We’re nearly at the gate now and stop for a picnic at Sobo rock, with a good view of the river below.We see so many hippo, more than ever. A snake is slithering across the road in front of us, too quick to photograph but it looks like a grass snake.Back to civilisation in Malindi now and this time the journey was a lot quicker.The road has been regraded since Saturday so it’s much more pleasant.Maybe they heard Bart’s comment.
back in downtown Malindi
19th July Confession time.You know I told you that the monkeys had been stealing my smalls?Agy’s just found them in the back of the bus (not the monkeys).I’d forgotten that on safari the back rail of the van acts as our clothes line, they must have slipped down at some stage.Sorry for the false accusation boys. Agy’s back at the Creek and I’m sorting out the diary.Hear that the snake farm is here to catch a slitherer found up a tree by the beach.I rush down with the camera but when I arrive the excitement is over and they decide to leave the snake where it belongs as it’s quite harmless. Our last night with Bart and co. (aah) in the pizza restaurant.We have a great evening and a jolly good laugh.
20th July
We’re taking the family to Malindi airport but the flight has been delayed so pop into Janet’s school (Silverstone Academy) and SonnetiAcademy. We haven’t been able to visit them lately and it’s great to see everyone again, we’ve really missed them.Veerle and Margot are treated to a few songs in French at Silverstone, then Julius takes them all on a mini-tour of the school at Sonneti.
Veerle and Margot at Silverstone academy
Sonneti academy,watamu
We arrive at the airport and their plane has not yet left Nairobi.We hear that it was sent to Kisumu following a technical problem so it now looks likely that they will be transported by bus to Mombasa, as the flight will be cancelled.This is not good news and they’re a bit anxious about catching their connecting flight from Nairobi to Brussels tonight.Unfortunately, Agy and I have to leave for Mida Creek but as we do, Alex from Kenya Airways runs over to tell us that the plane will be coming to Malindi after all, phew what a relief.
On our way to Mida Creek now, just past Gede and one of the guys working on the boardwalk flags us down, we were due to meet him over there.He has terrible news, he’s learned that his 12 year-old sister in Mombasa has just died of malaria.Death is very much a part of life over here and pretty distressing.How the people cope and carry on the way they do amazes us.It may partly explain why they rarely look ahead to the future.
21st July
Lazy day on the beach.We take our usual walk up to wishing rock, have a spot of lunch and now a swim in the pool.While we’re swimming a couple of helicopters are circling overhead.They head for and circle around the hotel next door - think Bill Gates is back in town.
Off boogying tonight to Ocean Sports Disco with DJ Babs (a bloke).Will let you know how we get on.By the way, keep your fingers crossed for us for tomorrow afternoon, we’re due to go birdwatching over the Sabaki river so I expect there will be a deluge tonight.
sophie getting on down
when a road is not a road
sabaki river estuary,nr malindi
sabaki river and coast with pelicans
23rd July
Well, last night up at Ocean Sports was great fun.There was a good crowd in of all age groups, and as you can see, young Sophie was in a party mood and letting it all hang out
WE ARE GOING BIRDWATCHING, yes yes yes!!!The weather’s quite fine, just picked up Jonathan to guide us and we’re on our way to the Sabaki river.Turned off the main road now and don’t know how we’re going to get up this dried-up mud ravine.Oops, just got stuck and Agy’s decided it’s time to replace those rear tyres. Well, we’re here, I think.It was very much worth the effort as we’re now on the river estuary looking across at flamingo and pelican.The wind’s blowing in our hair and it’s great here.We’re meandering along, pausing to watch sandpipers and plovers as we go, this is bliss.
greater flamingos,sabaki river
well for drinking water,sabaki river
We wind our way back across the sand dunes and spot birds such as Zanzibar red bishop and golden pipit.Brilliant, I’ve a few more species to tick off in my nerdy birdie book. As we head for home, Jonathan shows us the well where the local villagers come to collect their water every morning, anybody thirsty?
It’s been a great afternoon and I’m already scheming for the next expedition.Jonathan also conducts tours around Turtle Bay and I’m definitely up for that.
24th July
Same old, same old, continuing with the report - the end is in sight and hope to have it completed this week. Taking a break and driving to the creek with Agy.Things are coming along nicely and there are a few yellow-billed stork over by the birdhide.Agy’s phone rings and a friend who lives up the road, an ex pat, has invited us for dinner.That’s very nice of him, we’re delighted to accept, love spontaneity.Great evening here, the house overlooks the sea and our mate even saw a whale out there while he was on the phone to Agy earlier.It’s interesting to talk about the ups and downs of living over here, glad to report that the ups are very much upper than the downs.
