I was just riding the matatu (minibus used for public transport) to work when an mlevi (drunkard) got on the bus. As soon as he saw me he started shouting, “America!” and then something indistinguishable about Jesus. I don’t know if it was in English or Swahili because he was slurring. By now he had put his teddy bear in my lap — I know, what the hell? — and everyone on the bus was obviously staring at me. When I finally understood that he wanted me to say, “Amen” I just smiled and looked nervously around.
How can you out wit a charismatic drunk man with Jesus on his side? I admit I was at a loss for words… all I could come up with was, “I don’t say ‘Amen’.” I didn’t say it too loudly because I didn’t want to start a debate. I guess I shocked him but it didn’t matter because after a few seconds he went on shouting about America and Obama.
Hi Alan!
I’m coming through Nairobi on Thursday evening (on my way home for a few weeks). Do you think it’s possible to go into town for dinner? (Not sure if I have enough time. It’s only 7 hours. What do you think?) Want to meet up? Let me know if you’re free….
PS – sorry about the cold water shower. Brings you to your volunteer roots, no doubt.
Whoa! The randomly generated photo on the side of this page was one of you wearing a shirt that read “The Bible is Fiction”. Coincidence?? Probably.
Haha deedee deedee deedee deedee… Twilight Zone? Good shirt, too bad it wasn’t mine and I had to give it back to TV!
haha ati teddy bear? lol wow manze Kenyans tuna wazimu. Btw I love your blog. You are truly one of a kind uko sure we si mkenya in some way? lol jk btw check out http://whatshouldafricacallme.tumblr.com/
Years later I have no recollection of the teddy bear… awesome story, though! btw that website is brilliant!! Hilarious!