Day Three - Harbour Tour, Shop and Swim in the Sun

We are supposed to visit Kilindini Port and Wild Waters today & I hope we will be able to squeeze in Haller Park. After a protracted breakfast, we dash to the port’s Gate 1 for a 9.30 a.m. appointment with our contact in the KPA’s public relations office. We are given an hour’s tour of the port. Its not exactly a good day for such a tour because it seems like half the schools from upcountry are here. We are grateful for the tour though.

Georgina wants us to visit the now-famous Nawal shopping complex near Mwembe Tayari. All her friends shop here for furnishings and home decorations. It’s worth the visit for her. She vows to be back for the actual buying. After browsing the whole seven floors and buying a few swimming accessories, we have effectively put our mid-morning plans in jeopardy. That is soon confirmed when we reach the gates of Wild Waters only to be told that their normal fee of 400/= has gone up to 1000/= in view of the “high season”! We only have a few hours before six, which will not be value for money. We will be back when we can get more time. We decide to go back to the hotel and swim for the rest of the day. The ocean is out since the tide is high. The group from Lake Road PTA School of Lusaka is not in the hotel and its eerily quiet and peaceful. On the brighter side, my family can have the outdoor Jacuzzi all to ourselves. We have so much fun until the sea breeze gets chilly. After showers we pick a friend who is joining us for a Chinese dinner at the Galaxy restaurant. This is one of the oldest Chinese eating-places in Mombasa and I have fond memories of the first time I visited the place in mid nineties. Not much has changed since. The food is good. We retire after ten after a day well spent.