When I'm back home, my number one place is the beach. Every once in a while, I go there to walk, swim or just goof around with friends. On hot sunny days, this is the only place to be.
There are very many beaches in Mombasa; the public beach being the most commonly frequented. Don't know why they call it 'public' since all beaches are essentially public. But with the corrupt system of some of our laws, some people think they own some of the beaches. Especially these big villas owned by foreigners. Thank God for the 'new' Constitution, they've now been put in their place!
I don't go to the public beach. It's dirty and has many ummm... riff-raffs. At night, it takes on a whole different look as I was shown by @tajaid and @sahlaan. It becomes a meet up point where guys come in their cars, chew miraa and smoke sheesha. I admit I was a bit put off by this, though I did not admit it to the above mentioned despite their numerous queries on the same most likely brought on by the scowl that was on my face the entire time... I tried to hide it though, I really did. But I guess once you're taken out of your comfort zone... I'll go back and give it a second try though.
The beaches I go to are usually those that big hotels are close to. They are cleaner and less densely populated than the public beach. You might be asking yourself why I'd rather spend lots of money in these 4-5 star hotels just to gain access to the beach. Answer; I don't have to. Others discovered the beauty of such like beaches and as a result created some 'panya routes' to access them. This is not trespass. The beach belongs to all of us and we'll get to it by any means possible.
Nyali International Hotel is the hotel close to my favorite beach. I especially like it during low season. Less skimpily clad tourists and those sporty ones who take windsurfing lessons and clumsy with the kite thingy!!! Those ones are the most annoying!
The few fishermen around are polite. All minding their business. No beach boys unless it's during high season. Also less riff-raffs. This equals to having a nice quiet time to myself to think and just appreciate God's wonder. That's usually when I'm there alone. Recently held a surprise birthday party for a friend there. Fun times. You may also want to try beach rugby!!! So much fun that will result in sand all over your hair and in your eyes! Beach football/volleyball is so 5 minutes ago.
But the best beach ever is at Sand Island in Diani. Takes your breathe away!
This is where I had my first snorkeling experience. The water was so clear! So many colorful and beautiful fish. Plus I could easily avoid the urchins. Yes, your number one enemy at the beach.
I'd love to go back to Sand Island. You should too. The cottages are quite inexpensive and comfortable. While you're there, take a day off the beach to go to the Mwalughanje Elephant Sanctuary in Kwale. Last time I was there, our tour van was chased by a huge male elephant! My God! The adrenaline rush!!! I know it could have ended badly for us that's why I will advise you to have an experienced tour driver like ours. His name is Hemed. I envy his occupation.
Such amazing memories!
Remember to always keep the beach clean, that's your responsibility.
It's 1154hrs, still watching/listening to CNN.
Masha
(pictures courtesy of sandislandbeach.com. Apologies for the pics not being large enough. Zooming them would result in their distortion)
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