The Emotion of the Second Time… Watamu

This time we return to where we started... my friendship with Loveoui began with our first trip together and was consolidated by returning to Watamu for the second time after only 4 months.

We've asked ourselves several times whether to go back to Kenya or go elsewhere, but this place bewitched us (my November diary) and so we went back...

If on the November trip the desire to see and discover took a lot away from healthy rest (excursions to tzavo east, mangroves, Gede, blue safari etc.), this time we managed to enjoy the sea, the "crackling" white beach of the Blue Lagoon, the local people, the children, and the old friendships made right here... everything even more fantastic on the human and emotional side, but also something more frivolous yet equally fun, like the characteristic restaurants or beach parties with tourists and local people.

One of the strongest emotions was on the first day going down to the beach and finding ******* who didn't know of our arrival, seeing their surprise, their smile...hearing their Jambo Jambo...it filled our hearts with joy.

And it was with them that this new adventure began...

We immediately organise a new excursion together with two other friends of ours from Rome, destination: the Devil's Kitchens, Robinson Island, Golden Beach....

The Devil's Kitchens are truly fantastic; it's a sandy depression (formed by the heavy rains and the weather) that has given rise to a great canyon of compact sand in continuous evolution, in colours of red, white and yellow. The local women often make themselves up with this very sand and I too tried the various shades on my skin and the effect isn't bad... Tip!!! hat and water within reach...there are temperatures not to be trifled with!!!! It's no coincidence they're called the "Devil's Kitchens"!!!

Robinson Island, also a very evocative place; to get there you cross many salt pans, so there's a somewhat lunar scenery...with these pools of water and salt... right here there's a very particular restaurant built with mangrove roots (chairs, tables, panelling and sun loungers for the afternoon rest). Besides the beauty of the place, what struck us very much is the quality and quantity of the food (a menu based on giant crabs, king prawns and fish in Italy would have far exceeded the sum spent for the whole day).

Finally the golden beach, which to tell the truth didn't strike us at all.

The week flew by peacefully under the scorching sun of Watamu (not even a drop of rain) with long walks, long swims in boiling water, chats and lots of laughter with our friends...

But my thoughts turned insistently to the orphanage of Timboni, where we had already been and where we wanted to return to spend a little time with the children. And so, after doing the shopping with *********, Loveoui and I had ourselves taken right there... Our arrival was greeted by songs, shouts and jumps from the festive children... and the "director" once again showed us round the whole complex, explaining the changes that had taken place in only 4 months, and I swear they are remarkable and surprising, thanks also to a project by some deserving Italian people who are completing an entire building capable of accommodating up to 100 children...

Here I was literally set upon by a 3-year-old child; I played with him the whole time trying not to neglect the others, but he chose me and I couldn't help it and gave in to his exuberance, singing and jumping with him as if I too had been a child... What a day, folks!!!! My leaving was heartbreaking and at their farewell song I couldn't hold back the tears behind big dark sunglasses; with a broken heart I told myself "I'll come back again"...

The rest was relaxation, though not too much, since we were always on the go between sea and village, and also, not least, the fun with *********** who took us "wandering" to characteristic restaurants and dance parties, even if a bit too touristy...

The week flew by this time too, leaving an even greater void in my heart....

Africa, Kenya, Watamu, the people, my friends are truly part of my life and returning was like coming home, that home that when you return gives you warmth and a great welcome...

I've often heard people speak badly of the BBs; we're happy to have found new friends, with whom we can continue to chat by text or phone even though they're so far away... If anyone wanted to live our experiences I'd be happy to help them, perhaps by introducing them to ********.. because word of mouth is the best advertising and for them the best way to work and live in their land.. Contact me if you're interested. Good Kenya to you all Maya