ONE DAY I’LL WRITE ABOUT THIS PLACE

The last time I was here was on my graduation three years ago. I’ll always be fond of this place ( maybe it’s the numerous times my friends and I smoked weed on the balconies overlooking the main road, or the number of times we’d drink cheap liquor in the dingy pubs Rongai had to offer, or the number of times we’d listen to music cramped up together in a bed sitter, away from the world’s gaze dancing and laughing like no one was watching. Whatever it is, this place will always have a special place in my heart).

The memory of me boarding matatus from my place in South B to my school plays in my head like a song I love but can’t quite figure why. Personally the nganyas never did it for me. Too loud, too rowdy. I love my peace of mind so I’d always opt for the matatus. Just like I did today.

Everything seems the same. Just like I had left it when I bid farewell to MMU all those years ago. The wheelers and the dealers, the peddlers who’d sell us God’s good herb to ease our mind when school and life in general was tough were all there in their respective corners, just like they were in my schooling days. You are probably wondering why I decided to come back so here’s we go…..

ROLF’S PLACE

I decided to come back here after all those years because of the hidden paradise called ROLF’S PLACE. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Rongai. Hidden by the tall trees that tower it’s beautiful structure with elegance and grace, protected by a valley that fills up with water during the rainy season and drys up somewhat during the sunny days. It is this valley that separates it from Rongai as we know it, but it does so ever so slightly because the magnificent bridge acts as a connecting factor, connecting the two worlds which would otherwise be miles apart.

Everything was pleasing, from the bridge, to the landscape, to the building itself to the animals that seemed to roam around the premises without a care in the world. Yes animals, this is because ROLF’S PLACE neighbour’s a national park. I was lucky enough to see a tone of baboons, wart hogs and gazelles going about their business oblivious to us humans who had invaded their territory

The food looked delightful, but looks can be deceiving and in this case it was. The kuku choma I was served was, dreary, uninteresting, dull and every other synonym of bland you can think of, with a little hint of garlic here and there to try and save face. Not even the subpar chili sauce I was offered could save it. The cold tusker and the monkeys and baboons playing in close proximity to the restaurant did all they could to try and mitigate the situation but I love food and no amount of distruction could hide the fact that the food was simply not great.

If it’s a must you eat there, be sure to bring your own Tabasco sauce, it could bring the meal to life, but only just a little.

I’ll go back all right, but only for the scenic views and the privacy it accords.