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By Mercy Mwaniki

If you could go back in time, who would you want to meet? Would you choose to travel to the past, knowing you can’t change the present? And what if you could also journey into the future?

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a captivating work of fiction set in a small café called Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo. It is the first in a series of four books, each offering new adventures and different outcomes.

This book evokes a range of emotions, laughter, anger, excitement, and anxiety, among others. You may find yourself questioning whether there’s a worthwhile reason to revisit the past, even when the present remains unchanged. Funiculi Funicula has taken on an air of urban legend because the characters can not only travel to the past but also, on rare occasions, to the future. A ghost inhabits a specific seat that one must occupy to time travel, and there are rules to follow, including the critical one: “before the coffee gets cold.”

The four stories within the book provide closure in various ways. One tale features lovers who part ways due to a better job opportunity, while another centre on a wife seeking a connection with her husband, who has Alzheimer’s disease. There’s also a story about two sisters with different dreams, and one that follows a pregnant mother who travels to the future to meet the child she bore before her untimely death.

The themes of unspoken words, fading memories, undisclosed thoughts, and the inevitability of death resonate throughout. The characters are vividly drawn, drawing you in and prompting deep reflection on whether you would make similar choices. The suspense is palpable and adds to the excitement.

This book invites you to see different perspectives in a variety of situations. The urge to learn more will compel you to seek out the second, third, and even fourth instalments, you won’t want to say goodbye. You’ll come to appreciate the power of words, the strength of promises, and the relief that comes from making different choices.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the Tales from the Café, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a book I wouldn’t hesitate to read again. It offers fresh insights that might even provide solutions to the dilemmas you’ve been pondering. I would rate it an 8/10 and highly recommend picking up a copy at the Textbook Centre for just 1450 Ksh.

By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com

Just four years ago, bustling cities and renowned streets were hauntingly deserted as the global tourist sector came to a halt. Hotels shut down, eateries dimmed their lights, and entire industries teetered on the brink of collapse. Fast forward to 2024, and the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, some of the world’s most beautiful destinations are grappling with revenge tourism, even contemplating the unthinkable: shutting their doors to tourists to survive.

Revenge tourism refers to how travelers are doubling down on recovering the time lost to travel during COVID-19. Instead of traveling once a year, many are now taking two or three trips annually.

This year, the travel sector is projected to reach a record-breaking economic contribution of $11.1 trillion, making it a significant year for tourism revenues. However, the surge in tourism isn’t universally welcomed. Some countries and local communities are grappling with the downsides of becoming popular tourist destinations, such as cultural erosion and the strain on local resources.

Revenge tourism has led to significant challenges in popular destinations. In Barcelona, for example, locals have expressed their frustration through protests, including one where they used water guns to squirt tourists dining in open cafes. This protest was part of a broader movement against mass tourism, which many residents feel has disrupted their daily lives and increased the cost of living. The influx of tourists has led to higher prices for restaurants, hotels, and even apartments, as many properties are converted into short-term rentals.

Similarly, in small towns like Hallstatt in Austria, often mistaken for the inspiration behind Disney’s “Frozen”, the situation is even more pronounced. With a population of just 800, Hallstatt sees hundreds of thousands of tourists, many of whom are day-trippers. These visitors often do not contribute significantly to the local economy but still cause congestion and strain local resources.

These examples highlight the complex dynamics of revenge tourism, where the desire to travel and make up for lost time during the pandemic clashes with the capacity and tolerance of local communities. In the episode titled “Revenge of the Tourists” from Trevor Noah’s What Now? podcast, Trevor and travel journalist Rajan Datar unpack the intricate dynamics of modern tourism. One major theme they explore is the growing issue of overtourism, where popular destinations become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of visitors. This influx leads to rising living costs, displacement of locals, and degradation of the environment. The discussion highlights local reactions to this burden, including instances of communities actively resisting tourists, such as locals in Spain using water guns to deter disruptive visitors.

While the economic benefits of tourism are undeniable, bringing much-needed revenue and job creation to many regions, Datar emphasizes that these gains often come with steep social and environmental costs. He advocates for sustainable tourism practices as a solution, underscoring the need for responsible travel that benefits both tourists and the communities they visit. Striking this balance is crucial to ensuring tourism remains a force for good rather than a disruptive influence.

What sustainable practices can we implement amidst this boom? The late Anthony Bourdain once said we must be travelers, not tourists. A good example is how Copenhagen rewards tourists who behave well through the CopenPay initiative. This program allows visitors to earn points for making sustainable choices, such as using public transport, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and dining at sustainable restaurants. These points can be redeemed for free experiences in the city.

Kenya’s tourism industry is also on an upward trajectory, gradually recovering with several commendable practices aimed at attracting both local and international tourists. These include community-based tourism, which involves local communities in tourism activities to ensure they benefit directly, providing tourists with authentic cultural experiences. Sustainable wildlife tourism has also been emphasized, focusing on conservation efforts and responsible wildlife viewing through support for national parks, eco-friendly lodges, and camps.

Digital marketing campaigns on social media platforms showcase not only famous safaris but also lesser-known destinations, while improved infrastructure, including better roads and airports, enhances travel convenience and safety. Eco-tourism initiatives, such as renewable energy use and waste management systems, promote environmentally friendly accommodations. Cultural festivals and events celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage, attracting tourists to various parts of the country. Finally, stringent health and safety protocols introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic ensure the well-being of visitors, making Kenya a more attractive and sustainable destination.

While the booming tourism industry promises economic prosperity, it also demands a recalibration of sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of both peace and local cultures.

By Joe Aura, Aurajoe6@gmail.com

“Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do.

Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion, too.

Imagine all the people, livin’ life in peace.”

– Imagine, John Lennon

To mark the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack, the last song heard at the Nova Music Festival was played, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the victims. This song, the best-selling single of John Lennon’s solo career, encourages listeners to envision a peaceful world free from materialism, borders, and religion.

On October 7, 2023, the Nova Music Festival in Israel was violently interrupted by an attack, resulting in up to 1,000 casualties and numerous kidnappings. The horrific events were streamed live, exposing the world to the brutal chaos. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a stern retaliation, strongly supported by the United States. This incident was a significant blow to Israel, a nation known for its advanced defence systems and the intelligence prowess of Mossad. Was this a strategic sacrifice, like a chess queen taken to achieve checkmate? The lives lost far exceeded the value of any chess piece, yet Mossad’s reputation for exceptional intelligence operations remained intact.

Mossad had previously uncovered tunnels used by Hamas within Palestinian territories. Fast forward to September 2024, when Israel executed a meticulously planned attack on allies of its enemies in Lebanon, signalling a new era of warfare. How did Hamas manage to intercept communications and set explosives to detonate at precise moments and locations?

The days following the concert were among the darkest. Disturbing videos emerged from Gaza, showing the dead, children in distress, and grieving mothers. Misinformation spread rapidly, even leading to the President of the United States being misquoted. Humanitarian aid workers and journalists documenting the atrocities faced significant dangers.

Celebrities and social media rallied in support of Palestine, but the world continued its business as usual. In Kenya, groups organized peaceful protests to raise awareness. South Africa, with its history of apartheid, took a bold step by filing a genocide case against Israel, recognizing oppression when they saw it. This case brought hope but also forced nations to take sides. As the American elections approached, there was pressure to adopt an ethical stance. It wasn’t until the attack in Rafah, after witnessing the devastation in Gaza, that countries like the USA began to criticize Israel’s actions.

Following several ceasefire negotiations, Israel continued its operations, targeting individuals and refugee camps. Civilians were advised to flee south, only to be bombarded with missiles. Scarcity of food, water, and healthcare became pervasive, with children being born under the shadow of military-grade weapons and the constant sound of bombs. We witnessed traumatized children and families torn apart, with entire lineages potentially wiped out. What was once a community, a beach where children played, was reduced to ashes, overshadowed by whispers of another war in Lebanon. Many hostages remain unaccounted for, with families still waiting for news of their loved ones. Have they been forgotten? Coverage of Gaza has shifted from top priority to secondary as other conflicts emerge.

This morning, Israel commemorates the loss of its loved ones while continuing operations in Gaza. They reported three missiles fired from the southern strip, all intercepted by the Israeli air force. Investigations are ongoing into how five missiles managed to penetrate Israeli defences.

The world must unite to put an end to this war. The suffering and loss on both sides are immeasurable, and a peaceful resolution is urgently needed.