fOR tHE fIRST tIME IN mY lIFE, Fighting against corruption, and for my life!
My first trip to Nairobi, Kenya | $1000 US Dollars from Istanbul
Introduction Gratitude overwhelmed me as I set foot in Auckland in 2016. Thankful to God, I emerged from the trials in Kenya with my dignity intact. This journey has taught me the essence of rebirth. Within these lines, I unfold my experiences in Kenya – a tale of innocence entwined with adversity, guided solely by the grace of God. Despite the challenges, I found genuine support from locals across various tribes. Their kindness served as my lifeline in what I can only describe as the vibrant heart of Africa. While my perspective might paint Kenya as dangerous, it's crucial to recognise the warmth of its people, who played a crucial role in my survival. Beyond a mere narrative, my story aims to resonate with readers on various levels. It could serve as a captivating travel guide, offering insights into the highs and lows of a daring adventure. Additionally, it reflects on how faith became the cornerstone of my resilience, ensuring not just survival but the preservation of my honour and happiness. In the chaos, maintaining my sanity was a blessing, let alone the luxury of tangible blessings. This platform is a work in progress. Forgiving those who wronged me wasn't challenging, rooted in my belief in the divine light connecting us all. Initially, revenge crossed my mind in the heat of the moment, fuelled by the idea that justice, akin to 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' would prevail. However, my narrative diverges due to personal growth in understanding, maturity, and spirituality. Much like The Count of Monte Cristo's richer perspective at the end, I found peace without seeking revenge. Articulating this story well takes time, but it will be done. It began from departing Auckland In the eventful year of 2012, my youngest brother and I embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of our lives. Hailing from the bustling city of Auckland, New Zealand, we secured a home in the heart of Midtown Manhattan for a year, paying in advance, with grand aspirations of creating a fine art photo book that would encapsulate the diverse cultures spanning the globe.
Before going to Kenya After a year of residing in Manhattan, I proposed to my youngest brother, Sirous, that we were ready to publish our fine arts photography book and kick-start our companies registered in New Zealand. Convinced that our collection of photographs was of exceptional quality, I believed our book had the potential to become a bestseller. Sirous shared my enthusiasm, acknowledging that each photograph chosen for the book was cover-worthy. However, he insisted on further enriching our work before its first publication.
Despite my belief that the book was already excellent, I agreed to the idea of traveling to India to expand and enhance its content. I initially hesitated, considering our impending moving costs and other business responsibilities. Nevertheless, after persistent persuasion, we embarked on our journey to India to elevate our book from great to exceptional. Although the decision might be questionable from a business standpoint, it proved artistically rewarding and aligned with our Persian culture. During our transit through Mumbai airport, we were surprised to learn that New Zealand passport holders required a visa, which could only be obtained upon arrival and was valid for just one month – half the duration we had initially planned. However, this setback did not deter us. I will elaborate on my experiences in India and other countries in subsequent narratives.
With an extra month on our hands and being close to Turkey, Sirous inquired about my thoughts on Istanbul. Aware of its historical significance as a melting pot of cultures and a recommended tourist destination, we decided to explore the city. Unfortunately, our impressions were not favourable, as the city aimed to emulate modern European standards, offering nothing novel unless we ventured into rural areas. After a night of extensive web browsing, Sirous proposed the idea of visiting Nairobi, Kenya, to explore the Masai tribe warriors known as "Morans." We had seen a partial documentary about the Masai tribe in Auckland, and the prospect of capturing photographs from the entire African continent intrigued us. Personally drawn to the positive portrayals of Black people in movies, art, and sports, and being single again, I saw this as an opportunity for a new chapter in my personal life. And so, our journey to Nairobi, Kenya began.
Arriving Nairobi more to come...
Beyond Boundaries: An Adventurous Love Story in the Heart of Africa Our lenses traversed continents, capturing the rich diversity of humanity. Our thirst for the unknown brought us to the untamed landscapes of Samburu region, where tribes and traditions held untold stories waiting to be uncovered. Little did we anticipate that this expedition would lead us to an unexpected and life-altering encounter. In pursuit of authenticity, we set our sights on the enigmatic Masai warriors. However, the vibrant culture we sought had succumbed to the forces of commercialism, leaving us yearning for a more genuine connection.
Undeterred, our local guide suggested exploring the less-travelled terrain of the Samburu tribe. Intrigued by the prospect, we ventured into the heart of Samburu territory, where the air resonated with the captivating rhythm of tribal life.
Our journey took us from Isiolo to Archers Post and deeper into the vast bushlands. Disappointment loomed until we stumbled upon a village that promised authenticity. There, amidst the red earth and acacia trees, I found myself captivated by the radiant spirit of a young Samburu woman named Ramanton.
Draped in vibrant hues and adorned with traditional ornaments, Ramanton stood beneath the protective canopy of an Acacia tree. The sun played peek-a-boo through the leaves, casting a spell on the scene. With camera in hand, I felt a connection that transcended cultural boundaries.
In Samburu traditions and the pulse of Africa, love blossomed like the wildflowers in the savannah. The bond that formed between Ramanton and me was as real as the red earth beneath our feet. As we navigated the complexities of blending worlds, and defying expectations, we forged a love story that echoed in the whispers of the Acacia trees—a tale of discovery, love, and a photographer's heart captured by the magic of Kenya's untamed beauty.