Oct 1st. We left Frangipani at a good time and stopped at Rongai in Ukunda for a tea/ very light bfast. Caught the matatu to the Likoni ferry…a quicker journey than when leaving Likoni. We walked straight onto the ferry and almost straight into a tuk tuk at the other end to take us to Jundan hotel. Mark wanted to break the journey in Mombasa before going on to Taveta. That was fine with me as I didn’t need the extra day in Taveta. Much nicer room than Hermes, which invl a/c…and costing 2,200 excl breakfast. We didn’t do much…had a drink at Fantasy, dinner at Jundan and a night cap on Mark’s balcony facing Hermes.
Oct 2nd. B’fast started a bit late at the hotel so we went early to mwembe tayari. Fare to taveta was still 800. Had to wait a while before setting off and we didn’t arrive in taveta until around 3pm. Steady uneventful journey, and hardly any wild animals en route. I took Mark straight to Challa hotel and after he checked in we went across the road to Mwangaza for a delicious kiti moto. I took my rucksack to my room and later we had drinks in the hotel garden.
Oct 3rd. I introduced Mark to Mercy and as many of my friends as possible whilst we walked around town. We went to Rockland and had drinks in the hotel garden again. We had a tea and snack at one of the restaurants facing the matatu stage…and I can’t remember what else we did. I think an evening snack at Challa hotel as well. At least Mark enjoyed Taveta.
Oct 4th. Said goodbye to Mark as he caught a 9am boda to take him across the TZ border at Holili. I booked my Naekana to Mombasa for the following day. I packed for England; I saw Mercy; I hung out with Joseph….a chill day for my last day in taveta for a while.
Oct 5th to 7th. No hurry, so was on the 10am to Mombasa. Saw lots of giraffe and zebras crossing the main road. I think we arrived at about 3 and I went straight to the hotel. I knew I was going to try somewhere different and I checked into the WhitenSun. Very central…off Digo Road and parallel with Moi Ave. A small room but comfortable…incl a TV that had more than one channel. Cost incl breakfast was 2,000. The restaurant area and bar was huge on the top floor. In fact the very top floor was rather filthy because it was open to the elements and birds, but a good vantage point to take pics of the mombasa skyline.
I didn’t do an awful lot. Had teas at places I frequent…like Queens Cafe and Love Joy. Saved money by having street food rather than eating in restaurants. Went for one drink at the bar I discovered with Mark, behind the Castle hotel. Of course I had to visit Fantasy and the slightly cheaper bar next door. One useful thing I did was to go to the local hospital and get myself a new yellow fever vaccine card. Have still got my original one but it’s falling apart. Only had to pay 500ksh and the whole process from leaving the hotel only took 30 mins. I had my usual walk down to Fort Jesus. I think the new football pitch is finished. Actually it’s maybe a hockey pitch.
So the 7th arrived. My last day. My final drinks at Fantasy. Was supposed to see Mafsud but he was too busy. Taxi to the airport. Only 700. Very easy check in. That was it. Ethiopian via Addis. Comfortable flight. Over 5 hours stopover at Bole Intl. But plane seemed to arrive Heathrow on time. 5 days in England then flying to NZ.