Sun 1st Al Wahim matatu to Malindi. The 08:00..but nearer 8:30 before we left. Saw zebra and 1 giraffe. I missed the giraffe as it was standing so still !! Usual time to Voi but waited hour and a qtr for 2 passengers to turn up. Bit of a stop/start journey via Mariakani , Kaloleni, Kilifi. Arrived Malindi gone 4:30
Stopped at Shukrani for samosas and chai. Then to the flat. Changed and went immediately to Naivas and bought toothpaste, razors and a small bottle of spirit. On to a bar where I met Michael a German traveller. Exchanged stories. On to Kangs…invited Mary (the housekeeper) for a couple of drinks. Then back to the flat.
Mon 2nd A good nights sleep. The room has an operational fan this time. Went to Babalao for tea and 4 mandazi. Walked through town to Vasco da Gama point and on to Silversands beach. Was hoping to say Hi to Irene’s mum but she wasn’t at work on her stall that day. Had a walk along the beach, stopping to sunbathe a couple of times. On the way back I stopped off at Baobab for one of their nice coffees. I commented on how although the price had remained the same at 100ksh, the cup was nearly half the size..!!! I said it all in good humour, but whereas the waitress totally ignored me, the waiter was more understanding and brought me a second cup for free…Good result.
Walked up the road and crossed over to Golden beach in front of Lawfords Htl. Sunbathed a bit but the wind was too strong and was kicking up sand. Spoke with Carkey to get his views on Rwanda as I knew he’d spent some time there. Walked back to the flat. I always have to call Mary as she has to open up. Showered and went to Jebreen for an early dinner. Pojo and 2 chapatis for 130, but really not very good; chapatis a bit hard. Bought water and went to the same bar as yesterday for a couple of Balozis. There was a very, very drunk elderly German guy; it was embarrassing.
Heading back I stopped at Kienyeji bar. Asked the price of a Balozi and was told 250. When the waitress brought it she said, no the price was 300. I blew my top and said I was leaving. She said but she’d already opened it. I said that was her problem and I was only prepared to pay 250. She agreed, and in fact came back after a few minutes saying the price of 300 was for a White Cap. But she was holding a Balozi…yeah,yeah shwas trying it on. After that I enjoyed my beer and the good music playing. Went on to Kangs; I invited Mary. Just had the one bottle, then the flat was just around the corner. Martina’s flat is spacious and comfortable and costs me 800ksh …less than £5…per day.
The only disappointment was not meeting up with Alex who was on the Hills of Taita set with me on day 1 in Taveta in January, as he was in Ukunda. Had I known he wouldn’t be there, I might not have gone to Malindi … but it was fun.