This was definitely one of the most anxiously anticipated excursions of our trip. Only Bonface had ever been in the sea and only a few others had ever seen it. What does the ocean look like? Can you smell the salt? Does sand hurt? The questions reverberated around the matatu.
At last we arrived at Pirate Beach – the public beach between Mombasa and Mtwapa. Wasike was by far the most excited. He had learned to swim in a local river as a child. He literally leapt from the bus, raced down the path, stripped off and ran for the sea before we had even found a place to sit!
Seated Norah Sylvia and Christine
We rented chairs and created a base. Norah and Wambua volunteered to guard the bags (but I knew they had no intention of going into the water!) Rumours abounded of devils and spirits waiting in the ocean to drag you under.
I had been told that at least 6 of the staff could swim so I was surprised when I turned around to find everyone sporting giant rubber rings. Apparently swimming just means being brave enough to go in the water! In fact the majority of people in the sea were wearing these rings which you could rent for 50 bob (about 35p).
Amongst the ladies, I was the only one who was wearing a costume. The others wore shorts, vest tops and plastic shower caps to protect their hair. I’m was a bit concerned that the vest tops (mostly white) would become transparent when they got wet but I kept my concerns to myself.
We head for the ocean. It is quite a long walk before the depth increases enough to swim. We have to walk past the camels which are the equivalent of donkey rides back home.
The water is actually hot for the first 100m. I had been so hoping it would cool me down. However at least there was a wonderful breeze. The water and the beach were packed with people and I was the only Mzungu as far as the eye could see. Everyone greeted me!
Noisim was fine as long as someone held her hand so we all took turns. Rispa, Daniel, Edgah, Paul, Catherine and Amos were completely enthralled. I nipped off for proper swim with Wasike. The others were very concerned that I had not hired a rubber ring. Didn’t I know the ocean was very dangerous? I reassured them that I would be fine. It was lovely to see how everyone looked out for everyone else.
After an hour of fun, I felt myself beginning to burn, despite layers of suncream so I headed for the shore. The others stayed in the water for another three hours. They eventually had to be rounded up and persuaded to come out.
It was a fabulous, fun day that will live in all our memories for a very long time. Oh…. and I was right about the white vest tops!
0 Comments