A Kenyan Dream
24 Jan
Pole Pole ndio mwendo – Kenyan Proverb
“Slowly slowly is speed” could not explain one particular Kenyan trait in any better better way…take your time, there’s no need to rush.
After almost 4 years ( and the beginning of this blog) I finally had the opportunity to travel back to a special place where I left a little peace of my heart. The timing was a little strange on this occasion, while most of Europe was fighting with horrible snow storms and really cold temperatures I boarded my plane to Mombasa the evening of the 28th December. How surreal, when 9 hours later we stepped off the plane to scorching 35C, sun and blue skies! I could not have wished for more, and already when walking across the airfield I somehow felt like I was back…home, in a certain way.
Mombasa airport is not particularly big, hence why one knows a few tricks to get through the controls a little quicker – that doesn’t however mean you’ll be out quickly! Remember Pole Pole? It is a recurring theme throughout this journey and somehow forces you ( at first it is a little frustrating, but a few days you discover yourself doing exactly the same thing). 1 1/2 hours after my arrival I finally made it through customs “ What is in your suitcase? Clothing, just for you???” my driver was expecting me and we undertook the one journey I so vividly remember from my last visit, for being really dark & scary. What a difference the daylight makes!
120km northeast of Mombasa means approximately 1 1/2 hours drive, depending on the traffic, the markets, the people, the animals and whatever else may be crossing the road.
I have been dreaming about the African colors for too many years, and here they were: bright red sand on the sides of the road, the rich green Baobabs as far as your eyes can see, the bright blue sky in contrast, the colorful traditional dresses of the women, the reddish water when crossing the bridge by Kalifi, the crazy motifs on the local buses….and it goes on and on and on. I have to admit, the warmer climate was definitely helping as well.
Malindi hasn’t changed too much over the last years, a new Post Office ( there used to be a bus stop there), a few newly built houses but still same ol’ messy traffic, bikes, tuc-tucs. Wonderful. After a few hours sleep it was definitely “time to face the music” and meet old and new friends, explore the wonderful Kenyan coast and make the most of this wonderful holiday. So, here we were : 4 Blondes on a mission 
The wonderful beaches in Che Shale, Watamu, the emerging islands of Mayungo and even Lamu…nothing was safe this time!
Che Shale
Watamu
Mayungo
Just a few impressions of one stunning day after the other, and yes… I had to put up with being the “pale” one for most of the holiday. Anyways, the most amazing part is probably our trip to Lamu, an island approx 30 minutes flight from Malindi which could not be any more different and beautiful at the same time. The beaches are absolutely endless… But, first things comes first.
After a wonderful New Year’s Eve including the traditional jump into the swimming pool the Four Blondes were on their way to Lamu. After a short flight we landed at Manda Air Strip and were picked up to be taken to our accommodation for the next two nights – the Peponi Hotel in Shale, located right on Lamu island and approx 30 minutes by boat from the air strip. Lamu is wonderful, and since 2001 been classified as a world heritage site to preserve the oldest inhabited Swahili settlement south of the Sahara. Shale, were the Peponi is located, is 2 miles away from Lamu and has one of the most wonderful beaches I have ever seen. The narrow streets are characterized by coral-decorated high-built houses and is definitely more touristic than Lamu. Two days were definitely not enough to fully enjoy this wonderful place, but we managed to squeeze a few things in: an extensive walk to Lamu, an aperitivo on the Floating Bar in front of Shale, the negotiations with the local boat owners ( with the most random names ever…), the party in Manda ( across to the other island) with some really random people but the coolest music ever, countless drinks on the veranda of the Peponi…
Shale
Lamu
Let me share a few more random impressions with you that characterized this wonderful holiday from the first to the last day. A big thank you goes to Barbara, Bene & Vale for being part of the Blondies Group and making every single moment memorable and unique. And of course to all the other special characters I had the honour of meeting again or for the first time: Toti & Veru ( and the little ones), Tata Patty who is like a second mom to me, Claudio who never appears to either sleep or eat but is adorable at all times, the girls young at heart who taught us that life never gets boring, Freddie and his infinite imagination, Jaguaretti who always knows how to treat the ladies ( with a freshly made chocolate souffle’!), Pippo and his wonderful melodies, and the list goes on and on and on. Thank you all.
We will be back!
Tine
