Not off to Istanbul
I had a uuum, visa mishap.
Relied on online site for visa information and didn’t notice that only “official” passport holders from Kenya as opposed to “ordinary” passport holders didn’t require a visa. I’ve been to Turkey several times when no visa was required so there was also a bit of ujuaji on my part.
I’m so bummed out! This conference was very important to me because I’m at a crossroads as to where to go with Mzalendo, Ushahidi, KP - I’m struggling to stay on top of that, other Kenya initiatives, work, mommyhood etc. and I need to make a call about where I’m going…Istanbul was meant to clarify that by giving me the opportunity to bounce ideas of friends and experts in areas I’m working on and also give a number of us who are involved with Ushahidi the opportunity to work on strengthening it.
Next time I’ll remember to do things the old-fashioned way, pick up the phone. The silver lining, no time away from the family…I always hate leaving them behind. And maybe I just need to do the hard thinking myself.
on February 7th, 2008 at 15:26
greetings from Ngurdoto: sorry about the missed conference.
I missed a flight last year when I showed up at the airport and KQ could not find my e-booking; turns out the travel agent had ordered a paper ticket without informing me
on February 7th, 2008 at 16:37
Pole sana. I am sure the others will keep you informed + maybe Erik will do some live blogging? Or J & D?
I like the idea of strengthening Ushahidi + maybe also channeling some sort of peace corps initiative for jobless youth who could be funded by private individuals or another harambee via Mamamikes? Something that enables a “follow up” to the current initiatives, but independent from natinonal policies or external governments.
~ Generation Kenya et al
(but not only the usual suspects - where are all these bloggers and forumers who contributed to the debates during the previous weeks?)
on February 7th, 2008 at 17:28
Pole sana. Was looking forward to seeing you and hearing your thoughts. You are so right about the crossroads. Enjoy the family.
on February 7th, 2008 at 19:38
Pole sana. I understand that you can get a Turkish tourist visa for a Kenyan passport holder within 24hrs ( yaani same day). Have checked the Turkish consulate in your city? C’mon you can still go… unless it is too late to make any difference. Have a mzuri weekend.
on February 8th, 2008 at 0:05
Don’t worry about minor setbacks, you are an amazing person.
I admire what you do.
on February 8th, 2008 at 3:41
Ouch! Did you find that out at the customs desk at Istanbul or before? It does seem like you have too much on your plate. Good luck at finding a balance. When my children were young, it seemed that all compromises were the least desirable of compromises. They were nearly always decisions that benefited others (e.g., the children, my colleagues, the family), but nearly always to the detriment of myself (e.g. as an employee, mother, wife, individual). Difficult to explain the difference.
on February 8th, 2008 at 10:15
What can I say!
You know a lot of things happen for a reason. I used to blame my self and think…boy, that was so stupid for me to do.
But that was back then, now with age catching on and some few experiences here and there, as you said; take that as a time off and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
on February 8th, 2008 at 11:40
KP just wanted to pass on congrats to you and the crew at Enablis; read that you guys are teaming up with EABS Bank or soon to be Ecobank to offer business loans to up and coming ‘youth’ entrepreneurs in Kenya.
If you can share, any non proprietory info on where Enablis is going on the continent it would be a much needed tonic…….!
Initiatives like this are part of the solution especially at a time when despair is taking over.
on February 8th, 2008 at 12:18
Sorry to hear that Ory.
I must admit I at first looked at your writing with a lot of skepticism. A discerning reader would have noted your inclination towards a one political camp (Ok a not so discerning reader would have noticed that as well). LOL. I must add the above is quite subjective.
However, with time, I have come to greatly admire you. When push comes to shove you stand for what is right and say it regardless of your political inclination. Compared to some of the blogs I have read and shall not name, your commentary comes out as independent , honest, unbiased and from someone who wants to see real change in Kenya. It would not be wrong to say that your site has reached out to Kenyans on both sides of the political divide and has touched them. I pray that God grants you the wisdom on how to proceed. I actually said a short prayer for you because I feel we need more people like you if our nation is to ever heal.
Thank you for the sacrifice.
on February 8th, 2008 at 12:27
A friend did the same thing but went a step further and actually travelled to a country where a visa was required mistakenly thinking it was not. He spent a couple of nights in jail and was put on the next available flight back. So….could’ve been worse.
on February 8th, 2008 at 22:37
I have to be mean to Ory to balance the other comments coz everyone is being too nice (pole sana galore).
Sasa wewe, how do you make plans for a trip without making arrangements for a visa?
With travel bans increasing from 10 to an unconfirmed 50, that document has become a very important and precious commodity, ebu appreciate the fact that you can travel throughout without restrictions! (cough, restrictions that are not self induced, cough)
Some of our leaders are not so lucky and are trying to convince themselves and others they don’t care (we know otherwise).
On a serious note, I do admire all that you do for Kenya including trips that mean time spent away from your family. The best we all can do is support your decision whenever you make it and untill then, we cannot offer more in terms of advise other than you try not to be all things to all people-it is impossible and will run you down in a hurry.
Stick with projects closest to your heart/interest and have others help shoulder the burden where they can.
Be well.
on February 11th, 2008 at 18:19
Hi Ory
Let us know more about how we can assist you on a sustained basis. Your commentary reaches a lot of people and so can your projects - share the load and spread the gains. Our own networks of women who care for Kenya are ready, willing and capable.
on February 13th, 2008 at 11:51
Ory;
You’re too funny…yanni you were tryin’ to go to Istanbul “NGOS” as in bila’s…times i guess have changed,but i don’t blame you,back in your younger days you used to frequent Istanbul-Turkey quite alot so i’m sure it was an assumption we all could have made .Look @ the bright side of it though…that’s more time with baby Gabby !!
on February 13th, 2008 at 18:38
Pole! When you do make please let me know if you are looking for some really fun people to hang out with. I am halfp Turkish and lived in Ankara for 5 years. Have some wonderful friends in Istanbul…love that city!