Last week I had the fortunate experience of taking a five day trip to Lamu, a spectacular island near the Somalian border. After a grueling 17 hour bus ride we finally arrived at our much anticipated destination. After sweating profusely for over 8 hours and having not taken a bath for two days, we headed straight for the shower at our wonderfully quaint hostel, conveniently located not far from the beachfront.
Despite the trash-lined shores, excessive donkey excrement, and questionable smells that seemed to fill our nostrils at any given moment, Lamu was well worth the travel. Once you step off the boat you feel as if you have entered a different time period, for cars are a thing of the future, hundreds of ancient houses and buildings line the narrow alleys, mosques are scattered haphazardly around town, and donkeys are EVERYWHERE. The people of Lamu are overtly friendly, to say the least; and although at times it can get a little tiresome to acknowledge every person that crosses our path, I can’t help but appreciate their curiosity and willingness to please foreigners (or persistence to earn a few extra shillings). Although the people of Lamu rely greatly on tourism, there were not very many “muzungus” (meaning white people, and a name shouted at us everywhere we go) around the island, which made for a nice, cultural experience. Primarily a Muslim community, most women are covered from head to toe and prayers are heard over intercom systems throughout the island 5 times a day. And although a small island we found ourselves with plenty of adventures to occupy our time, this including a donkey ride to Matondoni (nearby village), sunset dhow trip, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, kayaking and snorkeling (I am waiting to do that with Chaning), shopping in the many local craft shops, and of course just enjoying the relaxation of being on an island again. Anyone visiting Kenya for more than a week should not pass up the chance to visit this magical place. I hope to make my way back before I leave in July.
So, I am now back at the camp, trying to get back into the groove of building. I also have high hopes for the upcoming weeks, for I am trying to organize informal English classes that I can teach for the children at the camp who do not have the means to go to school. Patience has proven to be a necessary trait to have here in Kenya, so I am crossing my fingers that this little project of mine gets rolling soon. I will keep everyone posted!
Lastly, here are a few things I have planned for the upcoming months:
1. I will be a bridesmaid in a Maasai wedding at the end of April 
)
2. Rainy season starts soon, which wouldn’t normally excite me, but we have no water supply at the camp and I need to bathe!
3. And saving the best for last, Chaning and his family are visiting in June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully pictures of Lamu soon!
A bridesmaid…cute!
You’re going to have to post pictures of the wedding!