In November 2023, while visiting Nairobi, I met the founder of Executive Vacations House for an informal catch-up. He chose the venue, but its name meant nothing to me.
Then my Bolt driver dropped me outside.
I knew the building very well. In the 2000s, it had been a bar and nightclub I visited several times. Two decades later, it had become a Somali restaurant. The building had matured. Apparently, so had I.
I ordered Kenyan tea, which we call African tea in Rwanda. Then the waiter asked whether I preferred cow’s milk or camel’s milk.
That was unexpected.
I come from a community rooted in cattle nobility, where milk is more than a beverage. In my world, milk comes from cows. Camels are impressive animals, but I was not ready to renegotiate generations of milk tradition over one cup of tea.
So I removed milk from the equation and ordered mint tea.
Our conversation revolved around travel in Africa and the history hidden in landmarks, statues, airport names and avenues.
Eventually, the conversation shifted to Accra. I reached into my bag and pulled out a copy of Six Hours in Accra. It felt like the perfect gift for the gentleman across the table.
Years earlier, I had entered that building for music and nightlife. In 2023, I returned for mint tea, African history and storytelling.
The building had changed. So had I.
But when it comes to African tea - or Kenyan tea - mine still comes with cow’s milk.