Naomi Kariuki – Travel Manager

The places I’ve visited

Guatemala, Canada, various parts the United States, France, England, Wales, The Republic of Ireland, Spain, Italy, Kenya, and Tanzania

The year I started with travel beyond

2010

My most memorable travel moment

While studying abroad in London, I had the privilege of traveling throughout Europe with friends.

On our way to Killarney in southwestern Ireland we were supposed to take a ferry, but when we were boarding one of my friends realized she forgot her passport. We split from our travel group to retrieve the passport before boarding a later ferry. We were then supposed to catch a bus to Killarney and meet up with our group. However, when we got off the ferry we realized there was no bus and nothing but Irish countryside for miles. We were shocked! We began walking and soon found a black pick-up truck and asked the owner for a ride into town; he agreed but said we had to ride in the back. With no other options, we consented. The back was a covered with no windows and a uniquely, unpleasant smell. We climbed in back and watched all the light disappear as the door closed. It was pitch-black.

After a seemingly endless ride full of nervous prayers and anticipation, the truck stopped. To our relief a small town surrounded us. We found a gas station and asked the gentleman inside about a bus stop. He laughed and told us there was no bus stop in town, but that he had a solution and then disappeared into the back of the station. We hugged excitedly, expecting him to return with car keys so he could drive us to the closest bus stop. When he emerged he had no keys. Instead, he carried a sign that read “Killarney Please” in big bold letters. Again we found ourselves with no other options, so we hit the road.

We walked for an hour with our thumbs up and our sign held high. Just as we began to reach our breaking point a young couple stopped and offered us a ride. We climbed into the backseat and quickly realized the couple had no interest in talking to us. We spent the next two hours in silence listening to techno music at a deafening volume. We just laughed. They dropped us off at a bus stop and we eventually made it to Killarney. Although I would not recommend hitchhiking, this story is one of my fondest memories.

My most embarrassing travel moment

While studying in London, a few friends and I decided to vacation in Southern Spain. After weeks of travel I considered myself a connoisseur and this trip was going to be my biggest and best planned trip thus far. I was excited and over-confident. At the airport, we decided we had time for lunch before our flight, but when I reached into my purse for my wallet I realized it was not there! I had left all my money and credit cards at home. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for me to retrieve my wallet and return in time for our flight. After panicking for few moments I got in touch with a classmate who brought me my wallet just in the nick of time. This embarrassing mistake taught me a very valuable lesson: always have a checklist and make sure to check it twice!

My favorite meal while traveling

My favorite thing to do when I travel is try the local cuisine. There is no better way to immerse one’s self in a new culture then to eat the local fare. A few years back my friends and I came up with a concept we call date night. Date night is about enjoying food from the best mom and pop restaurants that are treasured by the local community. There are several important date night rules: First, every course in a typical meal must be eaten. Second, you must order something you’ve never tried before. Last, but certainly not least, everyone has to try everything on the table. Date night has resulted in many interesting meals. More importantly, it has led to long meals filled with laughter and memories.