A Busy Day in the Central Business District
Haley and I had a busy day in downtown Nairobi. Due to a relatively open afternoon schedule, we were able to run several errands today and accomplished many of the items our our to-do lists. Once we arrived in the Central Business District we made our first order of business changing our flights via the Turkish Airlines office. After a ten minute walk from the UKC where we have classes, we arrived at the Turkish Airlines office on the corner of Market Ave and Moi, which we had googled earlier today. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us was the fact that this little branch was incapable of handling any ticket adjusting, and rather served only as a booking agent office. With some directions from the friendly staff at the small branch, we headed some six blocks north to the International House Tower where we were told to visit the main Turkish branch.
Upon our arrival at the International house, we were greeted by a team of security guards and a maze of security checkpoints rivaling the TSA at international airports. Even just to get up to the tenth floor where the Turkish office is, Haley had to surrender her license as collateral for a visitors pass (which she joked didn't bother her too much, as she's 'sick of that picture anyways'). Nonetheless, after almost 15 minutes of wandering through the lobbies, elevators, and hallways of the high-security building, we arrived on the tenth floor where we were greeted by the enthusiastic staff of the Turkish office.
A quick thirty minutes later, we had officially switched our flights so that we can stay an extra ten days in the country with our Moms, who arrive on the 16th of May (can't wait!). I even asked the clerk who assisted us to put a note in with the file that we are VIPs in hopes that we are upgraded or given access to the posh Turkish Airlines lounge in Istanbul. After we left the Turkish headquarters we met Haley's host sister, Koki, who spent the rest of the afternoon with us.
Next stop: Kenyatta International Conference Center. KICC is a massive conference center located inside the compound that houses the president's office, parliament, the supreme court, and several other important government buildings in the heart of the Central Business District in downtown Nairobi. The crowning jewel of the KICC is the 30 story tower which houses many of the centers' conference halls. Towering over downtown Nairobi, from the helipad and observation deck on the roof, vistitors can experience a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city.
On the recommendation of some of our classmates who visited the tower earlier this week, we visited KICC for the sole purpose of climbing the tower and taking in the sights of the bustling metropolis from high above the streets. With the help of our friendly tour guide, Peter, we learned all about the history of the impressive building, the KICC and its historical significance, and also many local landmarks visible from the tower. The view from the top truly speaks for itself. Below are some snaps I took with my phone atop the helipad and tower.
A quick thirty minutes later, we had officially switched our flights so that we can stay an extra ten days in the country with our Moms, who arrive on the 16th of May (can't wait!). I even asked the clerk who assisted us to put a note in with the file that we are VIPs in hopes that we are upgraded or given access to the posh Turkish Airlines lounge in Istanbul. After we left the Turkish headquarters we met Haley's host sister, Koki, who spent the rest of the afternoon with us.
Next stop: Kenyatta International Conference Center. KICC is a massive conference center located inside the compound that houses the president's office, parliament, the supreme court, and several other important government buildings in the heart of the Central Business District in downtown Nairobi. The crowning jewel of the KICC is the 30 story tower which houses many of the centers' conference halls. Towering over downtown Nairobi, from the helipad and observation deck on the roof, vistitors can experience a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city.
On the recommendation of some of our classmates who visited the tower earlier this week, we visited KICC for the sole purpose of climbing the tower and taking in the sights of the bustling metropolis from high above the streets. With the help of our friendly tour guide, Peter, we learned all about the history of the impressive building, the KICC and its historical significance, and also many local landmarks visible from the tower. The view from the top truly speaks for itself. Below are some snaps I took with my phone atop the helipad and tower.
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| Koki and Haley pose in front of the city backdrop on the rooftop helipad |
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This is a panorama view from the helipad atop the Kenyatta International Conference Center. From here you have a 360 degree view of Nairobi.  |
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