wrapping up the Kitu Moja project

07Oct11

It’s been a few months since my last post, where I let you know that I was putting the project on hiatus while I made my way back to Canada. So, I thought it was about time that I gave an update!

Since I last wrote, I traveled through Kenya, the UK and Ireland before I landed on my Canadian home soil. While back in Canada, I successfully defended my MA thesis and became a Master of Communication. I was disappointed that I didn’t get a cape, but I’ll settle for the diploma. Then, I headed back to Kenya (where I am now) to work as a communications consultant until the end of 2011, after which I’ll be moving back to Toronto.

As things move in different directions both professionally and personally, I’ve decided not to continue with the Kitu Moja project.

I had tons of fun with it last year and I’m blown away that I managed to keep it up for 10 months! I’m glad to have all of these memories to look back on, but I know that I’m not going to be able to continue to devote the kind of time the project requires and deserves.

The blog will stay up as an archive, and I’ve posted some links below to my social media profiles, so you can catch up with what I’m doing these days in other ways!

Thanks for sticking with me on this journey—-keep traveling and dreaming and eating ice cream!

All the best,

Sam

WEBSITE:SamanthaBurton.com
EMAIL: contact@samanthaburton.com

Filed under: Canada, Kenya, kitu moja, life, the unknown   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: adventure, canada, home, kenya, memory

more than one thing: June 26, 2011

26Jun11

Things are getting busy around here, with my contract at the Aga Khan University coming to an end this week just as three of my friend from Canada arrive for a month of travelling adventures!

So, I think I’m going to put the “Kitu Moja” project on hold for a bit – a post a day is going to be a bit much while I’m wandering around that Maasi Mara or lazing about on the Lamu coast.

So, I’ll update when I can… and otherwise you can just assume I’m having fun!

In the meantime, here are a few things that happened this past week:

• Jess and I re-tackled Mt. Longonot… and this time, we conquered it! Although we made it up to the top of the crater last time, we didn’t go around the rim because of an impending rain cloud and a lack of water. This time, we packed sandwiches, camel-sized bottles of water and showed that crater we meant business.
• Went to a wine and cheese tasting evening at Brew Bistro, which was fabulously delish. A flight of 6 beers and a whole plate for cheese, carefully paired… heaven!
• Popped out for dinner at our favourite Ethiopian place, Daas, and unexpectedly stumbled into an amazing slam poetry/hip hop show featuring some amazing talent, including Kenya’ Ban2S.L.I.M and Malawi’s 3rdEye.
• Found Cafe Habbibi – a very chill shisha lounge with a great patio, practically around the corner from our house.
• Went to see the horse races! Even though it rained, it was pretty awesome and I totally got into it (ie. jumping up and down as they crossed the finish line). Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to find a big hat or fancy fascinator in time, but I suppose that means we’ll just have to go back!
• Discovered my new favourite frozen treat place: the make-your-own frozen yogurt shop in The Junction.  Give me fresh raspberries and crisp, light frozen yogurt and you’ve got my heart.

Whew, a lot happened this week! I can’t even wrap my head around what’s going down this week, with my friend Sean arriving on Wednesday and my contract coming to an end on Thursday.

Let the adventures begin!

Filed under: I'm weird, Kenya, kitu moja, life, the unknown, travel   |  1 Comment
Tags: adventure, friends, kenya, postaday2011, random, the present

kitu moja: June 17, 2011

17Jun11

Today, I changed my flights! I’m now stopping off in the UK and Ireland for a couple of weeks to visit my parents and friends before I head back to Canada in August. I can’t believe how close it is to Sean, Bonnie and Lianne arriving for our travelling adventures… and then I’ll be off back home! Now, with this fabulous little stopover squeezed in. This year has really flown by. Wow.

Filed under: Canada, Kenya, kitu moja, life, Toronto   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: adventure, canada, family, friends, home, kenya, nairobi, postaday2011