First Glimpse of the Indian Ocean

I’m wandering through a fifteenth century Portuguese fort when I catch a glimpse of turquoise through a gun port. Then it hits me: I’m in Mombassa, and this is the Indian Ocean. And I haven’t seen the ocean in far, far too long. So I perch on a cannon and pear out at the most gorgeous tropical shoreline, with the scent of salt water tickling my senses. And realized what has been missing all these months: salt water. I had to take a moment, it was that good.

So, I’m in Mombassa after a mostly lovely train ride from Nairobi. The Lonely Planet was right about the waiters in starched white uniforms, but I’m still not sure how squatting over a hole on a moving train fits into “One of Africa’s great rail journeys” where passengers “are treated to the full colonial experience.” Still, it was a nice journey; I got lucky and didn’t have to share the cabin.

From here I am heading tomorrow to Watamu and the Gede Ruins, then up to Lamu. And that will likely be the end of my travels, I’m looking into booking a ticket home very soon. Cause I miss ya’ll muchly!