A Business Trip

I had read Karen Blixen's book "Out of Africa". Blixen writes divinely, describes anything in an exceptional way, leaving vivid images in the reader's mind... very interesting the conclusions the author often reaches, the fruit of analyses that always start from Africa and its inhabitants. I did not think I would find a "story" behind this book: they are, rather, small tales about the various episodes of the author's "African stay"; as a result it often comes across as a bit heavy and, above all, slow. As soon as I finished reading the book I saw the film and the desire for Africa began to enter me. In June 1990 I was given the opportunity to go to Kenya for work. Many years have passed but the memory of African scents is still stuck inside my skin today.

Mr Muriro (a technician from Kenya Posts and Telecommunications) told me funny and fascinating stories and anecdotes and often repeated 3-4 proverbs that were fundamental in Kenya: "The work of women is as numerous as the stars in the sky" "The wisdom of the young is like a field where the seed has just been sown" "Even if no one loves you, you will always find someone willing to cut your hair." "Being well dressed on a feast day does not mean being rich." The commercial Nairobi with hotels, embassies, airlines, fine buildings and brightly coloured gardens stood in contrast to the desperation of the outskirts, where a very dignified poverty travelled on a wave of hope for life. Sidori, the girl who accompanied us on the visit to TSAVO park, with her great love managed to make even more magical a safari that was already beyond compare in itself...

you only had to look into those big eyes to be charmed by a whole country, and if, like me, you already nurtured a great passion in your heart called Africa, well, in those big eyes it could even see itself reflected. A wonderful month that, in the gaps between work, I made the most of in every sense. Unique places and feelings. Indescribable colours and scents. "It's true, Africa sickness exists". I ardently hope to go back with my wife and my group of friends.