I woke relatively early on the Sunday to catch my morning flight from Lamu to Mombasa. Usually one gets a bad nights sleep before travelling…worrying that the phone battery will die and there’ll be no alarm !!! Packed the last bits and got to the Mangrove by 9. Took my time over b’fast as the pier for the water taxi to Manda island was just across the road. Got to the boat by 9:30 and eventually we were ushered aboard. We bobbed around for half an hour before leaving at 10:15 for the 10 min boat ride. Such fun leaving from such a small airport!! Oh, I found out that the plane carried 50 passengers. Nice to see Lamu from the air and a great view of the floating pub and Shela beach. Worth the 80 pound return fare…..convenience, safety,speed.
Got a taxi into Mombasa city, to the Sheratton recency on Moi avenue. The room price had virtually doubled for the xmas period. Tried the newly refurbished Castle just down the road, and although only a little more than the Sheratton, it didn’t have a pool….so back to the Sheratton. I like that part of town compared to where the Ocean Crown hotel….a lot less busy and quieter. Wandered around a little to reacquaint myself with the surrounding streets.
Showered and went to Fantasy bar to watch the first half of the Spurs match. Then on to Bella Vista for the second half of the match and dinner of chips n vegs. Oh, by the way, I’d seen from my balcony what kind of neighbourhood I was in …..lots of young ladies well dressed but also under dressed !!!
Mon 21st after a nice breakfast, I walked over to the Naekana…..only 10 mins…..to book my ticket to Taveta for the following day. A young guy warned me of police nearby and I ought to pull my mask up….nice of him. All the guys recognised me as son of Tom….but of course Dad’s name is Tony!! But I knew what they meant and was touched that they remembered him. Then when the police asked to see my ID and started asking me questions, the guys were on my side explaining my history etc…very sweet. But I still had to hand over a little something…….50 was only enough for one of them, so another 100 covered them for a couple of teas or whatever.
Walked to Fort Jesus and sat for a while looking out towards the port/harbour . The Mombasa club was just behind me and I took some pics to send to Angela. My G’pa was a member of the Club….don’t know for how long.
Bought bottled water , as I always do, from the deaf n dumb guy’s stall. Then walked to the hotel and used the pool for a couple of hours. Went to the Fantasy and on to the Casablanca club. Well, the latter was a mistake as it was rife with prostitutes. They were all very pleasant and seemed to take it in turns to come and talk to me. I had a plate of chips and one drink and left for Bella Vista for football. Eventually I was a bit tired and couldn’t be bothered seeing the football to the end so I left at 21:45. I did notice and think it a bit strange that I was the only one in the bar. Also the street was empty. Fortunately I only had a 5 minute walk to the hotel because I had forgotten about the curfew, and I only had 9 mins to spare !!
Tues morning I needed to leave early and luckily b’fast started at 06:00 at the hotel. Had my 10 mins walk to Mwembe Tayari to catch my shuttle Matatu which left bang on 7. Couldn’t understand why my rucksack was placed on the seat next to me, but all soon became clear. Social distancing meant noone would sit next to me…..the 16 seater matatu only carried 9 passengers…..naturally it cost nearly double but it was comfortable and safe. Must’ve been an accident an hour out of Mombasa and the driver doubled back and took a detour through the countryside. Anyway, a brilliant journey…straight through….didn’t even stop in Voi. It really was a shuttle….arrived Taveta 11:40….4 hrs 40 mins trip….incredibly fast. Not much luck with wildlife this time….one giraffe, gazelles and a few zebra.
Quite emotional being in Taveta again. Lots more matatus at the Stage than usual. And a lot of boda boda around. Called in on friend Mary at her shop before going to Dad’s house to see Mercy. Chatted and we went to Market View hotel to check in. Had one drink and on to David’s for a mahindi choma . Called Kristin. Went to her house with my mboko which I had rescued from Mercy’s. Kristin was busy preparing for her daughter’s arrival the next day so we ordered in some mnazi…Palm wine. Didn’t really enjoy the flavour too much but nice to use my mboko again to drink out of. Although it seems to have sprung a small leak….I don’t it’s too serious !! Kristin insisted on escorting me to the hotel but on the way we had stop at another mnazi joint. Back at the hotel I had rice and beans. It wasn’t that which caused me to have a very uncomfortable night…..it was too much mnazi !!!
We’d 23rd. Quiet morning. Walked up the road towards the border to the bank opposite the market. On the way back I called in on Mercy .She had been invited to Grogans Castle for their official reopening. Asked if I wanted to go….of course….and checked with Mrs Criticos that it was okay for me to tag along.
We got a boda boda over there….about 25 mins. Very nice evening was had by all. Great food. It was a thank you to all the contractors, suppliers etc who contributed to the refurbishment and renovation of Grogans over a period of about 2 years. A lot of money spent and it looks fantastic. Included are chandelier from Dubai, an infinity pool, 2 or 3 rooms overlooking the pool……but the rooms have glass windows with a mirror effect so people can’t see in. Some local dignatories came and conversations went on till late. Was hoping that people were keeping an eye on the time…… curfew. In fact we left at 9:15…..Got a lift back.
Thurs. B’fast. Collected the bike….it was covered on dust an cobwebs…obviously I was the last person to use it in March. I had a couple of punctures fixed, tightened the chain and greased it, straightened the seat. Took it for a little test ride. Apart from that, the day was quiet.
Friday 25th. Christmas day was quietish. Lots of people out on the streets later in the day. I had phoned Gabriella on Thurs evening so it was the start of her xmas in NZ. Of course Tor got a call in Germany. Then the rest of the family in Eastbourne at Mum’s. I went a bit earlier to Challa htl to ensure Mercy and I got a table for our Xmas dinner. We both had chicken n chips….not a lot of choice really !!! Chicken was very nice but the chips could have been hotter. We left about 9:15….Very very nice evening.
Sat 26th. I kept myself busy without really doing very much. A little cycle ride. Bought some washing powder and used some on a few shirts! A quiet day after the excitement of xmas !!