Hostages and Color

Since I've been back from Kenya, I've had tons of people ask me how I feel about the hostage situation that happened in Nairobi in the days after I left. Where people were being shot or taken hostage in a popular city mall by a group of Somalis. Was I near a mall? Did I go to Nairobi? Was I nervous that I could have been affected by a similar situation? Will I ever go back? Is Kenya dangerous? Would I recommend it as a place to travel? 

The answers are all yes.

And yes, those stories are very real, and yes, they happen all over the world. And unfortunately those are the stories that people hear that keep them from going to places that need them. In my opinion, and please take this with a grain of salt, if you're worried about these types of things happening, then you'll never go anywhere. Because they happen all the time, in every city, and there is always a possibility that you'll be too close. Always.

But that's why you travel smart. Stick with locals, register your trip with the State Department, keep up with the news, and have emergency plans in place. To me, its always worth these small inconveniences to have amazingly life-changing experiences. And there are countless blogs and books and resources that you can access to help you be as knowledgeable as possible before a trip. You never know how small your world is until you get outside of it and see the lives of others. Don't miss out on seeing it because you're afraid. 

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Okay, enough serious. Last weekend Patrick and I ran the Color Run. And yes, "The happiest 5k on the planet" is one of the truest taglines I've ever heard. And I hate running. And think I should be richly rewarded for every minute I spend doing it. But in the case of the Color Run, I did feel rewarded. And celebrated. Because who doesn't want to be covered in hot pink, blue, yellow and orange every quarter mile, and have a dj blaring rap music throughout the whole course? It was my dream run. But seriously, you guys HAVE to do this run. Its amazing.

And while we're on a high note, I figured I'd go on and confess that this run was my ONE form of exercise since returning from Kenya. I do walk the dog on occasion, but that can't possibly count. But I am just so tired. And busy. And its soooo much easier to watch New Girl than it is to work out. I need some motivation!!

In other news, I will say that I'm reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, and it is HILARIOUS. I'd encourage you to check it out. Also, read the Bitter Veil. Its not everyone's style, but if you even come close to thinking it is your style, then I will go on and just say that it is. And will accept the repercussions of that statement. Great read.