We're There!

Not sure at what point exactly it became the next day, all I know is this was one of the longest flights I’ve ever taken – absolutely FULL plane, although the service that Kenya Air provided was wonderful. The food from this flight was really better than what we were served on United.

We had an on-time arrival into Nairobi, but unfortunately, one of Kathy’s luggage was missing out of London Heathrow; we missed the connection to Mombasa and got there a little late. Seif Patwa – the organizer of the 1st Annual Tudor Creek Dragon Boat Regatta – and his staff were there to greet us in an air-conditioned bus (the heat is stifling in this part of the world!)

After about a 20 minute ride, we were at the Tudor Water Sports Creek Hotel – right on the water on Mombasa Island. Vanetta and Michael had already arrived; we had a short briefing and some lunch, and then Jerry, Joe, Anthony, MaryAnn and I helped out in doing an impromptu on-the-water dragon boat clinic for the kids of Tudor Creek. These are disadvantaged youth from the area and part of Seif’s plan is to help steer these kids away from drugs and crime by using dragon boat. I would say there were about 50 kids there – more than the 2 dragon boats could carry.

After meeting with Hassan and Joseph, their coach and team leader, we went through the basics of stroke mechanics, and did some drills: the helicopter, pause drill and then some race sets. These kids have so much energy . . . they will be a formidable team to beat once they get everything down!

We spent about 2 hours with them, and then headed back to our rooms for a much-needed shower and some rest. The meals here are very good – mostly Indian influence (Chicken or Fish Tika, variations of Marsala dishes) – I found that the Marsala Tea is something I would really like to take home with me – it’s almost like a Chai tea, but sweeter and spicier. Our server, Michael took good care of us!

Finally, back to our room to stretch out and SLEEP!