Fri 10th. It took a while to leave Lamu town on the ferry boat. No time for tea at Mokowe. Left bang on 7. A few stops incl Mpeketoni, so the journey to Kilifi took 6 and a quarter hrs. Luckily we didn’t stop in Malindi for a lunch break. There was a 25 min stop at an army security checkpoint south of Garsen however. Got off bus with my rucksack and had to empty it. As I don’t have too much stuff and its in separate bags it was easy to put back again. Had a thirst quenching delicious Tamarind juice before getting to the Kilifi hotel. At the Titanic Htl…Rehema was very pleased to see me again. Didn’t want to pay 1,500 incl bfast, so the price was reduced to 1,200. But I said last time I paid 1,000. When I came down from my room the price had dropped to 1,000. Walked to Kilifi Club which is a lovely place to have a drink..at the mouth of the Creek. I ate maharagwe n chapatis at the AP canteen bar. It’s conveniently near the hotel.
Sat 11th. De Coffee, bang opposite the hotel is still closed. As is the swimming pool on the roof of that same building. It’s a shame because they were both nice places to have on your doorstep. Went shopping for a razor . Met Freda who I first knew at Market View in Taveta. Did some clothes washing. Village Dishes for breakfast. Maina came to the AP bar/restaurant after 17:00 and we had a good catchup. Grabbed a snack on the way back to the hotel.
Sun 12th. My main challenge was to find Pinena’s mnazi joint that Maina briefly told me about. After asking around, I was taken there by korosho (Cashewnut). Had to buy him a bottle plus a few more for people to share. Watched as a fresh mnazi batch was brought in on a boda. There was a big group of drunken people so I didn’t stay too long. Zimbabwe bar, where I used to go with Maina is now closed. About a 30 min walk back. Had a snack of samosas at Apache. Had a nightcap at the AP bar .
Mon 13th. Village Dishes breakfast as usual…but realised it’s much more expensive than Apache..tea is 80 vs 50. Walked across the bridge and down to the beach. Nice pics of ngalawas. Walked nearly as far as Mnarani htl. Back up the steps and stopped at Comfy Dhow htl for a beer. Had viazi karai street food. Followed by maharagwe na chapati..100bob… at a street cafe nearby. They were very intrigued that a European guy would eat there. AP for a drink before retiring to my room.
Tues 14th Decided to walk to Baobab beach. Got a boda lift half the distance…for free. Took pics of birds in flight. Also of cows on the beach. Chilled. Walked to Vidazini beach and Salty’s. Took photos but didn’t fancy stopping for a drink..Salty’s is expensive anyway. Walked straight up the road opposite . Had to stop to quench my thirst. Masai playing pool. Back to the hotel. Went to Apache for a snack. Had breakfast there too…much better value. Went to AP to relax and write my Lamu blog. William, who I knew as a young teenager in Taveta, saw me and remembered me and said hello. After I finished my blog I had a nice chat with him. Viazi karai for dinner then hotel to sleep. An eventful 5 days in Kilifi. I stayed an extra day because a room wasn’t available for me on the 14th at Bustani in Nyali. Nyali is only an hour and a quarter or so away by matatu, so I was in no hurry to leave the next day. And there are lots of matatus on that route.