Kenyan Independence Day

I woke up bright and early about 4AM (just like back home!) The last of our crew, Lisa and Mike had arrived late last night (also after losing a piece of luggage and missing the connecting flight to Mombasa). Today is Kenya Independence Day, so a lot of people come out to Mombasa on holiday for some R&R. Seif mentioned that it is celebrated by the president of Kenya making speeches and then other leaders of the different districts making their own speeches to the people. No barbecues and fireworks like we have at home.

After breakfast, we loaded on to our air-conditioned bus for a trip to Ujamba Marketplace where local artisans sell their crafts. Picked up some very nice wooden salad utensils. Jerry bought a backgammon set made out of soapstone. We also paid a visit to Dr. Lee’s house (he will be sponsoring a dinner for us on the evening of the 13th. He works as a distributor for bottled water here in Mombasa.

We visited Haller Park – a former limestone quarry that the Kenyans have turned into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. The highlight for me was being able to get “up close and personal” with the Rothschild giraffes (the ones with the “white knee socks”).

After Haler Park, we took lunch at the lovely northern shore of Mombasa Island (overlooking the Indian Ocean) at a restaurant called Il Covo – It billed itself as a “sushi teriyaki” place, but also served pizza and pasta. It sits right on the beach with parasailing, boating, and other water sports taking place nearby.

Afterwards, a stop at what we think is the Kenyan version of Walmart: the Nyali Nakumatt. I was able to find supplies of my new-found favorite tea – Masala Tea and tons of postcards for people back home.