It was Sunday morning and I was due to move up the coast to a hotel that Bonny had found for me. I took my time…packed, had b’fast and checked out at 10:00. I went across the road to get a tuk tuk to Nyali. The price ranged from 250 to 300 and the guys were annoyed I wouldn’t go for it. I knew the price and within a minute I found a guy who would take me for 150ksh. When we arrived he tried to get a bit extra but I said….No, we agreed 150 ! I made one masala chai last for 2 hours and then went to Kenol for a beer.
Bonny arrived at 14:00. It was great to see him again; it had been about 10 months. He took me to Kahama htl where he had negotiated a 10% discount. So got a luxurious room for around 5300ksh which is about £38 b&b. Nice pool incl. We went down the road to Char Choma..a fancy bar complex overlooking the beach. After a couple we looked elsewhere. One place was too quiet; my hotel didn’t have any beer. Went next door for one, then he went home. I ordered chicken and chips at my hotel, only to be given a chicken leg with a little attachment. I questioned this for the price and told it was a quarter chicken. I said no way was that a quarter! Mary looked embarrassed..reported back to chef..And at least they let me off the cost of the chips. I didn’t order food there again. Went to my room. TV wasn’t working and I wanted to watch the Spurs match. Was moved to another room – which was an upgrade…a fridge, a kettle and a bed about 4 feet off the ground – same price.
Mon 4th. Nice breakfas followed by a walk down the beach towards Pirates. Saw that the usual river to the sea, beside the Big Tree was no longer..sand blocking the route. Went to a beach hut selling cold drinks and hiring out swimming costumes and got talking to Thomas. Interesting…15 yrs ago or so he was walking passed offices in Karen Nbi when approached and told he was the perfect height and physique for a role in the film Constant Gardener. So his small part was opening doors of smart cars arriving with dignatories at a hotel. Must check it out one day.
Back to the hotel ; told I could keep the same room at the cheaper rate. Had a swim in the pool; nice not to have to keep an eye on my possessions like I have to do at the beach. Went to Char Choma for a drink then stopped at Maasai resort for chicken n chips. Very tasty and only 5mins from the hotel.
Tues. Beach walk to Thomas’s place. About 35 mins. Chatted for ages. Back to hotel and a swim. Char Choma for a drink. Maasai resort for chicken n chips.
Wed…got going a bit earlier. Went to Pirates to get phone credit. The place had been closed since March; authorities to the opportunity provided by corona to stop people pitching their kiosks the and saying they would be building more permanent structures for people to rent. To date nothing has happened. Got my Credit..from the 500 I got nearly 900ksh worth of airtime….must’ve been an offer. Saw Thomas briefly . Went back up the beach….sunburned…but 45mins was enough…too hot. Showered and got Matatu to Nyali shopping centre. Went to 2 different travel agents to enquire cost of flights to Lamu. 12,000 and 11,900 about 85 or 90 quid return. Returned , relaxed. Checked out prices of nearby hotels and they were much more expensive than mine…good to know.
Went to Whitesands htl to ask cost of a plate of chips as I fancied a change of scene. 850ksh ..about 6 quid. Didn’t ask why so expensive and just went back to Maasai where they cost 170ksh !!
Thurs. Usual beach walk. Had a swim in the ocean which was very nice. In the afternoon Bonny drove me to Mtwapa creek; the floating bar was being refurbished but still a nice place to hang out. Went to another bar complex near the beach, actually in Nyali. There until sun just starting to set. Was dropped off and had my customary chips n beer dinner.
Friday 11th. After my walk down the beach and telling Thomas I might be leaving the next day, I phoned Skyward. The quote we got a couple of days before, had gone up by 1000 so the return flight was now 10,900. Decided to go for it for the next day but had to move fast. Went to Nyali. Drew out some money. Put the cost of the flight on my Mpesa. With the help of the Mpesa shop I transferred the money against the program invoice and a little while later I received my plane ticket via email. First time I’d paid for goods/services….all went well and in an hour or so I was back at the hotel. Had a swim. Asked Bonny if we could meet but he was busy. Went to Char Choma which was packed; just about found a table n chair for me. There was a very good live band playing. Just had one drink and back to Maasai resort for my usual dinner. Back at the hotel I packed my rucksack for an early departure the next morning.