Feb 26th. I bought a ticket the day before for the 06:00 Naekana to Mombasa. The worst delay yet as we didn’t leave until 09:00. No animals to see on the Tsavo section. Otherwise, it was a good 5 hour journey, including changing brake pads at Voi.
I marched over to DTB bank for some money; down to my regular water seller; across to Duncort to check in. I then went to Immigration to clarify a couple of things about the new ETA. A drink at the Lotus hotel…I stayed there once, either 4 or 5 years ago when the Palm Tree closed for renovation. Well, the Palm Tree reopened after 4 or 5 years so I just had to quickly see how it looks these days. It’s smart and the rooms weren’t as expensive as I was expecting. However, the A/c was on full blast; excessively cold I thought.
From there I decided to treat myself to a nice meal and I settled on a beef pilau at Grind House. The one peculiar thing was that the menu said a pilau cost 500bob but when the bill came it was 400bob. I didn’t complain..!!! Fantasy bar is just around the corner. I bought a small bottle of Triple Ace and a sprite to take back to my hotel room.
Tues 27th. I don’t think I’ve mentioned, but the reason for coming down to Mombasa was to attend the funeral of Mercy’s aunt Julie. I had my breakfast, then wearing my ‘Dad’ shirt, I caught a matatu to the Lights just over Nyali Bridge, and made the very short walk to Jocham hospital and the mortuary.
I arrived 08:45. About half an hour later there was a short service in the courtyard with the coffin and family members. I went with Bonny to the Mbaraki cemetery on the Mombasa island and there followed at least 4 hours of prayers/singing/speeches until Julie was laid to rest. I felt honoured to be given a ribbon to wear that represented Family. Lunch was a 10 minute walk to the Mbaraki Sports ground for a tasty beef pilau.
I left there at 16:00, deciding to go on foot as the city wasn’t too far away. After 15 minutes I reached Mombasa Village…not far from Castle Htl. As I’d had a big lunch I didn’t need dinner. I went to Fantasy which was only 10 minutes away…had Balozi; bought a spirit and sprite for my room and snacked on chevda.
Wed 28th. Ate my breakfast; they seemed to have improved a little bit. I knew the Naivas on Digo Road was selling my suntan lotion for over 1,200 bob, but had a suspicion that Naivas at Mwembe Tayari would be bit less. Worth the walk, I was right..it was 915, so I saved 200 bob (£1). I had to queue a while as half the Msa schoolkids seemed to be in the shop buying snacks. Walked over to Love and Joy for one of their special teas. Walked down Makadara Road to Fort Jesus. I took a few pics and relaxed in the sun, looking across the harbour.
Checked Palm Tree prices. Bought drinking water. Returned to my room.
The day before ..Tues..I was told by Auckland Jennie that her niece was working at Jukwaa Arts. When I looked it up, it was only 15 minutes walk away and on my route to Kilindini Pub. I went around in circles a bit as there was no obvious sign for the place. I didn’t trust google maps entirely and I was showing an askari my phone map and about to give up, when a young lady drove through the gate entrance. I asked the askari who she was and he said…Zoe. Perfect, that’s who I was looking for.. !!! After she’d parked her car and was walking towards me wondering who the hell I was, I asked..”Zoe Goodman I presume”…and then introduced myself. A very quick 5 minute chat as she had to go to work, but we’ll meet up after the 15th when I’m in Mombasa with Mark.
It was too early for Kilindini Pub so I went to another place, then on to Kilindini to have a good long chat with Clarence and Maura and a couple of the regulars. I bought a fresh mango for 50bob to alleviate my slight hunger. Then on to Fantasy and a drink and peanut/chevda snack in my room. That was the end of my relaxing day in Mombasa. A good 3 day visit and particularly glad I made the effort to go down for the funeral.
Thurs 29th. I decided on as early a breakfast as possible, without rushing too much … I made it to the dining room by 07:00 and fortunately breakfast was already prepared. I reached Mwembe Tayari at about 07:30; bought my Naekana ticket to Taveta and we were on our way at 08:00. Really good trip…only 4 and three quarter hours, helped by a quick 10 minute turn around in Voi. Just a few zebras in the Tsavo section.
I kept myself to myself but did my usual tours of meeting up with my friends.
1st to 3rd March.
2nd…Holili on the bike. Went to Immigration to ask re how to pay for a visa. I took the opportunity to go for Kiti moto. I got a different story re visa payment when I went back…oh well.
Otherwise it was normal life in Taveta over the weekend. Mainly watching football at Utamaduni. The bike was in good nick but I didn’t go anywhere.