apparently this a tradition steeped deep in Kenyan tribal culture)

- Kill a goat

- Chase chickens

- Make Mokimo (tribal style )

- Heard cows

- Watch a sheep getting skinned

- Sleep under the stars

- Playing that game with the pebbles (they also had this game on the old Nokia 3210)

So I did the whole traveling Kenya and experienced only a fraction of the culture and still learning. Then I went through this whole phase of connecting with my Seychellois side of the family - learnt french, went there, saw where my mom went to school and ate good food. Then I did the "go and work in a South East Asia and live with a chinese family and eat some good food" - thing. Then went to India to see where my roots are from. So you get my point - I try really really hard to be Mr. Multi Cultural. But this week I had the biggest culture shock of my life - in fact it rendered me into a complete existential, "what is my life about?" mind blur for a few days - usually I am quite acceptant.

What Happened?

Yes I went to India see my roots etc. But I missed the India in my own city. Nairobi has a huge Indian community and a lot about the culture has been preserved like a microcosm of traditional India. And I am ashamed to admit that I have never really paid as much attention to it as I should have. I actually know more about the Maasai culture than Kenyan Indian culture. Recently I have been noticing something quite fantastic about Kenya - There has been an amazing shift to promote women to work and become professionals and captains of industry. More proud Nairobian women are starting represent the face of corporate Kenya. More importantly Married Kenyan Women are climbing the corporate ladder. This is now accepted as a norm and women are slowly being disassociated as the Home Maker.

However not so much in Kenyan Indian culture. Young women and men my age are still geared to be the traditional family. I am for keeping tradition. But not when it comes to depriving a women's career, just so she could ready the house. This is all in reference to an experience that I had with a recently married Kenyan Indian co-worker. She became the home maker and stopped working at the hotel (Mind you i don't work there anymore). So I thought I would do some research and ask some questions and see what people think about this. I need to see all sides of the story.

My Current Boss and His wife:

My boss is Kenyan Indian and from quite an affluent family and his wife the same. They have very modern view of partnership and marriage. Actually his wife used to be the one working while he was at home looking after his kids. Yes he is a good husband. Now he and his wife work together the build the company I work for. Their thoughts: "Its archaic and not relevant anymore."

My Half Welsh and Half Indian Cousin's Wife

She is an amazing character, recently had a child and is in a happy marriage. She is well versed in Ismaili culture and quite modern in her perception of the world. She started work again just after giving birth. Her baby is really cute. Her thoughts: "Some women grow up expecting to do this, as this is what they were thought."

My Father

He is Kenyan Indian, studied in Scotland. He knows more about Kenyan Indian culture than most - he read book about it. Yes there is actually a book solely dedicated to Kenyan Indian culture. His thoughts: "This is the culture and there is nothing you can do about it."

A young Kenyan women I met randomly at the Junction

She is a young kenyan women working at the Junction. She speaks english in a very old fashion manner. Her thought: "If I love him then I will do my best to look after him. But it would be nice if he could help."

My Married Cousin

She used to work for AKDN and an amazing Financial professional. Stopped working after giving birth. Her thoughts: "I think that it is a bit weird, if she had children I would understand but she doesn't" I said "why should children matter?" She said "I don't want my children to be raised by maids like I was."

My thoughts "I was raised by Christine and my mother & father, not a maid."

Conclusion

I think that the answer whether your wife or you as a wife to become a "housewife" would depend on the type of couple you are. This should be discussed during dating - if its an arranged marriage I am not sure what to do. And the reason I found this a culture shock is because when you visit other countries and cultures around Kenya you don't pay much attention to the Family Dynamic mostly the weird things different people eat. I learnt that if you love someone then you would do anything for them. Yes there are many themes in this entry that are still unanswered but this is my ending.

What are your thoughts? - Let me know

Oh the Chase!

2011-12-23T01:18:00.000-08:00

I find it difficult to understand the chase. Very often one would come across a moment when you are chased by someone you don't like. Though you are not interested in the person and have made it evident in a sort passive "I don't want to hurt your feelings way" they still persist. I for one and I think most people would like to come across as nice people and not assholes, so I titter around the subject and avoid them.

Though I have realized that it is the pressure for us to be "nice" that the chaser plays on. A sort of a guilt trip. I mean it is pretty harsh to say "Hey I am not interested in you! Go Away!" cause you end up hurting their feelings. I have noticed that when I am the chaser if i get a slight sense of hesitation I stand of - because the last thing I want to be is referred as "That creepy guy over there." Yes I should not care what people think but unfortunately I do. Are people not worried of becoming that creepy guy in the corner that end up hitting on every girl at the bar.

But when does it become a good idea to guilt someone into going on a date with them - unless awaked is your thing. I think that women have a unique ability to manipulate men and guilt them into anything. But there is that hope that "they will eventually fall in love with you" if you just text them that 100th more time. People always say that actions speak louder then words, so if I don't text back that mean I don't like you or I am out of credit and I can't be bothered to get some so I could text you.

It's also those well written texts and Facebook messages that is among the armory of the current dating scene. People just don't call anymore - I must say I am guilty of this. Sending someone a "Hey whats up" via text is just not sexy. If you wanna make a plan and know the final result just call. I am sure most people understand when someone is not interested in the tone of voice or response that you get. Why texts and FB Messages are so popular is that you have time to way the option and not make blink decisions AND writing that well thought out message to get someone to go on a date with you.

There is nothing worse than having an argument via text on "why you cannot make it for drinks or dinner tonight" and letting them down easy. To avoid feelings to be broken. I recently got caught in a 3 way juggling act because of this. Just because I didn't hint enough and also find it difficult to say "no." And now I am alone again but thats fine - I like the alone.

Because of this experience I have realized that meeting people in a bar is not always the best. The daytime is your friend - But it is always awkward to walk up so someone in the day. There is that "creepy guy in the corner" phobia coming up.

Sometimes when I meet someone I am interested in I often loose interest quite fast - I have ADHD - thats my excuse. But by the time I realize this I have already lead them on too far and now its that awkward texting phase while you determine whether you like them or not.

Battle of the Bands

2011-11-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Brew Bistro Morendat Gold Beef

2011-06-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

Sustainability and going local is a hot topic worldwide, stressing the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. With this in mind, many feel that going local means sacrificing on quality. However, for generations before, going local was the influence to create the best. It is refreshing to see a local bistro taking the step to bring the best in quality from local produce, to create dishes that can rival on the international restaurant scene. Sticking with the firm belief of using seasonal produce.

Brew Bistro has created within them a culture of choosing local and combining it with international influences to create a “Pan-Global” cuisine, veering away from the now pop trend in Nairobi of “Fusion” restaurants. Brew Bistro’s flavor combination and culture is reflected in their menu. We started with their beer battered seafood tempura served a bed of deep fried kale (Sukuma) with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The kale gave it a unique twist but I would have preferred it with more wasabi mayo and less sweet chill. The Tree Tomato sorbet with crumbed mozzarella was a nice palette cleanser to prepare for the main and had an exciting hot and cold contrast.

“The Butcher’s Block,” brings a new element to Brew Bistro’s menu. This side of the menu gives you a choice of the cut of beef, your preferred sauce and side dish in true bistro fashion. The distinctive aspect of the menu is the beef itself, each cut comes from the Morendat Farm in Naivasha. The farm offers a breed of local and international beef, fed on the Naivasha’s exceptional flora. Hung and matured for 21 days, the Morendat Gold is the finest local beef in Kenya. Each cow is hand pick by the Bistro’s Dutch chef Ron Guijs. Very lightly brushed with a bit of oil and balsamic vinegar before grilling, chef Guijs doesn’t taint the true flavor of the beef and served on a wooden block. I put this to test and had the sirloin (Medium rare) with a homemade beer infused BBQ sauce and truffle mash. The beef was succulent and had a certain subtle wild taste to it.

Inspired by his father, Chef Guijs has grown up with international influences in his cuisine. With a special link to Indonesian tastes from the colonial period in the Netherlands. His passion for food and culinary arts is shown in the versatility of the menu and the seasonal change. Other than the beef selection, he has created a sensational dish to suit every diet.

My veggie friend had the halloumi steak, which I had to put my fork through. Unlike most halloumi dishes I was surprised that the cheese was not rubbery but in fact soft and almost melting. Coupled with the onions and courgettes the dish had a lot of textures and tastes about it. With 10 vegetarian dishes on offer at the bistro, it’s not all about the meat.

We finished of with the homemade Nougat and the crème de pot. Even though the portions were generous its worth making space of the desert.

The Bistro offers value for money; it will set you back an average of 2,000 ksh for a steak dish and a glass of wine. With a calm ambiance and attentive service.

Barcelona

2009-10-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

The Entrance to the Gothic Quarter

Cat

2009-09-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

Cat under Car, Montana Village

Next Week Barcelona

2009-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

To those interested in my blog, I will be going to Barcelona next week. So look forward to pictures of Barcelona. Please comment on this post if there are any specific places in Barcelona you would like to see on this blog.

2009-09-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Red rolling clouds

2009-09-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

Mountain, Alps

2009-09-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dead Flower

2009-09-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Snail Shell on a blade of grass

2009-09-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

Snowless Caps

2009-09-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

White Flower, Bulche

2009-09-11T01:33:00.000-07:00

White Horse, Montana Village

2009-09-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

View from Bluche

2009-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sion, Valais

Start off: the mountains of Valais

2009-09-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

The View from my place in Switzerland