It’s Month 6 of the relationship. You’re at that stage where it’s…well, it’s pretty semi-serious. The relationship could be at the stage where you both have to make a bit of an effort to keep the flame alive, but the flame is still there. You might be getting bored, settling into complacency, going through the regular ins and outs of relationships as if it’s air your breathing and not the joy of young love. (Ah, young love). By this I mean going through the motions…the texting and the calling (or WhatsApping and Skyping, whatever you prefer) is routine, and every day, and…the same.

It’s time to up the ante. Take it to the next level. Time to show your partner you can change things up a bit, it does not always have to be the same thing all the time. Look at this as an opportunity to show how romantic you really are. And what, really, is more romantic than a picnic? (Maybe a skywritten proposal, but, I mean, let’s not be too picky)

Carry in your picnic basket:
- A leso to sit on
- Enough food and drink for a romantic liaison (if it is homemade, it is even more romantic. The simplicity – or should we say cheapness? – of picnics is really what gets those I-love-relationships juices flowing)
- A camera, to capture the moments
- Protection…nah, just kidding, unless…you know (#teamBabyPrevention #teamGetYours)

And now!

1. The KICC Helipad. Last I checked, it costs 150 to get in and go up. You are literally on top of the world, with your world (too cheesy? Yes? No?) The view is magnificent – I mean, you can see all of Nairobi with none of the ugly (like, you know, robbers) – and it’s such an adrenalin rush to be that high up. Y’all could even do a ka-pose for Titanic, you know, hold her hands like you’re on the bow of the boat. (bow? Stern?). *shrugs* Just saying.

2. Central Park. In its heyday, many of you reading this were probably thought about, if not conceived, there. Now, if you go before 6, there are lovely expanses of grass to sit on, and shade, and general parkness. Peace in the middle of a busy, busy Nairobi. And it’s free!

3. Arboretum, is also free. The walk here from town is already a date in itself! Arboretum is quite large, and so that means there are many places to explore, or just sit as well, if that’s what you’re into. But it would be cool to play those peekaboo games that those couples are always playing on TV. You know, she hides behind a tree, he is laughing and can’t find her, she pops out, violins play, they are lost in the bliss of their love…etc., etc. And then you burst out laughing at the sheer shadiness. :D

4. Railways Museum. This quaint museum is like a Kenyan Smithsonian for trains; trains that don’t run anymore are parked here to…um…watch over the younger versions and serve as a stoic ode to history about the beauty of what once was. It really is very cool, if you’re into old stuff, and trains. Costs 150 to get in.

5. Bomb Blast Park. When I went, it was 40 bob to get in there, which is not too shabby. And it is right on the other side of a conveniently located Uchumi for those sandwiches. Well…close enough. Plus it’s real pretty and has cool historical stuff you can look at when you’re not gazing into each other’s eyes. If that happens.

Also, please note. 1: Your backyard is also not a bad bet for a picnic. I mean, it is right there. And your folks will think it’s cute. No?...ok if you have your very own backyard. Yes? 2: Carry food that is easy to make, eat, carry and clean up. Like Uchumi sandwiches, ha. To be fair, they’re easy to carry, it’s just…half of them is left on your face. But hey, it’s 6 months in. I think you can get away with it.

Abi.