Let’s go to the beach!

Remember when we used to put hobbies in CVs? Those were dark times. Traveling was always on my list but I hadn’t actually traveled much. So one of my goals this year was to explore. To get out of my comfort zone and just try. Hiking, painting, day trips, group trips and more so solo trips. December of last year I went on my first solo trip. It was my friend’s wedding in Arusha. It was so awkward at first, especially being in a different country, but I had fun at the end of it all. That’s when I made a pact with myself that I will do it even if I had to go solo. So when Gloria, a friend of mine suggested early this year that we plan an Easter trip to Mombasa, I said yes.

Day one

Almost missed my flight but got there barely ten minutes before boarding time. Fuck the Mombasa road jam because I had planned for it but I guess you can never predict what happens on Mombasa road. I loved that the Jambojet flight was on time and we landed with a few minutes to spare. The drive down to Bamburi, I couldn’t help but wonder how they settled on the blue and white color for the buildings. Is it because the beach is blue and the sands are white? I bet giving directions will be hard as they all look alike but I love the uniformity.

By the time we got to the house I was hungry as hell. How did that phrase come to be anyways? Is hell hungry for sinners or what? Anyways, by the time we were done freshening up we knew exactly where we wanted to go for dinner. Char-choma Restaurant.

Char-choma Restaurant

The photos don’t do Char-choma justice. You have to be there, to feel the breeze, see the view, smell the air and listen to the waves all at the same time. It’s very therapeutic. I needed that. Of course the little girl from Busia was a tad excited about the pork choma. If you are from my hometown you know we have the tastiest pork in the country. So it is with a heavy heart that I have to say this, Char-choma has one of the best pork chomas I’ve ever had. The hunger we had blinded us when we were picking the pork. We ordered so much that what was left was equal to what we had devoured. We carried the leftovers of course, for when the munchies hit. And what are those sauces? Damn. Just thinking about it right now is giving me some fomo. I will go back.

The night ended with some gin drinking in the house til late. The adventure was just beginning.

Day two

Have you ever used a compost toilet? Neither had I until this specific day.

I was woken up by my phone buzzing. Oh shit, we had overslept. We had planned to go snorkeling and board riding that morning but we had definitely missed our window. I’m one of those people when on vacation, I have beer for breakfast. Don’t judge, we are on vacation after all. Since there was no beer, a gin cocktail would suffice to jumpstart the system, you know.

When everyone was awake and freshened up we ate. The leftover pork came through with some ugali and the sauces. One drink led us to a road trip to kilifi. Our destination was Distant relatives.

Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers

Why ‘distant relatives’ you ask? They aim to provide an environment where you will feel at home. We come from far and wide, mingle and share tales. We in a sense become distant relatives. I felt so at home in that beautiful green space that is surrounded by a forest. They have a pool which I was so eager to jump in but the water took forever to fill up. It made me remember that ‘if a tap A is pouring at x speed and tap B at y speed into a tank of x square meter, how long will it take to fill it up?’ math equation. The best part about it is that it has a secluded beach.

I got a chance to try prawns, not what I had expected. If you are wondering why I’ve taken this long to eat prawns, I have a good answer. I didn’t think I’d love seafood, especially the raw ones. So I’ve always been skeptical on whether my palette will be receptive to seafood. Since this is the year of trying, maybe I will try sushi next. No, I don’t think so!

Backpackers’ beach

We were in search of a boat ride to view the sunset so we headed down through the forest to the creek. The path to the beach gave me ocha vibes, so peaceful. Birds chirping and the wave sounds create a beautiful rhythm. We didn’t get the boat since it was early for sunset so we walked back after a while.

The compost toilet

Have you ever used a compost toilet? I have. It was weird no lie but a great experience. All this is in support of the environment. The compost toilets reduce water consumption by 30% and they turn waste into something valuable such as manure. They also have solar charged bulbs that light the path to the beach and recycle glass bottles. They are used decoratively and functionally as bulb shades. I love that so much since I’m also for the environment. I loved the adventure.

Lichthaus bar

Still on our road trip vibe and chasing sunsets, the road led us to the place where sweet people reside. Wale Watamu (pun intended). We got to Lichthaus bar in Watamu just in time for the sunset vibes. I threw on that bikini, took a tot and went into the ocean. Oh boy, I had forgotten how salty that water is. Like all Lot’s wives in every universe were buried there, gadamn. I wasn’t gonna be stopped though so the water was my playground. I just lay on the water and just stared at the sky. That was my therapy session. You should have seen that sunset. The photos didn’t do it justice. The word is marvelous! That view is forever imprinted in my mind. When you see me staring into space that’s where I’ll be.

Day three

The day I’ve been waiting for. Let’s go to the beach baby! Diani called and we heeded the call. The plan was to go to Diani, enjoy the day, come back to Mombasa for a night out. Do you think we got it all done?

The Sands at Nomad Hotel

How beautiful is the Southern coast though? The water was so clear and blue that you could see the ocean floor if you tried. Let’s not forget how white that sand was. Wow! Breathtaking. We met Abdala the camel on our way to the glass floor boat. I don’t think my fear of height will ever get me to climb onto one. Maybe I did when I was a kid but this grown woman would never. Then again, never say never.

The glass boat ride was interesting and for a second there I wished we hadn’t missed the snorkeling trip. All was forgotten though when we got to the island. There I was at peace. My mind, body and soul were one. If it was up to me I’d relocate to Diani in a heartbeat. We were on the water for at least three hours and I was sad when the tide rose and we had to get back to the shore. Shout out to Sands at Nomad hotel for having paper straws. Environment friendly places are such a vibe and someone who doesn’t litter is so sexy. So be your brothers keeper and for the environment’s sake, DO NOT LITTER!

The lost voice

If you know me you know I can be loud. So imagine my loud self in the middle of the ocean, I’m even louder. The result of that is that I lost my voice. I appreciate you all who are good at charades, because those few hours without a voice were the worst.

We didn’t know how much energy was used in the water till we got back to Mombasa. I even slept on the ride back. We were so exhausted but not even that could stop us from testing mutura ya Pwani. I can’t remember where exactly the joint was but it was delicious. So delicious that I have decided to have mutura at my wedding afterparty.

We got to the house to freshen up for the night out but we ended up keeping the party indoors. Me being the last man standing stayed up all night watching ‘F for family’ on Netflix. If you are an adult-toon fan like I, check this out. I thanked God we didn’t go out cause we’d have slept in the club for sure. That would have been such a shame!

The finale

We went back to where it all began. Back to the beachfront view with the delicious grilled meat. Having our last supper, we didn’t overestimate our hunger this time round. The food was delicious as always and the view was still breathtaking. Just so you know how popular char-choma is, I stumbled upon an old friend. It was a lovely surprise for sure. To be honest, I couldn’t wait to get back home. I loved the mini vacation but the continuous sherehe had taken a toll on my body. Am I getting old? Is this how I’ll be feeling after a night out when I’m over 30?

Taking one last solo walk on the beach I made a pact with myself. To always try, even when I don’t feel like it. I also promised myself a solo trip to the land of sweet people after I buy a camera. Shots have to be taken, innit?