Yes, that's right, one day in the not so distant future, yours truly will be taking a one way flight back home after 11 years of shear fly by the sits of my pants ride in Western Europe. It has been a long term decision which has cemented itself properly in the last few weeks. Who knows, I might change my mind in the coming weeks.
Anyway, as I'm planning the relocation, I'm constantly asking myself, various questions. I am slowly trying to understand why African professionals tend to migrate to Western Europe and North America. I've often wondered why many are often dissuaded from returning home. Could it be the economic and political crises that have bedevilled the continent over the last few decades? Or the failing economies, high unemployment rates, human rights abuses, armed conflict? Perhaps its the lack of adequate social services, such as health and education.
All these are correct, and yet there's something almost pseudo-suicidal yarning calling me to move back home and try my luck there. Anyway, today I can confidently say, that despite the above, Africa calls, and I am answering the call. But because I want to take the most prudent route, I'll plan this, and plan it well. I estimate that certain things have to be in place before I take that one way flight. The time plan for these milestones falls at around the 18 month point from June this year.
Looking at the general conditions in Nairobi today, The most expensive basic requirements are, a comfortable home, good car, household white goods and furnishings. Looking at that I can safely say that the most important milestone is to have a safe and secure home. A home that I fully own or possibly paying towards by the time I move back. As for the car, I need to look into the import rules for returning residents to see how I could use it to my advantage.
Why are cars so expensive in Africa? Is it because in Africa cars are still the symbol of wealth? There are many places where a car is a car...as opposed t what car...sad but true. But looking at Kenya, having a car sets you free to safiri every weekend if you like. They're expensive to run mind you, as the roads test the cars to within an inch of their life.
Which reminds me,I had an interesting conversation with a lady friend of mine. I thought I knew alot about cars and bits that went into them. My lady friend surprised me by her vast knowledge of shock absorber and dumper systems. No, she's no engineer, she's a proper girly girl, but has had to know her "Rob's magic" shocks because she's had them replaced so many times. I bet all you boys and girls in the west have never had to have your shocks replaced,not with that smooth asphalt that you drive on everyday. Anyway, I digress.
The plan is to acquire various items before moving so that I can smooth my landing...ad then see what gives. I think the most important asset I've gained living in the west has been the discipline to work hard and self management. This should carry me in good stead whilst i settle at home, trying to eck out a living.
Anyway, as I'm planning the relocation, I'm constantly asking myself, various questions. I am slowly trying to understand why African professionals tend to migrate to Western Europe and North America. I've often wondered why many are often dissuaded from returning home. Could it be the economic and political crises that have bedevilled the continent over the last few decades? Or the failing economies, high unemployment rates, human rights abuses, armed conflict? Perhaps its the lack of adequate social services, such as health and education.
All these are correct, and yet there's something almost pseudo-suicidal yarning calling me to move back home and try my luck there. Anyway, today I can confidently say, that despite the above, Africa calls, and I am answering the call. But because I want to take the most prudent route, I'll plan this, and plan it well. I estimate that certain things have to be in place before I take that one way flight. The time plan for these milestones falls at around the 18 month point from June this year.
Looking at the general conditions in Nairobi today, The most expensive basic requirements are, a comfortable home, good car, household white goods and furnishings. Looking at that I can safely say that the most important milestone is to have a safe and secure home. A home that I fully own or possibly paying towards by the time I move back. As for the car, I need to look into the import rules for returning residents to see how I could use it to my advantage.
Why are cars so expensive in Africa? Is it because in Africa cars are still the symbol of wealth? There are many places where a car is a car...as opposed t what car...sad but true. But looking at Kenya, having a car sets you free to safiri every weekend if you like. They're expensive to run mind you, as the roads test the cars to within an inch of their life.
Which reminds me,I had an interesting conversation with a lady friend of mine. I thought I knew alot about cars and bits that went into them. My lady friend surprised me by her vast knowledge of shock absorber and dumper systems. No, she's no engineer, she's a proper girly girl, but has had to know her "Rob's magic" shocks because she's had them replaced so many times. I bet all you boys and girls in the west have never had to have your shocks replaced,not with that smooth asphalt that you drive on everyday. Anyway, I digress.
The plan is to acquire various items before moving so that I can smooth my landing...ad then see what gives. I think the most important asset I've gained living in the west has been the discipline to work hard and self management. This should carry me in good stead whilst i settle at home, trying to eck out a living.
