In my YOUNGER years.

I was raised in Kenya, the eastside of Africa…Nairobi in Mathare, Huruma and Kariobangi where everyone would speak to you because they knew you… where the local duka (shop) was next door from our house. Every adult was allowed to discipline us. We played outside all day in every season. A place where the dirt ground was perfect for brikicho/tapo (hide&seek), shake ( no translation), kalongolongo (house), bano (marbles), rolling tyres, making wire, tin or box replica cars, foot races, tree climbing, playing GondiSinya(After SylvesterStallone, ChuckNoriss, Vandame, Commando, WeslySnipes, StevenSegal), riding betas (Kenyan Skate Board) or bikes if you could afford it, shooting birds with feya (catapults), dufo mpararo (swimming in rivers), playing one touch, chobo ua/ngoto (mob justice), gathering zambarau or guavas(fruits Collecting from nearby trees) as we head to Kariobangi North Primary school, St. Benedict Church and Mathare North Primary School to play football courtesy of MYSA, poaching wild animals(Bush Rabbits)…the list goes on. Where a fight consisted of blows, sticks and stones when you feel defeated. Shoes were a privilege and Akala (Not Factory made sandak) were the shoes, we ate whatever was cooked without question or indication of disgust and nobody knew about allergies. We weren’t AFRAID OF ANYTHING BUT ADULTS FINDING OUT THE WRONG YOU Everyday when it was getting dark it was CURFEW. Whole chickens cut up and every part was consumed (even the legs and the head) & Ugali(Corn Meal) was as important as the air we breathe. We WALKED miles to & from school and sometimes go so far when sent to buy something by our mother and we didn’t complain at any time. We fought with our friends and made peace the next day by shaking hands under a witness of the playmates. Oh, and if you DISRESPECTED your elders OR LOOKED IN THEIR EYES while they were talking to grown folks you would feel their wrath with WHATEVER was close or in their hands.
 Edit this to your life when you were growing up and share, if you’re proud of and will never forget where you came from! I will never forget! #GoodOldDays
 I so WISH we could go back…or at LEAST not have ALLOWED progress to ruin US with the 21st Century developments.