We heard those lions during the night so let’s go and find a few.As soon as we arrive at the dead elephant we can make out a couple of shapes right next to it.Yes, it’s our lions.Close by we spot 4, no 5 lions and now 2 cubs tucking into breakfast.There’s also a group of black-backed jackal hanging around and waiting for the cats to leave so that they can jump in.
Leaving them behind we slowly make our way out of the park, stopping to view a couple of hippo in the dam en route.At the exit gate a couple of policemen are looking for a lift back to Malindi.So they pile into the van but just as we are about to set off their colleagues turn up for them in a truck.Shame, it would have been handy to have them around should the van get stuck.Those clouds look very threatening and if the roads don’t hold that will spell disaster for us as we will have to turn around, pay extra park fees and drive back the long way round along the treacherous Mombasa highway, yuck.We’d be lucky to arrive home before nightfall.
Luckily the road isn’t too bad and the police truck stays close to us long enough to make sure we clear the worst parts.We’re now back at Turtle Bay and hear that there’s been a lot of rain here so we really had a narrow escape. 8th June Sad today, mum and dad are going home, boo hoo.Having said our goodbyes, we pop into Mangi’s school, Sonneti Academy.When we turn up lunch hour is just coming to a close and the playground is filled with children.One boy comes up to us and says “Do you remember me?”I look down and realise that it’s the same boy who gave me the gift of a bracelet in the local kuku choma (barbecued chicken) shack a few weeks ago.It’s great to see him and to know that he’s getting a decent education. Mangi isn’t there but it’s nice to meet the headmaster, Mr Sammy.We’ll come back tomorrow and hopefully also be able see Japhet, our protegee. We also pop into Mwamba, the field study centre where ASSETS is, to touch base.We’ve been out of the swing of things over the last few weeks and it will be good to be working again, honest.
Impala harem
Lions feeding on elephant carcass
9th June Back at Sonneti school, Mangi is here and Japhet has just walked through the door.It’s quite emotional to see him again.His results are brilliant, he has the second highest score in the whole school, just being beaten by his brother, Julius.We’re very proud of him.We’ll return next week to get them new uniforms and to spend some time together.The boys are orphans and I think that this creates a special bond between us. Agy has dropped me off at Janet’s school, Silverstone Academy, just down the road.Mangi has lent them a lot of support and encouragement in developing this new establishment.It’s great to see the cooperation between them.When I arrive the children are enjoying their porridge.It certainly motivates them to get out of bed in the morning.I’m assisting a French lesson with teacher, Alain.It’s a miracle what he’s achieved with these children, of mixed ages, over the last 4 weeks.This morning they’re learning to tell the time and they’re so eager to learn.When I ask them a question, their hands shoot up in desperation to be picked to respond.It’s a great privilege.
Tonight is the unofficial opening of the new bar and disco at TurtleBay.They have an impromptu cocktail party to celebrate.All of that hard work has paid off, it’s looking great – congratulations.
canoe bar,turtlebay beach club
canoe bar barmen
10th June
Now, you know that I love writing this diary, don’t you?The only thing I find really frustrating is attaching it to email to you.We have spent over an hour waiting for the file to be sent, only to find out that there was a problem and it was unable to be attached.Grrrrrrr, why couldn’t it have told us that in the first place!Oh well, let’s have some lunch and then carry on tinkering around with it.Finally, it’s 6.00 p.m. and we’ve managed to solve the problem so you’ll be receiving it tomorrow.
Back in the new bar and we’re sitting at our old favourite spot on the veranda, watching the moonlight over the sea, best light show in the world.
11th June
Success!The newsletter is on its way to you so I think that we’ve earned ourselves a lazy day on the beach.There were some heavy showers during the night and again this morning but it’s brightened up now and quite hot.Maybe this time I’ll beat Agy at table tennis …….. nope, lost again.
We’re popping over the road for a drink to Bustani ya Eden bar.Everyone has world cup fever at the moment so we can hear wall-to-wall football and people crowd around the few TVs available.We enjoy a drink and a laugh with some new friends from TurtleBay.
canoe bar
external canoe bar shot
12th June
We have a meeting up at Mwamba to discuss progress on the boardwalk.As we arrive, an exercise in bird ringing and releasing is taking place.I’m handed the most beautiful pygmy kingfisher.It sits on the palm of my hand for a few seconds then flutters its wings and is free.I wish I’d have brought the camera along to show you this gorgeous little birdie. We’re just sitting in reception and notice that there’s an air of expectation about the place.Conferences a regular events here so we don’t take too much notice of the people in suits.This meeting is a bit different, however, because the Prime Minister of Somalia, currently living in exile in Kenya, has just arrived.That’s quite exciting for sleepy Watamu. What a laugh we’re having this evening, our new mates (no, not the Somali government) will be leaving tomorrow so we’re having a final few drinks with them.Gary has a wicked sense of humour and has just requested the song “Wim away”.As soon as it begins he grabs a stool, sprawls across it face downwards and simulates swimming with a goofy grin on his face.It’s hysterical – we’re going to miss you guys, come back soon. 13th June
Busy, busy this morning.Agy’s over at Mida Creek, bonding with the boys.He’s taken with him Gavin, a young man who’s waiting for a couple of vehicles to be imported from Mombasa.He’s normally based in Kampala and organising African experience holidays for schools in the UK.It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience African life.
Archibalds place ,Timboni
14th June
I’m back at Janet’s school this morning, teaching rusty French.They’re learning the days of the week.Hopefully, in exchange, they can teach me Swahili.It’s great fun but I’m having terrible trouble remembering the children’s names.They’re very patient with me.
We’re about to visit the family of Archibald, one of the lads working at TurtleBay.He guides us up a very narrow road where we are shoulder-to-shoulder with palm trees.We’re sitting on the porch drinking fresh coconut milk and chatting away as the children arrive home from school.It’s very pleasant.
15th June We’re awakened by loud cries.At first I think it’s a child but Agy stands on the toilet seat to peer through the bathroom window and discovers a flock of African Grey Hornbill.I rush to the balcony armed with camera but they see me first so no photo I’m afraid.A few minutes later we hear a familiar rustling of trees and know that the monkeys are out on manoeuvre.A few of my items of clothing have gone missing lately and I’ve a strong suspicion I know where, although I haven’t actually seen any of them modelling my underwear.
Talking of clothes, we’re taking Japhet and his brother Julius for their school uniforms.They’re going to look so smart.All of that shopping gives us an appetite so we pop up to Mida Creek.It’s the first time for the boys and, by coincidence, they were learning about mangroves during their lessons this morning.Time is short and they need to get back to school for more mid-term exams.Next week they will have a few days off so we can go back to the Creek then.
