Upon arrival we went straight to the bar and started to enjoy our vacation. And by enjoy I mean I’m about four beers in. We spent our day by the pool sipping nonstop. This morning I was eager to get up and head to the gym. I got in about 30 minutes on the bike. Afterwards I went to breakfast. Boabob Resort is all inclusive- three meals, snacks and all drinks. After showering we went to spend the day by the pool. I participated in a 45 minute water aerobics class and then I played volleyball later in the evening. We also took a walk along the beach where the locals are selling various items, excursions and services. We scheduled a Kenyan massage and boat ride to snorkel and visit the reef. I would have to say this was great day. We ate so much today that we skipped dinner and went to sleep pretty early.
We got up this morning and had a quick breakfast before heading to catch out boat. There was definitely an overcast and rain off in the distance. We made it out to the island and a few people jumped off and went scuba diving. We stayed on watched the fish being fed through the glass bottom. Rita was afraid to touch the star fish and sea urchin that was brought up. Then we made our way to the final stop on the island. We both jumped out for a photo op and climbed back over into the boat.
Upon arriving back we walked along the beach heading to the small hut for massages. In two individual rooms we were rubbed down with coconut oil. This is where it gets good. So I’m funny about bathrooms. I knew good and well I had to use the bathroom before heading for the massages. Picture a wooden shack off the beach with four walls. No other amenities. My stomach started rumbling and somehow I thought I could make it another 30 minutes. That wasn’t the case. I informed the masseuse that I needed to go to the bathroom. She said I could go around the hut. I was actually game for this, but it was a two for one special and didn’t think that was fair. So, I threw on my clothes and ran down the hill, along the beach (all while being heckled) back to the closest resort restroom. Heaven. I went back and she finished up my massage.
We made our way back to the resort pool and spent the rest of the day relaxing under the sun all while indulging in Gin and Tonics and Tusker, the local beer. Like we stayed out all day past dinner. Michael (Baraka), one of the activity workers who taught water aerobics stopped and chatted with us for a while. We ordered some double shots of rum and Coke, more gin, Whiskey Sours and beer. We finally found our way to the room around midnight. Rita insisted that we type out our schedules for the next day to maximize our morning. We finally went to sleep, but I was up around 3 because a mosquito drank all my sweet blood. I sprayed myself down and applied some ointment before drifting back to sleep. They moved on to Rita since I was protected.
We had a final breakfast and lounged around before catching an Uber to the airstrip. Before we knew it, we were on a plane back to Nairobi. Our plan today was to drop our luggage off and go shopping at the market. What I can tell you is I would not have been able to do the shopping without her negotiating for me in Swahili. From the time we walked in the sellers were all on top of us. It was almost like they smelled an American, English speaking person. At one point I had to ask my newly found security to back all the way up. We spent about an hour and a half eyeing things I liked and she was the negotiator. All in all, I came out with lots of things I really wanted for myself and others.
This is when we sadly parted ways and I headed back to Azure Hotel. The receptionist was happy to see me and called me by name. She had my room ready and escorted me upstairs. I took some time to relax and then headed to dinner at Charlies, a place Rita recommended. I also was able to strike and deal with the Uber driver to shuffle me around until I leave tomorrow. Score. So I end up ordering an Uber because Emanuel can’t make it happen. I get in the Uber and the driver ask me if I have a preference on the route. I’m like I can’t win for losing. The good thing for me is I have a good internal GPS and I can remember routes because I look at everything when I’m in a car. So… I gave him directions. I should probably get a side hustle as an Uber driver. We made it to Charlies in good time. I’m excited to see this place because it looked really nice in the day time.
As a side note, the last time I had an iced coffee was the day before I left Qatar. I’m coping well, but I guarantee you it will be my first stop.
I perused the menu at Charlies and settled on the following:
Drink: Barbados Skyfall (super strong, afraid to drink anything else)
Appetizer: Mexican Nachos Grand Beef- very good, but drizzled in a barbecue sauce that was sweet; very different)
Main Course: Hulk Burger (since I never found one at the resort
Dessert: Blueberry Cheesecake (to go, I’m full)
All in all Charlies Bistro is a great place. Low lights, music, street view and a menu with American, Mexican, Lebanese and seafood options. My waiter Dennis was sweet and on top of his service. Back to the hotel I go.
I learned a few Swahili words –
Asante – Thank you
Taka taka – Trash
Jambo – Hello
Hakuna Matata – No worries
Karibu -Welcome
Kwaheri – Goodbye
I also know how to count Kenyan Shillings in my head for US dollars conversion. Here is an example: 8,000KS is $80.00 USD. How do I know that? You just move the decimal two places to the left.
Last but not least, this whole business of getting out at the airport entrance to walk through security is really a false sense of security. It’s not like they are making you take luggage through. It’s a waste of time.
This has been an amazing trip. There is nothing I would change. In a span of nine days I experienced the reserve, city and beach life that Kenya has to offer.
As always, if you visit my instagram @jetsetmelanin2018, you can find more pictures in my stories.
Jet Set Melanin 