|
|  |
|
|
|
| |
| Nov 05, 2006 11:57 am |
|
re: Is there anybody from Africa? |
Shivaji Jammalmadugu
| |
Hey,
I have been to the African continent many times. The opportunity to live with tribals is currently unimaginable considering the living conditions.
Kenya:
One must be very careful right from getting out of the aircraft till back on board. The customs officers are keen to make money and it depends on how much is your baggage. Whenever they see an Indian with huge bags, they ensure they get paid well otherwise it will be a nightmare for the Indian. If the local contact is good, then one can clear containers without paying a penny.
In the streets of Nairobi, it is advisable for everyone to keep the car doors locked and window glass up. Never dare to get alone out of your hotel / secured living place on to the streets. Someone may rob you off even for a silver ring. In fact your host will advise you so and you can find huge walls with barbed electric fences with armed security guards to man the thick metal gates.
Amidst this scary environment, there exists fantastic Hindu Temples of Balaji & Krishna built over an acre in the center of Nairobi. There is a huge Swaminarayan temple too. One can find a large Indian community all around and most of the people seems to be Gujaratis reached the African continent may be 300 years ago.
Local Indian restaurents serve best of dishes, meeting the expectations of typical Indian tastebuds. You need to believe it, most of the restaurents have locals as chefs.
The weather is quite cool even during hot summer. Outside city limits, the jungles are quite thick and notoriously known for the giant African elephants, who are much more freindlier than the uniformed locals.
When in Kenya, don't forget to go for jungle safari with a professional guide with you. It is a wonderful experience. It is important to have all necessary vaccinations to go out of the city and one should be cautious while dealing with the patients.
Visa for Indians is normally on arrival but prior submission of your passport copy by host to the Kenya emigration is recommended. Business in Kenya is highest next only to South Africa.
Ethiopia
In my opinion it is a better country compared to Kenya in terms of safety. There is a good business culture among the locals. The Indian community exists but is not so vast. There are Indian restaurents with Indian chefs.
Vaccination is necessary for travelling out of Addis Ababa. Visa normally need to be obtained from local Ethiopian embassy prior to departure. Most Ethiopians send their children to India for higher studies and have lot of respect for Indian teachers.
Hope the info helps.
Can be continued if required ......... Private Reply to Shivaji Jammalmadugu (new win) |
|
| |
|
