Royal Court Hotel Mombasa

<br><br>Kenya<br><br><br><br><br>01/11/ 09<br><br><br><br><br>Segera Twiga lodge Mombasa<br><br><br><br><br>220 ks <br><br><br><br><br>The boarder crossing was the easiest yet. No people, we rode out in a hour. <br><br>The highlight today was the riding and Omar marrying me to 4 local woman ...

Ok, so we typed out another in detail entry of what we got up to last week, but lost it in a computer mishap - so briefly we feel we should mention...<br> Weather - very hot with the occasional torrential downpour. We had rivers in the street on Friday following near sunstroke on Thursday! Blinking hot in Mombasa today it is too - but we're still pretty much the same colour as when we left! <br> Kids - the local kids near our house are still very excited to see us all the time ...

... for something like forty years now and was a really impressive example of a small charity doing a lot of good. Most of the workers lived in nice housing on-site and there was even a small school funded by the project. We also went into town to Biashara Street which is a bustling street full of small shops and stalls selling all manner of goods. It was good fun to wander around although we didn&#8217;t stay for long before heading on to Soraya&#8217;s relatives for tea.

... around the outskirts of all of these commercial hotel complexes. For me, I guess when I first explored the possibility of volunteering options in Africa or India I understood that there would be areas in Kenya and other neighboring countries where poverty still existed, let's face it we all witness this at least once or twice every year when Red Nose Day or Children in Need comes to our TVs; and from time to time we watch in horror as pictures ...

... coming to Kenya has gone down a treat; in fact another chapter or sequel would be a blessing for me as I'm running out of stories aimed at 5 year olds! Lastly, for now, work continues at Mtwapa Creek Cottages, I'm now finishing off the menus and taking them to the print shop to be laminated later this week, they look good I think and I've certainly challenged my own creative strengths with the help of many pictures and references on the internet. Daily chores ...

... host family!!But we will get to see them all on Monday - when all the hard work begins. No more sipping cocktails, and there have been a few, by the pool, no more three course buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no more hot water, double beds (that each boys.....). But we have managed to get sun burnt today, even though we had factor 40 - in our bags and not on our skin. The people here are so lovely and intelligent ...

... to describe it. But it was definitely one of my favorite moments of life. We returned to Nairobi yesterday, after a really GREAT bus ride which is note worthy in itself. Because I was beginning to think that I was never going to ride the bus by myself because it was too intense. But it was very confidence building to realize that I could manage the bus system here if I just pay a little more. And I'm telling you this bus was so ...

... him, and I really hope these kids find good homes. It's such an unfortunate situation. This foundation is really doing a great thing here...if any of you reading this are interested in donating to their cause, please let me know. I'd be happy to send you more information. In the mornings I took the matatu to the elderly home. The disappointing thing about the nursing home was that I didn't speak Swahili because everyone there was interesting ...

... town was pretty decrepit. But since it is the only place in Mombasa that busloads of tourists visit, it was brimming with "unofficial guides", enthusiastic shopkeepers, and touts eager to steer you into their restaurant. Needless to say, we got out fast! The other parts of the city were delightfully hassle-free. People were friendly and we felt very comfortable. So tomorrow morning we are off to Zanzibar for a week. We'll certainly be able to get at least one update out from there.