You know how they say you only realise the value of something once you have lost it; but sometimes you already know how much you value something and still have to let it go. This special something could be a place or a person. When you do let it go, it feels like someone has stabbed you in the heart, but somewhere along the way ahead, if you are fortunate, life will present you with an opportunity to re-visit it. The nostalgia, however, that follows then, is a stinging dagger! You remember all the memories and feel empty within, as though the present means little to nothing.
I am currently re-visiting such a city for me, Mombasa, which I have so often referred to as my favorite city in the world. My friends know I have travelled to a number of cities so many find it quite amusing that I call Mombasa home or my favorite but I guess you love a city for the way it makes you feel, not the way it looks.
“Back in July 2012, a naïve Rahim moved to Mombasa to complete his education. With a zero sense of dressing, plenty of nervousness, no ability to talk to strangers especially of the opposite gender, an introvert with high ambitions had left home for the first time. The value of parents was quickly realized. That first week, God I tell you, one of the toughest weeks of his life. The thought of running back home crossed his mind several times but he is a hard nut who refuses to give up.
From the 2ndtill the last week though, he had one prayer; is there a way to remain here forever? He explored the city on a bicycle for the 3 months and was in absolute awe of it all. He interned at a sports centre where he organized a tournament for them – a tournament which he created, from its name to logo, and implemented it. The ‘friendship bond open Mombasa 2012’ is one his most proud accomplishments. When he returned back to Uganda in October, he had learned the value of parents, how to survive on your own, face solitude that chokes your soul yet continue to breathe. He had done a lot of first time things, like go to a nightclub. I remember, when he came back home that night, he felt his conscience was missing. It was as if he had seen a very different world, one that had man involved in activities beneath the level set for it by the Creator. 12 weeks later, it wasn’t the same Rahim returning to Kampala!”
As I have fine-tuned this piece, I am ending my Safari leg of the trip. The past 2 days at the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge at the Tsavo West National Park have been adorable to say the least. The darkness, the quiet, the tranquility of the jungle has always appealed to my solitude. I won’t be able to use words to describe a safari experience; one has to do it. Time seems to have stopped in the wild and allows one to connect with the deepest corner of their soul. I wasn’t able to see a leopard – not a regret but a reason to return here! We head to Mombasa tomorrow for the final 2 nights at the beach in Bamburi. I am tremendously grateful to Him that Mom was able to experience this trip.
The cities that make us feel like we should stay are more likely those that have contributed to our existence. These are cities that make you feel at peace and one with your Creator. These are cities that bring a burst of joy every time the plane touches down. Allah knows more for us than we will ever. Back in 2012 – 2014, I tried very hard to find a way to stay here but couldn’t. I kept asking Him “why?” Considering the life I have led since then, I wonder if I had got what I was looking for, would I have done half the things I have done, experienced and seen now? Or would I have done way more? Have you ever asked yourself, what if I had my wish granted, how different would life be? Try…
Time flies by, as everyone says and knows. When I decided to bring Mom to Mombasa earlier this year, I hadn’t realized what I did on 13thDecember, a day before flying to Mombasa – I was returning after 3 and a half years…3.5 years!!
For the first 2 days of the trip, I traced my footsteps, which I had left here, just like those on the beach. I visited the places I used to go, took the roads I traveled back then, met the people who became family along the way, and recited in the 3 Jamat Khanas I went to. The nostalgia has never been so real!
There is a reason I don’t like to repeat countries/cities, especially those I absolutely love…I don’t feel like returning! I end up being sad instead because I can’t stay back, and therefore I do not truly appreciate the present. I try to absorb everything in the little time I have, and well, time is never an ally. One can never have everything!
Our parents have done so much for us – we must not miss any opportunity we have to return, whatever little we can because we will never be able to fully repay them.
I don’t know what I really put down in this article or if it made any sense. I guess it’s a combination of anxiety/pain of not having enough of my favorite city and a bit of my current trip.
I appreciate all of you who have followed my thoughts throughout; happy holidays!
Peace!
Champ
