Nairobi, May 18 (Xinhua) -- "I used to have a farm in Africa, at the foot of Mount Ngong." Danish writer Karen Brixon writes this at the beginning of her autobiographical novel Out of Africa.
Published in 1937, Out of Africa, it depicts picturesque Kenyan scenery, pristine African folk customs and unforgettable love stories, which have touched readers around the world. The film of the same name, based on the novel, also won the Academy Award for Best Feature Film in 1985, and The Karen House rose to fame. On the occasion of World Museum Day on May 18, the reporter visited Karen's house -
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Karen lived in Kenya from 1914 to 1931. Karen wanted to raise cows locally, but had to grow coffee. However, the coffee harvest has been failing for many years, the factory has been hit by a fire, and her marriage is facing a rupture. After the divorce, she ran the financially troubled coffee plantation on her own. Later, Karen fell in love with a British man, who died in a plane crash in 1930. The following year, Karen left Kenya. After returning to Denmark, she became a professional writer, publishing several books and being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Karen also became another world-renowned Danish writer after Hans Christian Andersen.
Today, Karen's house on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya's capital, has become a popular tourist "punch card". Visitors can experience the legendary experience of Karen, learn about the history of Kenya and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
The picture shows the exterior view of Karen's former home. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Lin
According to reports, the house where Karen once lived was built in 1912 and is a typical late 19th century bungalow building. The house changed hands several times until it was purchased by the Danish government in 1964 and given to the Ken government as a gift to commemorate Kenya's independence. Since 1986, it has been a museum open to the public.
"Karen House is a treasure trove of Kenya's long journey from colonization to independence." Roda Lange, director of the Karen House Museum, said.
These are various translations of Out of Africa, which were displayed at Karen's house. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Lin
Outside the museum, elements of coffee can be seen everywhere. At the end of a path, you'll see a small coffee tree and a giant coffee dryer. The dryer has a group of cute hoofed rabbits, attracting tourists to stop and watch.
Inside the museum, furniture and living utensils from decades to nearly a hundred years ago are well preserved. In addition to the stills of "Out of Africa", there are also many photos of local tribes hanging on the walls.
At Karen's House in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, visitors listen to a guided tour. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Lin
In Langer's view, Karen is remembered for her friendly interactions with multiple local tribes, unlike other white settlers.
Langer said that before the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, more than 55,000 tourists visited Karen's house every year, most of them from abroad, and currently, the number of tourists visiting each month is about 1,000. "However, tourism is recovering and we are attracting more tourists by holding activities such as research and study." (Text reporter: Bai Lin; Video reporter: Liu Chang, Li Cheng; Reporter: James, Zach; Editor: Li Cheng)