Sat 28th. We got off to a flying start by leaving Taveta bang on time at 08:00. Kili was clear, but with hardly any snow as it had been so dry. Even made it to Voi in record time at just over an hour and a half. Only saw zebras along the way. But the journey slowed after that. We stopped in Voi for 45 minutes. There were a couple of extended toilet breaks, and other stops that were dragged out. Had a front seat. But, the trip took nearly 7 hours; it should’ve been around 6 hours.
I asked to be dropped off at the turn off to the matatu stage in Malindi because I know from past experience you end up quite a long way in the opposite direction from the centre of town. I went to Shukriani for a tea and a snack. I then walked to find Martina’s flat; she had offered it to me at 800ksh per day. I found the Kienyegi bar and persuaded Mary the housemaid to come and meet me rather than give me directions on how to get there. It wasn’t that straightforward. The flat was a nice top floor, 3 bedroom with a large lounge and dining/lounge area.
I settled in quickly then walked to the Vasco da Gama Pillar. I wanted to make the effort to meet Irene’s (my neighbour in Taveta) mother. Everyone was pleased that I did that. I stopped at Shukriani for a meal of maharage and chapatis and went on to Kienyegi for a couple of beers. I wanted to be relatively close to the flat so as not to be walking back in the dark. Got back, chatted to Mary and went to my room.
Sun 29th. Went to Babalao restaurant for tea and mandazi breakfast. Then I set myself a challenge of finding Alex who was on the film set with me that first day in Taveta. All I knew was that he lived near the Casino in Malindi. It wasn’t that near the casino, but after asking around and giving his description , I found his flat and tracked him down to a cafe next to Naivas. He was impressed that I found him. I said Hi to all his Italian friends.
I went down beside Lawfords hotel ( one of the oldest and smartest in Malindi) and onto a huge beach that I had never seen before. I relaxed a bit then walked along and passed what seemed like two shipwrecks. They were on the beach, intact but very rusty. A bit predictable…I went to Shukriani for dinner and Kienyegi for drinks….but not only that, they were showing an English match , Brighton vs Liverpool, so it was a nice afternoon. I made a point of stopping at Kangs which is only about a 4 minute walk from the flat, but also inviting Mary over for a drink. Also had some vodka on me which we shared at the flat.
Mon 30th. After a Babalao b’fast I found a slightly shorter route to go and meet up with Alex at the restaurant. From there I went to Tawarkal to buy my bus ticket to Lamu for the next day. I walked to Silversands beach, passed Coco beach bar/restaurant. Hung out on the beach for an hour. Lots of very brown Italians who I therefore assumed were residents.
On the way back I stopped at Baobab restaurant for a coffee. I then tried a Mary recommended restaurant..Jardreen(something like that)…where I had pojo and chapati. Very nice restaurant, and a bit nicer than Shukriani. I stopped off at Kienyegi and Kangs on the way back to the flat. I am beginning to enjoy Malindi except for the constant beeping and calling out to attract your attention to the bodas. I know they are trying to get business but it’s very annoying. And don’t get me started on the irritation of being spoken to in Italian. !!!
Enjoyable 2.5 days in Malindi. Took lots of photos of murals; they are so well done. Saw parts of Malindi I had never seen before. Alaskan market is an area I had to pass through every time , which is just a mass of stalls selling mainly clothes but an assortment of goods. Mind boggling how much stuff there was. I thanked my friend Martina in Taveta for letting me stay. It saved me a bit of money as well. I didn’t have too early a start the next day..which was good.