Friday 6th. Had breakfast then a short walk to the stage for the matatu to Nyali. Had a front seat. A lot of rain and the newly being built road was very muddy. Slow trip. Coffee in Java before walking to Bustani. My room changed from 42 on 1st floor to 72 on 3rd floor. Better room, quieter,balcony. TV wasn’t working and not fixed until the next day. Walked back into Nyali shopping centre and in particular Naivas for food shopping. I got drenched; clear blue skies and sunshine when I left, so I didn’t take my umbrella. Purchased a piece of sirloin steak and beef sausages. Bought some vegs from the local stalls. Back to Bustani to store the shopping.
Heard that Afnan who I used to chat with in Java , had moved to a new job at The Reef Hotel. My mission was to find her, which I did. She bought me a beer, and I went down to the Moonshine bar for another. Was surprised at the prices; I thought tourist hotel prices were much higher, but a beer was 300ksh compared with 350ksh at Maasai Beach bar next door. Back to my room to cook the steak with fried vegs and spaghetti. TV was fixed.
Sat 7th. My little routine of mama Siti for breakfast and Java for a coffee. But I also bought a delicious pawpaw from a lady carrying her basket on her head. Discovered that Calabash Gardens was to become a school. The bar area had already been knocked down. Well, they weren’t in business for very long..maybe 6 months. Glad that at least I got to stay there once..back in April. Sat to loud music at Moonshine to watch the English football. Had sausages and spaghetti for dinner.
Sunday 8th. I walked to Pirates, although it will have to change its name as the original Pirates restaurant and bar has been knocked down and construction of a new building is underway. On the way there I had a quick video chat with Gabriella as I was walking passed Splendid View …the Indian restaurant we frequented as a family when staying at Glory Villas over 20 years ago.
Sat on the beach then went to see Thomas at his banda just around the corner. He’s had bit parts in a few Happy Valley films. The river bed near his banda, which is normally dry, actually had water in it due to heavy rains. But what was interesting was that the heavy rains affected Haller Park as well and a number of very small baby crocs were washed away into the river towards where Thomas and his banda are. I think he said there were 3 or 4 of them feasting on birds and large crabs and growing in size. I don’t know how long before they’re big enough to feast on humans..!!!
Busy noisy main road back to Nyali shopping centre. Didn’t hear the motorbike coming from behind. Passenger went to snatch my phone which was in my shirt pocket. He got his hand on it but the pocket is slightly smaller than normal and the phone fit quite tightly in it, and the attempted robbery failed. He gave me a long hard stare as they drove off and I just swore at them. I was shaken but really thankful to get away with it. Perhaps I’ve become a bit complacent; shall be more cautious in future.
I watched a Premier league Football match first at Moonshine bar to a live band. I liked visiting the Reef as it covered a huge area and was very relaxing. Then after 6 pm I went next door to Maasai Beach bar for the next Premier league match and listened to another live band. It was the first time to see this particular band; 2 harmonious lady vocalists but their sound system let them down a bit. So, a good afternoon and evening after what could’ve been a disastrous late morning. Had the last of the sausages for dinner.
Mon 9th. Usual mama Siti breakfast. Drew out cash to last my remaining week in Kenya. Bought a new tube of sun tan lotion from Carrefour. Paid Mwangi for my last night in Bustani. The apartment was costing 2,500ksh (£14) per day this time. Imperative that I stopped off at Rubis for a beer, as that was where I always went with Dad in the days when it was Kenol. Best prices in Nyali.
Overall a very good stay in Nyali. Only blight was the scare/shock of nearly having my phone stolen. I spent a bit of time every day at the beach without venturing as far down the beach as I normally do. I paid 3 visits to the Nest; they remembered me from last April when I took part in their promotion to drink 5 Balozis to win/claim a Balozi t-shirt..!!!
Next stop Mombasa city.