Lamu was great. We were only there for a mere 2 days, but this little island in the sea is truly a respite for the travel worn. I finally saw my first Masai here on the island---selling their wares of all things! It was amazing to me that along the walk on the beach that this should be what I see--proud warriors standing in the shade of palms with tables set up selling everything from bookmarks to sculpted elephants!
 |
| The White Sands of Lamu - See the donkey under the palm? |
Speaking of donkeys, Lamu is an island of 10,000 donkeys. They are everywhere!!!! And so is their poo! Ha! It was a bit hard sightseeing while walking because you were always watching so you didn't step in the poo. They were in the sand, the alleys, the restaurants. Well, not actually IN the restaurants! But they did eat the flowers from the front of the restaurant!
 |
| Donkeys in front of the restaurant, Bush Gardens, where we lunched on local fish. The locals are mostly barefooted. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. It's really laid back! |
<><> <>
This is the speed boat which we took from the bus stop on the mainland to the island of Lamu.
 | <><>
| This is the dow we took to leave the island back to the mainland to catch our flight to Mombasa. |
Lamu was built with tiny, tiny streets made for walking. The donkeys do not mind you in their path--they simply charge into you or brush against you as you walk in the street. Their drivers don't really mind you in the way either. The donkey is going by you however. If you hear the clip-clop-clip-clop cadence anywhere near you, stop! Look! Get out of the way!
 |
| A street in Lamu - no room for man and donkey! |
We decided to walk the beach between Lamu town proper over to the touristic side of the island. As with any beach, the powdery white sand and water were a treat for the feet. There are many boats along the way and we decided to hire a boat to take us out to a floating hotel and restaurant. It was the most relaxing thing we did. We watched the fish in the bay and drank a Coke while bobbing around on the water. People can actually rent out the place for special events like weddings, family reunions, etc. Follows is the picture of seating in the restaurant area of the floating hotel.
 |
| The bedroom component of the floating hotel. |
Our competent boat captain takes us back to Lamu after a wonderful afternoon walking beaches, boating, and relaxing. Lamu is a lazy island. If you want to enjoy water sports, relax on the beach, or walk city streets meandering through Lamu, this is the place for you! Just watch out for the donkey poo!
