Dream country
Tomorrow marked the second week of their long vacation. Ezekiel was very secretive of their last destination. He told Lucia that it was meant to be a surprise for them and he didn’t reveal until they were receiving their boarding pass. Upon checking their last visiting destination, Lucia’s eyes widened with both surprise and excitement. Of all places, Ezekiel decided to close their vacation by taking her to Africa and precisely to Kenya, her dream country.
” Honey, did you do this on purpose?” She asked, tears of happiness streaming down without restraint. Ste was deeply touched by his consideration. Along the way he had taken her to places sfe wished to visit but she never in her wildest dreams think that he would take her to visit Kenya as their last destination. She couldn’t help but kiss him In Front of the people.
” This was supposed to be our vacation, not just mine. I have known for a long time that you have always dreamt of visiting that country so I chose it as our last destination.” He explained.
” I never told you that, so how did you know?” Lucia asked sceptically. The only people who were aware of her wild dream were her three besties. Ofcourse they discouraged her especially Ava who would occasionally remind her about the al shabaab terrorising the country which of course was baseless rumours. Stacy on the other hand would warn her about the tropical disease there while Miranda would only talk about snakes, the only thing she dreaded in this world. But that did not stop her from yearning to visit the country. Now it was like a dream come true for her. What was even better was the fact that she was finally visiting the place with someone special by her side, Just as she had always wished.
” You underestimate your man honey.” Ezekiel replied with a grin. Lucia did not continue to probe any further, she was too happy to assume her detective role.
They boarded the plane. As always, Ezekiel booked the first class seats. They were more comfortable and less loaded. The services were topnotch too compared to the economy class. The journey was set for thirteen good hours. After the plane took off, Ezekiel urged Lucia to take a nap but the lady was too excited to even wink.
” No, I want to stay awake.” She didn’t want to sleep, not on this journey.
” The journey is long and I know you are exhausted. Take a short nap, I’ll wake you up when we cross the Indian ocean.” Kiel coerced her. As a pregnant woman, she ought to rest and allow proper development of the baby. The baby he will never get to see with his eyes.
” Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Lucia finally gave in and fell into slumber.
The plane landed at Jomo Kenyatta international airport at eight in the evening. Ezekiel helped Lucia to drag her suitcase as they headed to the waiting lobby where a taxi was waiting for them.
At the exit, a loud voice announcement was made. ” Dear passengers, we thank you for choosing Kenya airways for your flight, feel welcomed here.” The voice said then a translation in kiswahili was made.
” Wapenzi wasafiri, tunawashukuru kwa kuchangua shirika la ndege la Kenya airways kwa usafiri wenu. Karibuni Kenya.”
” What language is that?” Ezekiel asked.
” That’s Swahili. One of the fastest growing languages. Even China has embraced it. It’s good to listen and romantic too.” Lucia praised.
” I didn’t hear anything romantic though.” Ezekiel casually commented, making Lucia laugh.
” You didn’t understand a word they said that’s Why.” Lucia answered. If you get to listen to their music, I bet reggaeton will become your second best.” Lucia added with a smile.
” I doubt that.”
The two bickered on their way to the waiting lobby. There were many people standing holding calling placards and Lucia was the first to spot the handsome black Man holding a placard bearing their names.
” Over there.” She said, dragging Ezekiel along.
The driver spotted people coming his way meaning that his clients were finally here.
” Good evening? Am Maxwell From Hilton hotel transport staff and am here purposely to ensure that you reach your destination safely.” The black guy greeted and introduced himself.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
” Hujambo Max, habari ya jioni?( Hello max, how’s your evening?)
Lucia greeted with a smile, making the guy widen his eyes in surprise.
” Habari yangu poa. Sikujulishwa kwamba unakifahamu kiswahili
( Good evening ma’am, I didn’t know that you are familiar with Swahili?
” Naelewa kidogo tu. Nina mengi ya kujifunza bado.
( I do understand Swahili though Just the basics. I still have a lot to learn) Lucia answered.
” Hamna haraka utakielewa ipasavyo. Karibu Kenya? Max said with a smile.
( You have time to learn to perfection. Welcome to Kenya.”
Lucia smiled at his courteous words and turned to introduce Kiel to their designated driver tonight only to realise he had a dark expression on his face. Of Course Lucia understood that he was jealous. She could smell something sour in the air.
” By the way Max, this is Kiel, my boyfriend.” Ste said, holding Ezekiel’s arm intimately.
” Hi Kiel, I am Maxwell. Pleased to meet you. Your fiance is a wonderful woman.” He said complimenting Lucia only to have expression darken.
” You two look perfect together.” Max added and only then did Ezekiel smile at him.
” Pleased to meet you Maxwell.” He dropped his defences after hearing the compliment and replied politely. The drive to the airport was accompanied by Lucia and Maxwell making casual talks. Ofcourse Ezekiel would comment whenever they weren’t conversing in that foreign language. The car radio was playing a song by Rayvanny featuring the number One.
” That’s quite a romantic song.” Lucia casually commented.
” Yeah, it’s a song that every lover should dedicate to their special One. Its lyrics are full of words of love and passion.” Replied Max.
” Oh really?” Ezekiel asked.
” Yeah, I took my girl to the club and asked that song to be dedicated to her. I danced with her and that’s how I got myself a wife. That song is my lucky charm.” Max explained, laughing.
” I quite like you, you are a funny One.” Ezekiel said. He rarely gets impressed by people and this Black Man really impressed him tonight.
” Thank You sir.” Maxwell replied. He was also finding the couple likeable. After being in the transport sector for years, he met with all kinds of people. Some were rude, others liked to complain even over the pettiest of things while others got irritated easily. But this couple was Nice and civilised.
The following day, the two started their tour. They visited the Kenyan Coast and got to swim in the Indian ocean and taste the Swahili specialities. Ezekiel immediately fell in love with Swahili pilau while Lucia couldn’t get enough of the spiced crabs cooked in the restaurants. They visited Maasai Mara where they saw different animals ranging from elephants, lions, the ostrich and Many More. The rift valley did not escape them either. Ezekiel was amazed by the formation of the valley and the lakes situated within it. They visited crater, hell’s gate, the fort Jesus and the steam producing dam of masinga was their last destination. While touring all parts of Kenya, they came into contact with different communities and cultures. The Masai caught Lucia’s attention from how they wore decorations . She even bought local jewellery as souvenirs to her friends back at home, ofcourse she didn’t forget to buy beaded maasai sandals which she found to be beautiful. Their tour lasted five days ànd they were finally flying back home. Although tired, Lucia was happy. Ezekiel on the other hand could feel his condition worsening. Even though the drug he took before starting their three week tour had boosted his energy and prevented his nosebleeds, he knew its effect was wearing off. On their way however, he felt a splitting headache hit him but before he could wake up and rush to the bathroom, his sight became blurred and before he could register what was happening. The doctor among the crew attended to him and helped him stop his bleeding. After two hours he finally woke up.
” You are awake? How are you feeling? The doctor said nothing is wrong, just exhausted.” Lucia who was seated on a chair in the emergency ward bombarded him with questions immediately he woke up. Hearing her words, Ezekiel heaved a sigh of relief. It seems like the doctor was wise enough to keep his secret.
” Am fine. It’s just as the doctor said, am Just exhausted, nothing serious.” He replied, flashing her a comforting smile.
” You scared me.” She confessed. She was very scared when she Saw him bleeding profusely and unconscious until the doctor assured her that he was fine. Only then did she relax
” I am fine, no need to worry too much.” The last thing he wanted was to make her worried.