#11: Kenya - The Island Paradise filled with Bob Marleys
Hey everyone
Lamu, the little paradise as the locals call it. We arrived here on Friday and although it's been raining quite a bit, we've been having an absolute blast. But before I get around to talking about that, there's a bit of catching up to do.
Thursday Robin got to say her goodbyes to the kids. Since it was Madaraka Day (Freedom Day), the kids had the day off school and walked us up to the road to see us off. The night before we were up till 3am packign and finishing things off in the library. So we were a bit beat and Robin wasn't feeling too well. But by 9am we were heaidng up to the road with a train of kids and Peter carrying the huge suitcase (weighing 42 kg) on his head.
Matatu ride into Nairobi went well and we got off early to head to Jame's house after being met. There I finally got to have a proper shower (although it fluctuated between scalding hot and freezing cold). It was high time for one because to tell you honestly, I have never seen so much brown water come out of my hair as that time round. Even the washing of hair in Kirengero doesn't really get it clean and it was sickening when I saw the dirt in the bathtub. At first I thought it must have been mud off of my feet... but when I realized it was my hair, then I knew no matter how cold the water would get, my hair had to be washed.
That night we went to Carnivor and pigged out on Ostrich, Camel and Crocodile as well as the regular beef, chicken and pork. The food was fantastic. We were slightly disappointed that they didn't serve zebra, but government regulations prohibit the sale of wild game - so we had to settle for what we got. They keep on bringing the meet to your table so long as the flag flies on top of it. After what seemed to be countless servings we finally surrendered and pigged out on dessert and coffee.
The next morning we headed for the airport and caught our flight to Lamu. Here we've been relaxing for the past couple of days. Lamu is a small island off the northern coast of Kenya. There are no cars here - just donkeys (and a donkey sanctuary). It's a very muslim town with women wearing the full black gowns and men the traditional white outfits. But it is also a very laid back town with most the youth having dreadlocks, wearing Bob Marley necklesses and enjoying the fishing life.
We met up with two other volunteers here and enjoyed our time. We've gone Dhow sailing with a crew comprised of Coffee, Coconut, Lemon, Spoon and Fish - everyone here uses nicknames rather than their Swahili names (unfortunately not into the open Indian Ocean because at this time of year it is much too rough), but in the channels between the islands. We went fishing and then cooked the fish for lunch (Robin even ate one - although she normally hates fish). Some swimming and tanning later it was time to head back to the island and unfortuantely we got caught in a massive downpour. It was nuts. we were completely soked and the streets were turned to rivers (especially the little winding alleys of Lamu Stone town. With it being the rainy season the weather isn't the greatest, but we have managed to get ourselves sunburned.
So loving it for now - one more day to go, then back to the mainland and Robin flies home on the 7th. I on the other hand head back to Nakuru and Kirengero for another few days with the kids. James has mentioned the possibility of taking me on a safari to the Masai Mara on the 11th so I'm keeping my figners that that will work out.
Oh... by the way... I never thought I would be saying this, but a couple nights ago I actually said: "It's a pleasure to meet you Satan". One of the guys here goes by Satan - truly don't know where they come up with these names.... It's odd calling out hey - Calamari, are you up for a dirnk? Or last night Dolphin spilled something on his pants and Coffee uses coconut milk to bleach his hair.
But yeah... till later.
Kasia
Lamu, the little paradise as the locals call it. We arrived here on Friday and although it's been raining quite a bit, we've been having an absolute blast. But before I get around to talking about that, there's a bit of catching up to do.
Thursday Robin got to say her goodbyes to the kids. Since it was Madaraka Day (Freedom Day), the kids had the day off school and walked us up to the road to see us off. The night before we were up till 3am packign and finishing things off in the library. So we were a bit beat and Robin wasn't feeling too well. But by 9am we were heaidng up to the road with a train of kids and Peter carrying the huge suitcase (weighing 42 kg) on his head.
Matatu ride into Nairobi went well and we got off early to head to Jame's house after being met. There I finally got to have a proper shower (although it fluctuated between scalding hot and freezing cold). It was high time for one because to tell you honestly, I have never seen so much brown water come out of my hair as that time round. Even the washing of hair in Kirengero doesn't really get it clean and it was sickening when I saw the dirt in the bathtub. At first I thought it must have been mud off of my feet... but when I realized it was my hair, then I knew no matter how cold the water would get, my hair had to be washed.
That night we went to Carnivor and pigged out on Ostrich, Camel and Crocodile as well as the regular beef, chicken and pork. The food was fantastic. We were slightly disappointed that they didn't serve zebra, but government regulations prohibit the sale of wild game - so we had to settle for what we got. They keep on bringing the meet to your table so long as the flag flies on top of it. After what seemed to be countless servings we finally surrendered and pigged out on dessert and coffee.
The next morning we headed for the airport and caught our flight to Lamu. Here we've been relaxing for the past couple of days. Lamu is a small island off the northern coast of Kenya. There are no cars here - just donkeys (and a donkey sanctuary). It's a very muslim town with women wearing the full black gowns and men the traditional white outfits. But it is also a very laid back town with most the youth having dreadlocks, wearing Bob Marley necklesses and enjoying the fishing life.
We met up with two other volunteers here and enjoyed our time. We've gone Dhow sailing with a crew comprised of Coffee, Coconut, Lemon, Spoon and Fish - everyone here uses nicknames rather than their Swahili names (unfortunately not into the open Indian Ocean because at this time of year it is much too rough), but in the channels between the islands. We went fishing and then cooked the fish for lunch (Robin even ate one - although she normally hates fish). Some swimming and tanning later it was time to head back to the island and unfortuantely we got caught in a massive downpour. It was nuts. we were completely soked and the streets were turned to rivers (especially the little winding alleys of Lamu Stone town. With it being the rainy season the weather isn't the greatest, but we have managed to get ourselves sunburned.
So loving it for now - one more day to go, then back to the mainland and Robin flies home on the 7th. I on the other hand head back to Nakuru and Kirengero for another few days with the kids. James has mentioned the possibility of taking me on a safari to the Masai Mara on the 11th so I'm keeping my figners that that will work out.
Oh... by the way... I never thought I would be saying this, but a couple nights ago I actually said: "It's a pleasure to meet you Satan". One of the guys here goes by Satan - truly don't know where they come up with these names.... It's odd calling out hey - Calamari, are you up for a dirnk? Or last night Dolphin spilled something on his pants and Coffee uses coconut milk to bleach his hair.
But yeah... till later.
Kasia
posted by Kasia Koltunska at 11:54 PM
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