Wednesday, February 16, 2011

This is coral town

Hard to describe the morning at the coral castle " yumba guest house" up at 6 grabbed the gear and out the door.
Had to take a few videos so you would understand. It could be a mix of a ancient village in Greece and a small coastal town in turkey mixed. For those of you that are political.. Tough ;). That is what it looks like.
There is a labyrinth of alleys and turns. Make sure to make a mark in your head or forget finding your way back. The mornings are always the best time to experience the country it's slightly cooler but only slightly. The beach boys the local touts that want to sell you a trip, be your tour guide, or anything as long as they can make a commission. It can be tiring but if you politely say you want to be alone they shake your hand and let you go till the next one approaches. This is the slower season which is a blessing and a curse. That means just at many touts and half the tourist. Jambo and hello you hear all day long. Lamu is the friendliest place in Kenya so far.



The main street in Lamu town



Yumbe guest house 1500 ksh per night including breakfast. I will move to an upper room today with more of a breeze.It's is a coral castle with a lovely inner court yard the staff are nice and breakfast is included. Up stairs are the rooms and two sitting areas they call them relaxing places even have two small beds for afternoon naps. The breakfast was simple but nice. I would suggest staying here on your next visit is you are a couple or single traveller. The wildebeest is the other suggestion. I did tour the guest house but the only room they had was three floors and could sleep 6 people so the rate was 2500 ksh per night way more than I need. the open air no walls thing is lovey to. The breeze at night is a must as it goes down to 25 at night with the humidity is a sweaty sleep Well after a 2 nd night I woke with bites to my upper thighs and lower back. Damn bed bugs. I was aware they were here but hoped I would not encounter them.
When I get home I will have to wash my cloths in hot water and wrap my my pack etc. So far this has been the only annoyance. In the whole scheme of things it's not a big deal just itchy.
Hell it's only a bug. I have to say they could really use a good maintenance person in Kenya. Most of the places I have stayed in have many broken items. Lights , taps, water not working, electrical out, toilets broken. The room I am in now the sink broke off from the wall the the shower head fell off on my head when I had a shower. Due to what I do for a living I am surprisingly not at all concerned Hakuna Matata is the word of the day. No worries
If I got upset about the little things I would forget to enjoy all the wonderful things. And there are so many wonderful things! Oh yes am now waiting for the banks to open as the machines here do not take my bank card. So I officially have 54 ksh and I still owe a night at the hotel and the snorkeling trip is 2000 ksh. It's a mad dash to the bank and then hop on the boat for a day of fishing and snorkeling. Holding off on the diving till Zanzibar.


Palm leaves for Homes keeps the rain out and holds back the heat.




Traditional boat made on the island. With maintenance they can last up to 30 years.


Fruit stand


Fish Market





The islands largest mosque





Sunday market the colors never get old.


A man making a headboard by hand.


There is only one car on the whole island so you may have guessed this is the cab company


My little followers . Steve and we got a bag of sweets and handed them to all the children as we wandered through the village


Sorry I am really starting to like the donkeys. Expect a calendar for when I get home. "The asses of Lamu". Catchy eh!




Late! Running to the boat does not mean I cannot get a shot of the local grain trucks.

YouTube Video

Locals fisherman dividing the catch

YouTube Video


Location:Lamu Kenya Yumbe guest house.

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