the way things go

Marc was unable to pick me up at the airport but sent to rather nice gents to collect me. They showed me a delightful weekend around Nairobi and then on Tuesday I set out to see the elusive Marc Goss. It was like hunting a white rhino (four left in the world). I went with Marcus and Kuzi in a old military land rover that is lovingly referred to as A my on an eight our drive to a place called Tiata. This is where marc has been spending the better part of his time planting trees and hunting poachers. We stayed the night there and then headed to the coast... first stop Malindi. Kuzi is a DJ and had a gig at a huge beach bar that was pretty phenomenal. at about 445am I finally got to sleep to be promptly awoken at 6am by Marc, Marcus and Kuzi on a mission for Lamu. They got me in the car and set out by 630...i think i refused to talk to them for about two and a half hours. But all was forgotten when we arrived at Lamu and I set my eyes on one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The water and the scenery are perfect. Small towns snugged in sand dunes on crystal blue beaches. The first night we were taken to a birthday party at the most expensive house on the island...It was enormous, beautiful and very African in design. Lots of good music, alcohol and company. There was also a big wedding going on in the town so we got to experience the foods and rituals of that, it lasted about four days. The town loses power most nights for several hours and I don't think i saw one tv the entire time I was there. There is only one car on the entier island and that is the ambulance; otherwise all travel is by foot or donkey. Water is either bottled or supplied through desalinization.

The town is a mix of European tourists and quite Muslim community. I ate samosas and chai everyday and sat on the beach to watch the sun set. The archipelago is only about 60 miles from Somalia and thrives on fishing. Somewhere in the mix of enjoying paradise i was informed of news that should have shattered me....

I left my main bag, with most everything (literally) in Nairobi...with a friend. His house was robbed and everything is gone. After moments of being upset I embraced my misfortune and was relieved that I had my good camera with me. Everything was lost but replaceable and hell, at least the worry of it all being stolen is gone now because, well shit, it has already happened. It did not ruin my stay in Lamu, tried to have even more fun, out of spite. And took some amazing pictures. Which I will try to put up before I head out.

I am back in Nairobi now. Went to some good jazz last night at this place called Carnivore...I know fitting for me. And am now just about done replacing what I need to before I head out. Kelsey and Malia get in tomorrow night and some friends are heading out on Saturday so we should have a good weekend before we head out. I will try to get pictures up from Lamu and travels before we leave Nairobi.

I am still full of a lust for adventure, a love for Africa and the determination to seize it all!

written by  crAsh13 on August 22, 2007 from Nairobi, Kenya
from the travel blog: East Africa in 2007
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