My trip to Kenya was phenomenal.  Visiting it after nearly twelve years I was awestruck by the beauty of the country. The deep red soil that supports the growth of numerous crops like coffee, tea, pineapple, maize, bananas (I could go on forever), spells richness of the fertile soil and what flourishes from it.

The wildlife is abundant and so natural – like God has created a way for the large numbers of zebras, giraffes, elephants, gazelles and many more to exist side by side on masses of land with very little to eat and they still survive. I was told that each species only ate the grass that belonged to them and left the rest for the others. Even the animals work in order and know their place in relation to those that live beside them.

What makes Kenya the richest country in the world is the Beautiful people of Kenya. I cannot describe the warmth, the vibrancy, the sense of humour and most of all the hospitality of the people of Kenya. I was fortunate enough to visit a Masai village in the middle of nowhere where my niece was teaching the Masai women Microfinance – how to sell the beaded work that they spent hours making most effectively. I also visited a children’s school.  I could never imagine myself saying this but it is I who learnt from them. Each person I met has aspirations of learning and growing and I felt that my life of materialism was wasted.

A little girl outside the hut made of cow dung and wood, taught me the greatest lesson. All she had was a little stone to play with. With it she had created accurate and straight lines to play hopscotch.  We tried to join in the game. Perhaps we were the only visitors she had ever seen. She ran into her hut and then came out supporting a different t-shirt. She was trying to dress up for us. It bought a tear to my eye when we were invited to look inside the hut. I cannot describe how little they had and yet they were so welcoming and happy.

Kenya is a country that allows you to dream and it is the country where dreams come true.

If you have not yet visited Kenya, put it high up on your ‘to do’ lists as it is truly magical. You will not be disappointed.

Hello all,

The summer has left me dizzy with all the activities that come along with it. I am now off to Kenya to gather material for my third book which is an adventure story set in the heart of Africa.

I intend to follow the trail of places that my characters will in the book. I will also go on Safari and leave some time for relaxation, at the foothills of Mt Kenya.

On my return I will tell you all about it. Until then keep reading!!

Anjali

Yet again I had a wonderful day at Bushy- Hill School. The children were delightful and charming and very enthusiastic when it came to reading and writing. A short review:

Hi Anjali - apparently you went down a storm at the School - the pupils loved you and the stories - from the feed back I got they would like a "you" in there every week as it encourages the pupils to be adventurous in there reading writing and story telling

I am aiming to visit many more schools to inspire children to do just that.

It was a dreary Saturday morning, cold and wet. The store was unusually crowded with people taking shelter and browsing amongst books. The ladies at the Children's department - Alex, Dorcia and Hannah, were friendly and welcoming. I met many interesting people and even managed to sell some books. There were children from Queen Eleanor's Junior school, The Chandler Cof E Junior school, Pennthorpe school and even one from Northwood. I met an interesting grandmother who had also been to Convent school and her four sons had been through Cranmore school just like my boys.

It was a comfort to see some familiar faces as well although I could not stop and chat for long as there were book marks to give out and children to talk to. The children enjoyed the colouring and word searches and talked to me about my books. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to have been at Waterstones once again and would like to thank Jessica Sage for giving me the opportunity. For all those who have bought my book I look forward to hearing your comments here on my website or on Amazon.

Anjali Mittal