Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist, English playwright, poet and actor, William Shakespeare, once said: “Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt the truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.”
For aeons, love has been described in many terms, among them mystery and illusion. Other quarters say love is blind. But what is love, really?
Today, Red is the theme colour, as lovers across the world celebrate lovers’ day, popularly known as Valentine’s Day.
Diverse people — whether due to their varying cultural, religious or social backgrounds — always choose to celebrate love differently.
Message of love
All the way from last weekend, walking through the streets of the Kenyan cities and towns, even a first-time visitor could tell something was up. Hawkers lined the streets, selling their wares that were sending a rather too obvious message. February 14 was at the door!
Gift shops, as well, looked to capitalise on the season to make a killing on the individuals who wished to express their love in a grand way.
Despite the harsh economic times, some Kenyans still had a coin to spare to show their loved ones what they meant to them.
Hotels, restaurants, lodges and bars, among other social places, have been selling packages that were tailor-made for lovers.
For instance, at Sir Branson’s Mahali Mzuri luxury safari camp in Masai Mara, a three-day and two-night special package for two adults is going for Sh4 million.
Mombasa’s PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa also has a Valentine’s Day package for couples dubbed “A Taste of Paradise”, that’s costing Sh2.5 million.
The hotel’s general manager James Rattos said the package was a way of meeting an ongoing demand for high-end hospitality services.
“We have observed the trends and desires of the affluent in Kenyan society. They want luxury. They want well-thought services that are exclusive to them. We are always listening to our guests to meet their desires. This is why we have introduced this offer,” said Rattos.
He added that the hospitality sector had been steadily evolving in the last two years, with trends leading to the personalisation of services.
