My FIRST day in KENYA...I was shocked and just felt like crying.../ Culture Shock in Kenya

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Күн бұрын

My FIRST day in KENYA...I was shocked and just felt like crying.../ Culture Shock in Kenya // Get a free travel Checklist for your safari in Kenya here: bit.ly/kenyachecklist
In this video I am sharing with you what I went through arriving Kenya back in 2014 as a female solo traveler and what shocks me until today. Over 8 years later traveling and living in Kenya as a European.
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Hi, I am Sinja, a full-time travel mom and influencer, who decided to NOT let the birth of my son stop me from creating the life I want to live. I made it to my mission to support other moms to do the same and invite everyone to join me on our adventures through Africa and of course if you need help in planning your trip to Kenya, start by downloading the FREE Kenya Travel Checklist as the first step.
This will help you to structure your thoughts and not to feel that you might be missing out or not knowing which documents you will need to enter and which vaccines etc.
After this you will receive 4 valuable emails with insider tips and hacks on how to plan your trip to Kenya without any headaches.
Get the Travel Checklist here: bit.ly/kenyachecklist
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Пікірлер: 225

@gabrielm5026 2 жыл бұрын

You adopted the Kenyan English accent perfectly.

@charitynjoki5928 Жыл бұрын

Very well😎😍

@diariesofablindfitcodinggirl 2 жыл бұрын

The fact that people think Kenya is cheap always makes me laugh. Safaris are not cheap, hotels aren't cheap, travel isn't cheap. Not even for us locals. I love your honesty. I'm Kenyan so no culture shocks

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes it is a common misconception travellers have, only because they think they travel in "Africa" it must be cheap...

@sharronjohnson6592 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenyaTravelSecrets the mall was wonderful the hotels was great. And the Rented house was beautiful

@sharronjohnson6592 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenyaTravelSecrets trust me I never said it was cheap

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

A ripp of place. My friend and me use wonder why we spend $100 a day each on coffee...

@dennok3357 Жыл бұрын

It's even worse now, everything has skyrocketed and no one cares. Kenya's cost of living is not something to joke about.

@nsimentasandra3948 Жыл бұрын

Am Ugandan but I see Kenya as my second home whatever is talked about Kenya hits me diffently

@licioussamuels Жыл бұрын

Sending my greetings to the muhozi guy :) Kenyans are still waiting for him

@mcajoseeh 2 жыл бұрын

I can now relax and continue with my hustling after watching the video to the end... You're a strong girl, overcoming those challenges not a joke... finally, you feeling at home in kenya makes me excited...can't fail to appreciate your host mom for playing the kenyan spirit...

@josephaco 2 жыл бұрын

There is something about Africa that just brings you down to earth. I hope Kenya is treating you well Sinja...As far as I am concerned, wewe ni wetu : )

@joekaguchu4705 2 жыл бұрын

Must have been a tough period, a new place and culture, but look at you now. You are a conquerer. Thanks for sharing.

@marjoriewanjiku7338 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for falling in-love with Our Motherland Kenya! Loved watching this video. 💝🤗

@DavidSmith-dv3ib Жыл бұрын

Hi Sinja, I am subscribed to your posts but I have just come across this post and I have laughed. In 2000 I went to Kenya with VSO and on my first night at my polytechnic I had the same thoughts of "what am I doing here". But then I ended living there for 11 years. Now in 2022 I am nearly packed to return to Kenya next year 2023. I love your video's. Thank you. You keep making me "home sick".

@melanierobinson4152 2 жыл бұрын

Great vlog. This is why we have to experience life ourselves and forget what people say.

@BoRastaFyahman 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for been remarkably candid, the opposite is also true for Kenyans in the Diaspora. "You never know how strong you are, until been strong is your only choice." 🇰🇪🇬🇧

@nassirrajab7392 2 жыл бұрын

We love you too❤️🇰🇪 stay safe and be safe as always

@ruthnjoki2818 2 жыл бұрын

Love your honesty: you’re a tough gal. Stay safe and blessed

@allank8449 2 жыл бұрын

Subscribed immediately. I love your video

@Lulu-po3kn 2 жыл бұрын

You are very brave. I'm glad you got to know Kenya better.

@that_bloke_kiri Жыл бұрын

This kind of honesty is refreshing.

@samuelwilliams8099 2 жыл бұрын

A new subscriber in the house. Happy new year 🎈🎆🎊. Thank God you have finally settled. Although your beginning was hard, but the ending will be great. Stay safe and enjoy your life. Alles gute für dich.

@jchidabakyle2808 2 жыл бұрын

Sinja, I have watched 7 of your videos, and will continue to do. I have subscribed. I just think you came to a point where you just understand Kenya very well. You are the reason I will visit this country. I will start planning now. You are a good researcher in all information. Thank you for this and thanking you for showing this side of Africa

@jameskimani1169 Жыл бұрын

I love your honesty about Kenya and the advice you gave to travellers travelling to whatever country. Being open to anything and not to expect the same lifestyle in Europe here. This has really helped you settle well and come to appreciate diversity.

@alexraymonds1738 2 жыл бұрын

Sinja. I like the way you start with the shocks and then you end up with the joys. So realistic. Always welcome to Kenya. I will also tell you about my shocks and joys whilst briefly in Germany.

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Please do

@omaromarike441 Жыл бұрын

Bumped to your staffs in ig and now i have subscribed to your channel...big up

@sheilamjune1233 Жыл бұрын

Wow this so nice you're welcome Kenya dear sister 🥰🥰🥰❤❤💥💥👏👏🙏

@cherrymac2929 2 жыл бұрын

I love your content greetings from Munich.

@chrismugambi2121 2 жыл бұрын

We'll get there.

@MabawaVocal 2 жыл бұрын

I have just discovered you,nice content,karibu kenya

@daisybetut 2 жыл бұрын

I feel you. TIME is a biiiig issue here. We plan to meet at 2pm someone shows up 2-3 + hours later.

@mansourdiagne8174 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I’m a Senegalese 🇸🇳 living in Japan🇯🇵, as an African living in a well organized country, I understand most of the issues you raised here. I believe you are very good at explaining about the problems in a respectful and honest manner. Yes overcharging foreigners is a big problem in most African and other underdeveloped countries, and that is really unfortunate. Thank you very much for the wonderful video🙏🏿 I too love kenya 🇰🇪 very much.

@judithokello2857 Ай бұрын

Kwenda!! Afrikaans are also overcharged abroad.do long as you are not a citizen,you pay extre

@gideonmuchina9242 2 жыл бұрын

I am sorry for the bad experiences in kenya I wish u a better experience

@mohamedtaib2248 2 жыл бұрын

Always to be patient at last bring joy sister c your patient you have cute babe now Alhamdulliah 🇰🇪

@kyledennis2564 2 жыл бұрын

Finally! A foreigner who's more honest and real about her experience. I'm subscribing

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

💛thank you

@victorianzembi9201 2 жыл бұрын

Woow I like the way you talk dear I'm a Kenyan and the love you have for us thank you

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Victoria. And it is a blessing to have you as my follower. i have seen some other of your comments too

@teresahkariuki6307 Жыл бұрын

Am so sorry dear

@MwakazisFitness 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing country to be......let's do some Kenyan Exercises soon

@fanfullenambani25 2 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂, facts here Sinja. You experienced the real Kenya. If you need a soft visit, use a travel agency.

@fanfullenambani25 2 жыл бұрын

Are you sure the only women village is women only...? Charity organizations is the biggest earners of foreign money in Kenya. People are millionaires because of it.

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

I been in thikka twice never again...

@itsjuliam 2 жыл бұрын

@@fanfullenambani25 it is women only. I've been there.

@ASMRaphael 2 жыл бұрын

I love your charisma and energy so very much :)

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@musita_john 2 жыл бұрын

I love your energy

@gaaltrues6399 2 жыл бұрын

SO BEAUTIFUL

@licakoroi3010 10 ай бұрын

Gotta lovr your honesty

@davidwassambo5463 Жыл бұрын

Thank God it worked for your good

@kingRunjugi 2 жыл бұрын

Cool content

@machariagathanwa Жыл бұрын

I like what I see and hear. A lovely mzungu speaking english with a Kenyan accent🥰

@ssuf 2 жыл бұрын

9:44 💯 “There's no rush in Africa”

@charlesmunene8024 2 жыл бұрын

Wooderfull!! I love the way u explain the expirience of africa especialy kenya,That is the whole truth about what goes around there, U can be scummed,coned and anything but its a great experience having it in ua mind coz u'll get to openup to uaself that ok'i must to styleup too,And btw if u stay or lieve in NAIROBI that means there is noo where u cant stay in the word coz u graduate wth all sort of experience both possitive and negative,Be bleesed mamaa

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

NAIROBBERY is FAMOUS from visiting kenya.

@daviddavis7959 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Thanks for your honesty. What i took from your honest vlog is Yes kenya has its ups and downs like any other country but it makes you grow as a person. It umasks you as a person especially coming from a more developed country where everything is supposedly more perfect and all you have to do is just plug in and play as opposed to you finding solutions for yourself on survival skills and learning how to cope with different scenerios and situations. basically it makes you more of a well rounded person. What am trying to say is Kenya makes you discover yourself, discover parts of you that you did not know because things in Germany were probably fixed for you from birth so to speak and all you had to do is just fit in and conform to the the expectations of your society. Its like being in Kenya you have a new freedom to be your true self and not necessarily have to conform to societies expectations of how you are supposed to be but be your true self that you could not otherwise have discovered while living in Germany.

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

I love your point of view! Honestly Kenya helped me to not only see the world with different eyes, also myself. Now I am a travel influencer and consultant, which I would have never become if I would have stayed in Germany

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

Are you CRAZY going through all the kenya punishments is good for a white person? Veeeeeery few whites want go to kenya.

@paulkamau8972 Жыл бұрын

I like it❤️❤️🇰🇪🇰🇪

@doctorharry 2 жыл бұрын

In the building 😎

@JamAKenyanAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Brave you are! I love it in Kenya though. Beautiful beautiful country 🤗

@jahissa 2 ай бұрын

Well Well Welcome to Kenya as a Kenyan Living abroad I got a culture shock i the US, but Kenya is one the Best countries I grew up in Nairobi. off course there is everything just like every other big cities. I am glad you are open , and you are very Brave. THis Rastaman just subed tio your chanel Karibu Mzungu Mrembo

@susanmuthoni5482 2 жыл бұрын

Awww.glad to hear that you ❤ kenya🇰🇪 Grüße aus Hamburg

@jessicashely5491 2 жыл бұрын

Huyu girl imagine she was so much missing ,Kartoffel und Wurst ngaii

@susanmuthoni5482 2 жыл бұрын

@@jessicashely5491 😂😂😂

@kevinotieno6582 Жыл бұрын

Sorry you had to go through all that.

@titokipkosgei3325 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for loving us irregardless of our weakness.

@katlouise4062 2 жыл бұрын

Your honesty is so refreshing and I can definitely relate! 😅 My biggest culture shock was probably all the trash and the high security everywhere (I'm also from Germany).

@katlouise4062 2 жыл бұрын

I forgot to add that I do love Kenya, that's why I moved here after visiting for about four years! 😅

@unbiasedreviews6167 Жыл бұрын

@@katlouise4062 we hate the trash too. You don't have to apologise for it.

@dokitawanja7637 Жыл бұрын

The thing is to know the way out ama niseme ujue mashimo... Like even us when we get somewhere for first time in a place you tend to be given things that are expensive but as time goes by you know where to get the cheapest car etc. If it's time we just know that no one will keep time lol but if you want to keep it good for you though you will have to be patient waiting for others.

@magdalinenjoroge4997 2 жыл бұрын

Also Kenya is an expensive country but also affordable you get what you sign up for with Kenya. You want the chama choma weekends or Ugali sukuma Wednesday you get it.

@J.Paul2023 Күн бұрын

At 14:16 yes you can but you can also be like that anywhere, not just Kenya.

@martingitau9449 Жыл бұрын

New fan u are absolutely Kenyan 🇰🇪

@topistaimali6119 2 жыл бұрын

Kenya the only unique country in Africa.We love visitors but once you get to know it better everything goes well.Proudly to be Kenyan

@autoteam1001 2 жыл бұрын

Admire your courage and outlook of life.I like the way you say that time is important but being on time or keeping time is not the pivot of life. True we should be productive but your more healthy outlook of life teaches you life transcends just one perspective to encompass living fully more than the rules

@tamalamcduffie5923 2 жыл бұрын

I went to Kenya in 2012 for my internship for a Masters Social Work Program I stayed 14 days. The moment I got off the plane and thought the airport I met my teacher and we went straight to safari- 6 hours to Masai Mara- I cried …. I cried tears of joy initially… I was home. The most majestic place I have ever seen. 2 days of safari then I was alone she left me- back to Nairobi I went..with a host family for 1 day then off with another host to a rural town of Kandara to stay and volunteer at Kandara Childrens Orphanage. I cried I was lonely, I missed my family, I felt so conflicted, hard to explain. All of this to say I am great for people like Sinja who make these videos and want to help people like us who want to travel but are not that brave. I am going back this time with my family and friends so they can feel what I felt initially, before the abandonment and loneliness kicked in. Oh last but not least the thing I was most shocked about were the Matatu no road signs no lanes OMG I thought I was gonna die lol! Kibera, I was shocked at the poverty and next to it a big mall and nice apartments. Wow! Thank you again Sinja I will talk to you soon and hopefully see you soon!

@harunmuhia2745 2 жыл бұрын

Strong woman

@pjdmoneymantrading2858 Жыл бұрын

Travelling to a new place always have its challenges as well as its benefits.

@altheamckenzie5954 6 ай бұрын

That wad a crazy move

@eliudngunga6241 Жыл бұрын

Hope you a OK today

@criscosapextv3700 2 жыл бұрын

It's a learning curve but you are now Kenyan so always ask if in need of anything.we have good people like us even without an organization

@nicholastoo858 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, you’ve done like 7 yrs, congrats 👏👏👏

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Even more....since 2014

@portoway 2 жыл бұрын

Next May I will travel to Kenya for first time.. 😁

@IvanovBR 2 жыл бұрын

You are brave! Indeed ! If you want to discover Brazil, let me know! Grüsße!

@vick7186 2 жыл бұрын

Sinja you picked that kenyan accent really quick. I can tell by your pronunciation of words.

@karonebuguss2616 Жыл бұрын

Hallo, dear one, i hope your stay in Kenya is better now. "Foreign tax" is real. I have often had to step in for foreigners when i get the sense that they are being conned. Always when visiting a Kenya, get a reliable local to give you a briefing on prices, culture of the specific area where you are living, life hacks (we survive in life hacks in Kenya). However, the positive side is that Kenyans are friendly and you can genuinely get lifelong friends.

@Deggoo 2 жыл бұрын

I am Kenyan living in Munich, Germany. I was in Kenya Nov and Dec

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

How is Munich? My family lives close by Munich actually

@Deggoo 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenyaTravelSecrets It's good I have been here for 6 yrs and I love it except winter 😊.. I don't see myself moving to different City. How long have you been in Kenya? Do u like it there?

@nishantkumar3313 Жыл бұрын

Love from my side

@benm6720 Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣 Kenya..mother Kenya how I love you. This place called Kenya has taught me, encouraged me, disciplined me, betrayed me but most importantly humbled me to the ground. Things improved for me, my hope is that things will work out for the rest of Kenyans. Take the tough lessons Kenya has taught you and use them to conquer the many mountains in life. One day I will write my story for now all I know is that it starts with Kenya.

@J.Paul2023 Күн бұрын

Disciplined me?

@ericgathage6355 2 жыл бұрын

Accurate. Do more 9f this kind of videos

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I will. Do you have any ideas or topics what you would like me to talk about in these videos?

@ericgathage6355 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenyaTravelSecrets being Kenyan, I'm sure some of these things are a norm to me so maybe wouldn't be able to point them out, but corruption is something you definitely need to highlight

@kensimiyu5926 2 жыл бұрын

Ur truly an inspirational woman,have really enjoyed and learned a lot from ur experience, I love ur attitude God bless u

@ssuf 2 жыл бұрын

Great video... From a Kenyan perspective it's interesting 😅 Karibu Tena. Welcome to the wild. 😂

@pietrojenkins6901 2 жыл бұрын

Clean your trashy streets .

@mosesmungala 2 жыл бұрын

Sinja I'd love to travel to a place where I'll dearly miss my ugali, sukumawiki, mchele na mtura😊... Anyweiz ur energy is amazing

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Moses...everywhere outside of Africa 😉

@magdalinenjoroge4997 2 жыл бұрын

I'm actually from a few km away from Ruaka in Banana but free advice ask your host before you make any major transactions. It's not easy to sue people in Kenya mostly as a foreigner. Anyway I live your Kikuyu pronunciation of Rúaka

@alfonsowadeyua5293 Жыл бұрын

I am Kenyan and, believe me, that time thing is also an issue with me…

@juniourmasika460 2 жыл бұрын

Woooooow time 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 hakuna matata

@daviddavis7959 2 жыл бұрын

So how are you coping with the food. Also, you said you came as a volunteer for six months but have stayed on for years. Is Kenya your home now.

@KenyaTravelSecrets 2 жыл бұрын

Kenya is home ❤. It is getting better and better. But up to today, I love my own type of food

@punditwriters1255 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenyaTravelSecrets It is not like we, Kenyans, would love German foods either. Cultural differences are everywhere, and no culture is superior to the other.

@ewm4266 2 жыл бұрын

Let me just laugh( In an understanding way)....woooi pole my dear, l leave by the airport , l wish l knew you then, l could have helped a fellow sister

@teejayangel6638 2 жыл бұрын

It's part of growing up and am glad you left your comfort zone to face the world. We don't use cards here 😂😂😂😂 we're very advanced, we used digital mobile money transfers. Am happy you're now a toughie....see!

@michaelkariega527 2 жыл бұрын

I love your accent

@Structon 2 жыл бұрын

Gread video indeed

@kr3539 2 жыл бұрын

The plastic didn't get better, your eyes just adapted.

@leen2733 Жыл бұрын

when you travel to another country always have a little cash on you that you can use upon arrival, when you get to the airport you change it to the local currency, buy a SIM card to enable you communicate but like you say you were a bit naive so it’s understandable.

@antoniocholo8244 2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha you have a very strong Kenyan accent

@chefstravels8429 2 жыл бұрын

great video Sinja, no culture shock for me as I was born here but the scammers and overcharging just because I have white skin does annoy me. Love Kenya time, once you get used to it it becomes easier. I totally get your challenges, I have had a few myself, but always great when you solve a problem. cheers.

@kabumanuw163 2 жыл бұрын

But why do you want to pay cheaper yet you get paid 10 time more than the locals? Plus if you're coming from outside you already have power over the ksh..

@KAIZORIANEMPIRE 2 жыл бұрын

It's not over charging cause of white skin... Am blacker than black but I get overcharged. It's because of my accent... If you seem like a foreigner regardless of skin colour you get overcharged. It's the foreigner tax not white tax ;-)

@KAIZORIANEMPIRE 2 жыл бұрын

@@kabumanuw163 because prices are prices... It doesn't matter if she gets paid more. Do you think rich Kenyans pay more ? No. If their accent sounds Kenyan they're charged the same. It's wrong to be overcharged just because you look different or in my case sound different.

@kabumanuw163 2 жыл бұрын

@@KAIZORIANEMPIRE they pay more because foreign exchange already gives them privilege period. Why should they have a hundred times better than the local. Pay up

@KAIZORIANEMPIRE 2 жыл бұрын

@@kabumanuw163 because that's not how life works. Life is about set standards. In fact you know when a person charges me the same as locals... I almost always pay a tip. This is from my own choice. If someone especially taxis try to scam I don't use them now. I only use Uber. So taxis are ruining their own business model by miss behaving.

@charitynjoki5928 Жыл бұрын

I'v been scammed on rental money too😥😣and I'm so much local kenyan

@backyardboy2020 2 жыл бұрын

I lived in germany back in the days.The name TEUER which means expensive is so common thereSomeone cant buy something just because is one cent over..It left me surprised as a kenyan i wondered where are those rich germans of the past!Honestly germany is a lonely place but good machines and industries.Apart from that the life is really hell .

@backyardboy2020 2 жыл бұрын

Don't get me wrong so many things in Africa have become so expensive made by rich nations not kentans.My only luck is I have my own grandparents h me

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

@@backyardboy2020 whaaaaaaat

@simbayauk Жыл бұрын

I was born in Kenya but left when I was 16 and have never been back. I will go back hopefully in 2023. You sound Kenyan. 😅

@mylifeinpoetrypodcast 2 жыл бұрын

😭🤣This is such a mixed emotions video for me. I do not know even how I a Kenyan could have survived if I faced what you faced when I came to Nairobi first.

@samueldandy2850 2 жыл бұрын

Traveling In Kenya Is Cheap If You always ask a locals for the cost of anything before purchasing

@margaretnyaga4123 Жыл бұрын

Lemme advice someone else,in Kenya streets, never look confused or scared! People notice and could take advantage....

@DanielKamau-lu5el Жыл бұрын

Agreed sis it's athing with Kenyans 😂(time) hope you enjoying your stay inkenya .

@marionmungai6301 Жыл бұрын

Kenya is kenya mama....its beautiful and yet rough around the edges....anywhere in the world there are positive and negative sides to all things ...it was your bad to come assuming that its all roses....p.s even roses have thorns....so once again karibu kenya....

@stephenonditi7582 Жыл бұрын

How can I reach you

@charleskabuchu7193 2 жыл бұрын

Nairobi is among the expensive city in the world

@jamesmichuki5804 Жыл бұрын

Waoooooooohhh, my sister also lives in Germany and tells me how hard it was for her, at first to cope.. she 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@chesirejapheth 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your honesty Sinja. It's another view away from this "paradise" they sell us from tourists

@donmushiri Жыл бұрын

Lol!!! What you see mainly depends on what you are looking for. You sound really bitter about the good things said by tourists about Kenya 😂😂😂Sorry! We are trying to recover from colonialism 😂

@mr.humble877 2 жыл бұрын

Every Country has its own challenges. It also has its good & bad vibes. Interacting more with locals will help you in embracing their culture faster. Commodity & Hotel prices vary with locations... So, do your research first. Prices are hiked for foreigners.. Always bargain. Lastly there is no place like Kenya. Kenyans are very friendly & love people. You'll never feel lonely cos SOCIAL LIVING Here is Awesome. Apply for citizenship, Get married here, Stay & belong. Only then will you start LIVING & You'll never REGRET it.

@tuforu4 2 жыл бұрын

They are so corrupt...