Eye on Africa – Africa Expat Wives Club

Written by Lester Hein · 6 Jul, 2009 Eye on Africa

When we started this feature, the purpose was a bit of a hybrid. Half the reason was so that we could get to know our bloggers a bit better and the other half was to let YOU get to know them better. We’ve had loads of positive feedback so far, which is really great because it lets us know most of you think we’re on the right track with this feature

This week we pay another visit to Kenya for our Eye on Africa featured African blogger – Africa Expat Wives Club.

I am a British expat wife living in Nairobi Kenya with my husband and three daughters. A housewife who does no housework, who hopes to somehow launch herself into a successful freelance writing career. We’ve lived in East Africa for the past ten years and the thought of ever moving on is suddenly terrifying.

Blog: http://africaexpatwivesclub.blogspot.com

Do you consider yourself more of a writer or a geek?

I would love to say I am more of a writer – but probably I am much more of a geek who sadly doesn’t know that much about computers but loves my ‘virtual’ online blogging life.

What are you really passionate about?

I am passionate about describing the experience of living in East Africa in an accessible, honest and 21st century fashion. Most of the stories that you read about Africa from overseas are overblown; either glamorized or making things look pitiful or hopeless, both of which are rubbish.

Why would you say people should read your blog?

I think people should read my blog to hopefully raise the odd smile between my rants. I quite like opening up debate on certain subjects concerned with living in Africa. My Africa expat/social stereotypes are intended to be a bit of fun – based on Victoria Mather’s social stereotypes that appear in the UK Telegraph newspaper.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

When I was 12 I simply said I wanted to be famous, but could never put my finger on how exactly to achieve that. I guess that is why I am now a blogger…still haven’t quite given up hope.

What really gets under your skin?

Generalisations. Though I must admit I find myself making generalisations a lot.

Have you ever gotten any free stuff as a result of your blogging?

Never got any free stuff as a result of my blog. What am I doing wrong? I was interviewed by the UK Times newspaper and appeared on BBC World news in Jan 2008 thanks to my blog though.

Where would you choose to go on holiday?

I would go on holiday to Barcelona or Bruges, Venice or Vienna – a city break filled with museums and surrounded by beautiful architecture. I have been utterly spoiled by safaris and idyllic, deserted sandy beaches over the last ten years so fancy a change.

Are you a Mac or a PC fan? Would you ever switch?

PC fan. Would be too terrified to switch.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

Jane Austin for a week, visiting smart neighbours for tea in beautiful houses by horse drawn carriage, partying and observing society with a wry smile then writing it all down when I got home.

What is your favourite gadget?

My new Safaricom dongle – which gives me pretty good internet access at home in Nairobi (Broadband still a distant dream).

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Catherine Tate

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

Flying. All superheroes should be able to fly.

If you could work anywhere in the world where would you earn your bread and butter?

New York. I only visited for one day aged 13, but remember that the place had a real buzz to it. At the time I wanted to leap out of the car, get lost in the crowd and make like Madonna in ‘Desperately seeking Susan’. Plus I heard that you never have to use your oven when you live there.

If you enjoy witty and funny writing and are up for finding out a bit more about the beautiful Kenya, click on over to the Africa Expat Wives Club for a good read