Nic’s blog
I write about building businesses, failing and building a life, not a legacy.
Lamu island, Kenya - no TV, no laptop, no meat
Kenya is an extremely interesting culture and one that I hope to return to very soon (see Kelele).I was very specific with my intentions for a December holiday after an absolutely manic 2008. I wanted it to be calm, relaxed, non-technologically based and quiet. I wanted to read, to wander around a beach if I felt like it, to eat great food, meet great people and generally forget everything.We could not have picked a better venue for this and as you can tell by the title of this post I did not watch TV, use a laptop or eat meat (purely by coincidence) for the entire trip. Not too shabby if you ask me.The people are friendly, exceptionally friendly and to be honest by the end of the 12 days I wanted someone to swear at me actually. Friendliness is one thing, being over-friendly is an entirely different experience. The locals on the island of Lamu know where their bread is buttered and that is tourists. To be more precise, obnoxious British and American tourists. But more on that lot a bit further on.We were taken for a ride or two, spent a bit too much on Dow rides (the local means of transport), paid a bit too much for a meal here or there and definitely got absolutely screwed over by the colonial capital of the island, Peponi Hotel. Peponi is owned by a drunk, presumptous, wealthy Brit who clearly couldn't give a crap about anything other then where his next drink was coming from. It's a pity really because his wife seems to work incredibly hard, the managerial staff, waiters and barstaff also worked themselves silly, not the owner. He remained relatively drink the entire time. Thankfully I didn't have the misfortune of staying in the hotel, we visited occasionally for a drink and for new years eve - mistake.The first six or so nights we spent at a quaint little B'n'B in Shella (the "Europe" of Lamu as the locals say) called Sea breeze. The staff there were helpful, pleasant, friendly and I would most definitely suggest checking them out if you are heading to Lamu. It's very basic in the setup, a bed, a shower/bathroom/toilet area and a cupboard. That's it and that's more than you need.A few things I learned on the trip:1. Don't take closed shoes.2. Take two pairs of boardshorts.3. ONLY take t-shirts.4. Take insect repellent, buy it, steal it, just have it.5. Don't take anything a local says as the truth. Get a second opinion.6. Bargain prices down.7. If you feel like you have found a deal, take it.8. Experience the local culture.
Number 8 on the above list was somewhat harder to achieve specifically because you are actually living the daily lives of the locals anyways on Lamu. They kept saying that Lamu is a 365 holiday. Which it appears to be. But in order to achieve the real authentic feel of the island we took guided tours of the "slums" of Lamu, we stayed in a self-catering unit for the final 5 nights which pushed us to go to fishmarkets, fishermen, vegetable markets and more to ensure that we were well equipped for our stay. That was one of the highlights for me. Seeing the fresh fish, cooking with fresh produce and co-existing as much as two relatively white tourists can do in the space of a two week holiday.I truly hate going to a place and feeling like a real life tourist. I love experiencing culture for culture in the true sense of the word. If this is what you are after and have a good way with people then Lamu is most definitely the place for you.Here are some photos and videos of the trip:
London/S.A.
There is something that I have been meaning to blog about for a while now. I just remembered because I am going to see a friend now who has just landed at JHB int (or whatever the airport is called nowadays) from London.London, what a great place. I love it, i visit it often. I have friends and family and currently a girlfriend living there. So I do understand the drive to get to London to "make it", or "experience things". I get it, I do.(Now before I carry on I want everyone to know that this is a general rant not targeted at anyone for anything about anything)But I need to ask: Why stay in a place that destroys you? Why choose a place where there is a psuedo-South Africa waiting for you? When you get there, why stay? When you hate, why not leave? when you are sick by the thought of the rain and cold...find sunshine. Do not stay in London town near some South Africans who eat wors and use All Gold and Mrs Balls. If you want to do those things move back to S.A. and come and join us happy people here in the land of plenty!Ok, got carried away on that last sentence there. But You all know what I mean. S.A. is great, so is London, but they are what they are for whom they are meant to be for.
This is it
Here it is, my last post for two weeks... maybe.
I am now going to get ready for my flight. I have extended my flickr badge on the right so that more pictures are displayed. I will hopefully be moblogging my trip so check it out to see some photos of me and jen and our trip.
Thats it from me. Shutter closed.
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