The Nairobi Strut

People have told me all my adult life that I have a "distinctive walk." Most of the time, it's not a compliment - it's been described as "military speed-walking", "defensive stride", and "for chrissake, slow down!"

Today, walking along Nairobi's Argwings Kodhek road, I realized where my walk comes from. It's the Nairobi walk. Eyes down, to scan for rocks, tree roots, ditches, puddles, trash, potholes. Arm wrapped round bag, bag in front of body, to guard against bag-snatchers. Nostrils braced, eyes narrowed, against exhaust fumes from the million vehicles that could use a smog check, and the ubiquitous dust. Purpose in every stride - the get-where-you're-going, don't-stop-for-hawkers-and-beggars forward motion. Constant vigilance, against rogue vehicles veering off the road, against debris flying off the road into your face.