WHENEVER I think of Africa I think about Comic Relief and Band Aid.

Pictures of starving children with flies on their faces and arid deserts are long-lasting images. But, of course, things are never as they seem on television.

The trip to Nanyuki was surrounded by beautiful scenery as green as Britain's lush landscapes.

Kenya was nearing the end of one of its rainy seasons, so the plants and trees had an opportunity to soak up some moisture and look healthy.

Nanyuki is a colonial town and first impressions are that it still is very much of the old school.

Ex-pats, with their pulled-up socks, congregate in the Sportsman's Club, which is adorned with an abundance of military memorabilia.

But, take that away and what you are left with is an African town with homeless children, beggars and pushy salesmen.

One morning, I was accompanied by Lieut Dan Hawling to visit the market stalls.

As soon as you leave the comfort and security of the Showground barracks, you're pounced upon.

Begging

Whether it's by taxi drivers wanting to take you just the 100 yards into town, or by children begging for coins or sweets, it's apparent that any trip will be eventful.

It's impossible to walk past the market stalls without stopping to look.

Indeed, the stall-holders will escort you in, introduce themselves and then appear offended if you try to haggle with their vastly-exaggerated prices.

They'll suggest a trade, but who carries spare mobile phones on them for such a deal?

Children will walk alongside you offering to be your bodyguard, but their patch never runs as far as you're going.

The reason why the soldiers must go out in their uniform is because they're given a little more respect than the ordinary white person, who they see as easy-picking.

That said, it's an eye-opener to how different life is in Africa. I certainly felt lucky for being British and being able to leave when my trip ended.