Blind date

Seated in the back right of a dark grey uber cab, A Toyota ractis, I had no idea where I was going. A friend had asked if I could take her somewhere, and I dutifully agreed. Normally, I am very stubborn and rarely agree to do something without concrete details. I had already forewarned here that if this turned out to be those network marketing meetings, I would walk away and also walk away from our friendship.

Is was a two o’clock meeting. I didn’t even have lunch. I went with an empty stomach, full of expectations. All i knew was the meeting was somewhere on Ngong road. I asked if I needed to say my final prayers. Being an election year, we have heard stories of people disappearing. Sacrificial lambs in the altar of politics.  I told her if she had been asked for charcoal black guy, then she had gotten a great bargain. We laughed, but the uber guy cringed and kept driving, his face locked on the road. By now, he must have been thinking he is the sacrifice. Judging from his reaction about sacrifices, I swear that guy is from Kitui. He had heard enough horror stories.

Finally, we got there. Blue violet building which ironically is painted orange.

We were unbelievably early. We got there at 13:40. By now I had figured out where we were going, but I still didn’t know why we were there. I decided to keep my hopes low lest I am disappointed. She made phone call to announce our arrival. Probably she was expecting a welcoming party.  When some people give you an appointment of 2pm, it’s not 1:49 or 2:01, It is 2PM.We had to wait until 2pm.

We waited at the corridor. Standing on either sided forming a small human isle. My friend was in high heels and she kept changing her standing posture while maintaining a straight face. We stood there for 20 minutes. The corridor was poorly lit, probably a sign of minimal activity in the area. Most of the lighting came from a door about fifty meters away. To us it was light at the end of the tunnel.

The floor was boring, pale grey tiles, nothing exciting to make you stop and honor the ground you are standing on. No one cares about them, but the walls were spectacular. They each had a beautiful wallpaper with people holding hands. Perhaps united by common purpose. From here, we could hear footsteps of people going up the stairs-interrupted by a clunking and electronic yelping of the elevator- the ladies with a strong striking sound of their heels on the floor tiles, and the men making heavy pounding steps. Though engrossed in a conversation, my eyes would subconsciously wander and glance at the door to see if there’s a familiar figure coming in.

Five minutes before two, I saw a long shadow sneaking in towards us. Though hazy, I could see its someone carrying a huge bag. When she got to us, she asked if we knew where she could find a house help’s recruitment bureau located in this building. I imagined she must have been relieved her duties that afternoon. She looked confused and lost. She seemed to be carrying all her possession contained in that big black bag, along with her hopes. Finding the bureau would have meant that she won’t have to go back to the life she ran away from. We told her that we didn’t know where that was, disappointed, she walked away, and went on with conversation. I silently hoped she will find the place.

Two minutes after two. Someone walked through THE door. Brown loafers, blue shorts and a blue t-shirt and signature eyeglasses. Too cool for a hot Monday afternoon.  Immediately, I recognized him. I cursed -I rarely do- out of disbelief. It was happening. I hoped it was what I thought it is. I would be meeting my role model in photography. It is someone I had followed for a while and tried to meet him up several times. I had given up meeting him. But I knew fate would bring us together. I didn’t think I would be that soon though. I shook his hand and called him by name, still confused and moved to tears. I was still star struck, I blurted out, “how do you two know each other?” He smiled and said, “your friend here is very persistent.” The hand shake was enough. I had just encountered greatness.

The next one and half hours would be the most inspiring session I have had in my life. Every question I asked question, my reactions to most of his answers were ‘wow!’ ‘You’re kidding me!” “No way!”  It was a story of a man who dared to dream, followed his passion and now the world is following him. He is unbelievably humble and annoyingly modest about his achievements. One of the most sought after photographer in Kenya. My role model, and hopefully my mentor.

After a long chat, we shook hands, I told him I hope to see him again soon, but I truly hoped I could work with him. He said that the journey will be trudging but well worth it.

This all started when I shared with my friends that there is this guy who I really admire and have been trying to meet him for two years. She hadn’t heard about him, but something in her told her she can make it happen. She looked for him, and made it happen.

After we left, I asked her, “how did you make it happen?’ She told me “nobody says no to a woman.” And to me, I had learnt the value of friendship.

Ooh, and no, I did not take a selfie because the best moments are better etched in our memory. And of the many things he said, this will remain with me, “silence the voices that are telling you, you cannot,” He said as he ushered us out.