Milla invited me to accompany her visit her friend Agnes and attend a birthday party for her one year old granddaughter, Joki. It was Sunday afternoon. My motto in Kenya is just say yes. So off I went. The party was held on the roof top of an apartment block and there were approximately 40 adults and children gathered to celebrate.
As usual I made most of the children cry. Not because I did anything bad – just because I’m a mzungu and I look scary. The birthday girl in particular, burst into tears every time she caught sight of me!
I was served chai with cinnamon which was absolutely delicious. It’s the first time I’ve tried it and it makes the sweat, milky tea much more palatable. As I sipped it, I watched the children play – there was one gun between them all. Thy managed to create a game and have fun, happily sharing with each other. Hard to imagine the same co-operation at home.
All the children were dressed up for the party. Joki had several outfits with party hat, tiara and crown. She looked absolutely adorable. Many of the boys looked like mini rappers with low slung jeans and many of the girls wore pink tutus.
A huge mountain of food was served. Her grandparents both own butcher shops so there was a mountain of nyoma choma (barbecued goat) beef stew and chicken as well as rice, potato, chapatti and cabbage. There is no greater sign of wealth in the Maasai community than owning a butcher shop! It is all delicious and I eat far too much.
Everyone was welcoming and chatty. I was aware of lots of photos being taken – more of me than the birthday girl. Then it was time for the cake – a pink creamy creation with a Barbie like doll on top. Sparkler candles are lit, we sing Happy Birthday and eat cake.
It’s very similar to a party at home. There are two exceptions. Firstly, no-one brings a present. It is just not part of the celebration. Secondly the party ends with both parents being completely drenched in water from buckets and cups. I suppose in a country where the infant mortality rate is high, the celebration is that she has survived her first year.
Happy Birthday Joki and may you have many more to come!
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