The first time I heard of Tassia, it felt like a serene, stylish place, commanding respect just from the sound of its name.
For those who might not know, Tassia is an estate or simply put – a residential town – in Nairobi.
How is Tassia a girl, you might ask. Well, I’ll get to that. First, I’d like to build some context.
So, while trying to help out a friend find a new house, I finally get my chance to get a feel of Tassia; its my defining moment of first impressions.
Here’s where it all started:
The moving conversation
“Hey man, I think uh, you need to dial up your living situation a little bit”
That’s me, starting a conversation with a friend whom I thought really needed to ramp things up.
I was courteously breaking into the brother’s life without annoying him. However, he’s the kind that can see through the lines.
“Really, why should I?” He responded, quite strong.
“Just uh, look around, don’t you feel its a little undeserving of you? I mean, if I were you, I couldn’t picture myself living here.”
“So, you don’t like my place?”
“I mean, you know, its uh, demeaning.”
“It demeans you, doesn’t it?”
“Well, considering the geography, aesthetics, optics maybe….alright quite so; it demeans me. But on a second thought, I guess not anymore, I could try to get used to it.”
“Yeah, welcome to my world!”
I let him loose too easy, maybe I could have done better with Trump’s signature hand gestures.
They make him appear so aware and confident. After all, how in the world did he clinch the presidency being so politically incorrect?
Sometimes I feel like my facial expressions misrepresent my actual intended emotions.
Tassia, here I come
A few days later, it would appear that I had actually convinced him.
Right in the middle of a scorching day, I get his phone call.
“I may have found a zip code convenient enough for you. How quick can you get your feet to Tassia?”
“Tassia? Alrighty, here I come!”
The miniatures
I finally set foot on the estate. Ahead of me was this small troop of unmarked miniature matatus.
OK, lemme call them what they actually are – Nissan Vanette(s) and Mazda Bongo(s), parked beside the road.
After observing a few people board the miniatures, I realised that Tassia has a taste for these little versions of matatus.
So the place is quite distinguished after all.
Now I reluctantly boarded one, taking the front seat right next to the driver. Before long, the little matatu had taken off.
The trip was quite uneventful. Turns out the place is quite typical.
This trip was also oddly brief. People here must really be repelled by the idea of walking.
A honorable people
Upon arrival it was time to turn in fares.
One by one the passengers alighted heading to the drivers side and handing out their fares.
None took advantage to flee, all paid as the driver received his dues right from his seat. Quite honorable it was.
Drivers here must have the easiest of times.
All they’ve gotta do is to sit, punch the gas, and brakes too and then get paid! Sounds like easy money!
Wow, that was one remarkable experience.
It’s typical but still serene
Here is my conclusion: although typical of a Nairobi setup, Tassia had its people and mannerisms speak on its behalf – that its still a serene and calm place with a bit of style.
The mystery of the girl
Now to the girl you’ve all been waiting to hear about:
So, I had to look up the name Tassia and guess what I found: its a girl’s name!
The name is of Russian and Greek descent. It means resurrection. Not the meaning you expected? Well, I was surprised too.
And for that discovery, I think I should be headed to the National Archives to get an acclamation of some sorts. Ain’t it a feat to discover such things?
I think I practically share in the excitement of Ludwig Krapl when he first sighted or rather discovered Mount Kenya in 1849.
I just discovered Tassia!