Hi
I am Wizzy, (lets not go into the whys and wherefores of my name here!)
I'm the sort of person who likes big challenges in life, and my husband and i had had the best of UK- we felt.
Having visited Zambia on our honey moon, (home of my best friend from boarding school)we knew this continent 'digged' us. We visited there a few times more, then got asked to come see Kenya just over a decade ago. Long story cut short we moved out here 'lock stock and barrel' in 2009, with the intention of investing in Kenya for many years. We leased a 40acre farm with an old house on it in Laikipia for 21 years, and sunk most our savings into it. The farm was not going to be able to support us, but hopefully at least support itself through various small farming projects. Therefore we needed to do something else to earn our bread. We ran a restaurant and salon that came with the restaurant premises. I am a country girl really, but we needed to find another income in town nearby.
Its tough to be an entrepreneur here and long story cut short we developed the premises last year into a small shopping arcade. That was a slightly better move, but Now its even tougher because we separated in Jan, my hubby having found the delights of Kenyan women for himself, and I'm afraid i don't go with polygamy or open relationships!
I love this country though, its people, landscape, wildlife and intention...even with corruption and chaos- its a special place. I don't want to go back to the mundane of Europe...(well, it is that for me) East Africa has so much to offer even in difficult times, but it is very hard to earn a sensible income as a small time, entrepreneur.
I have joined this to 'meet' and talk with other expats, maybe even find another partner in passion and crime...you never know?! It would be lovely to share with others who actually want to make this place their base...longer term.
I have considerable experience of living here, both the good and bad sides, lots of ideas, (always have had them,) but lack friends who share my passion for stimulating business and lifestyle discussion. That sounds offensive to my good friends who are super! but they would be the first to admit i need something 'more.'
Beyond striving to earn a sensible income here, i love to travel when possible and outdoor pursuits. i ride and compete my horse at HAK horse events, and am very creative so make bags and jewellery and teach jewellery making.
Love to chat/make friends with anyone about Kenya, my experience of living here, its people, idea sharing....