I had been wanting to go to Mombasa since I arrived. The coast and the Indian Ocean was calling my name but I didn't think I was going to end up going there since no one wanted to go with me and the first thing people would say when I mentioned it wasn't, "Its so gorgeous," it was, "Watch out for all the prostitutes!" Just when I had given up I got the opportunity of the lifetime Rebecca had a training to go to in Mombasa and she invited me go along with her. Since my budgetary situation is not what it used to, to much time in the Masai Markets, Natasha even said she would pay for the hotel. After only a 45 minute plan ride, which included a close up look at the peak of Kilimanjaro, I landed in Mombasa. The air as soon as you walk off the plane feels completely different so humid and fresh a complete change from polluted Nairobi. I had to wait for Rebecca at the airport since my plane arrived early and I didn't want to pay for a taxi. We got to the hotel just in time for dinner and I went to my room and watched a little World Cup before heading to bed.
On my first day I decided to just spend some time relaxing at the hotel. After getting my nails done which took 2 1/2 hours for just a manicure and a pedicure (I hope that doesn't say anything about the state my nails were in) I headed to the beach with my book, If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. The book was so good but I kept on getting interrupted. A Nigerian guy asked me if we could be friends and take a picture of me, I answred with a resounding no! An Indian guy tried to talk to me in some language I didn't understand and finally walked away when he realized our conversation was going nowhere, people were offering to take my out on their boats and buy jewelry. Despite the distractions I finished my book and then went back to hang out with Martha who did my nails since Rebecca wasn't back yet from the training. When Rebecca came back we walked on the beach. The beach is so beautiful. The water was blue, the sand white and palm trees lined the beach, it looked like a postcard. After the walk we took a matatu to a shopping center for dinner, can you believe Rebecca never had quesadillas before?
On my second day I decided that I would be adventurous and go into town. I got directions from Martha and the front desk and headed out. It was surprisingly easily all I had to do was catch the matatu right in front of the hotel and take it straight into town and take a tuk-tuk straight to Fort Jesus. When I got to Fort Jesus, a fort the Portuguese built where slaves were transported and where they kept watch of the coast, it had started raining. By the time that my tour had just gotten under way it was pouring and I waited under the tree with my guide trying to wait it out. After the rain had been steadily getting worse we decided to make a run for it back to the museum. The museum was just okay it had a lot of artifacts that were left over from the Japanese and Chinese from trading but the best parts were the views and these drawing Portuguese soldiers did from 300 years ago. Being in the fort made me feel like I was in Cutthroat Island. I could just see Gina Davis saving Matthew Modine from pirates and running to their ship in the harbor. When the tour was over the guide asked me if I wanted a tour of Old Town and some of the other Mombasa sites. I said okay and we headed off. Old Town is really interesting with old buildings and winding, bustling streets. We walked around for like 40 minutes and he decided to take me to this nice restaurant so I could try some Swahili food for lunch. I sat down to eat and he asked if he could get some of the money for I said I would give him for the tour for lunch promising he would be back in 20 minutes. I didn't even give him all the money I said I would give him because I didn't want him to run off but after 35 minutes finishing my huge feast of rice and spiced vegetables I knew he wasn't coming back. I headed back to the street lost having no clue where I was but luckily a tuk-tuk came and took me where I could catch a matatu back to the hotel.
On my last day I had planned on going snorkeling with Martha in the morning but I woke up completely sick from the disgusting dinner I had eaten the night before at the hotel. So I had to cancel with Martha which I hated to do. I finally got up at 10 took a shower and called Martha to see if she wanted to go shopping instead. She said yes and we left. Our first stop was Bombalulu a workshop where handicapped people make different crafts. We got turned around and lost even though I got directions but luckily Martha was there to ask for directions. Bombalulu ended up being really nice they had a ton of stuff and everything was a super nice quality. I got a couple of things and we headed to Biashara St. On Biashara I read they had really beautiful fabrics. Every store had a huge selection of fabrics in every color imaginable. I felt like I was in a fabric wonderland, every kikois or kangas you could ever want was there. I was able to get a couple of really nice things and we headed back to take a swim in the ocean. It was already my last day and I hadnt gone in the Indian Ocean yet and that was the main reason that I wanted to go to Mombasa so I had to take a dip while I had the chance. It felt so nice in the water I couldn't believe it the sun was out and it wasnt nearly as cold as the Pacific. The water is was so salty it splashed in my mouth and tasted so gross and it burns your eyes when it get in them but not even the fact my eyes were constantly on fire could diminish how relaxing and fun it was. After a three hour swim I headed back to meet Rebecca for dinner. I was so sad that my stay in Mombasa was winding down I wish I could have stayed there for at least another week but next time I am in Kenya going back to Mombasa will be at the top of my list.
