Sun, Surf & Septuagenarians

Mom and Kath discover the magic of the Indian Ocean

Walking the beach in the the early hours as the sun rose over the Indian Ocean I thought about  my absolute delight in sharing my discovery of the Kenyan coast with Kath and Mom. I have described the coast to Mom on numerous occasions but doubt I have adequately conveyed the lure and sheer majesty. The succulent scents carried gently on a warm and welcoming breeze are truly intoxicating. As are the sights that greet you as cast a glace toward the ocean that seems to whisper "... come to me my friend." And that we all did many times. On this morning - I left my clothes on the beach and swam in near perfect solitude toward the rising sun..... connected with earth body and soul but all the while hoping nothing bites my boy bits. :)





Well -- the coast of Kenya is not exactly something I discovered -- nor  did Vasco De Gamma in the late 1400's but the African people who did discover this part of the world were more than happy to share it with us. Mom stands in front of Fort Jesus on a warm rainy day, having just come from exploring the original fort.








The water is wonderful but so too is the rich history of the region. I think both Kath and Mom enjoyed the history lesson shared by a local tour guides at the fort.

As interesting and infinitely more fun was the tour of the Gede ruins with Sysan pictured along side with the girls. Sysan was hilarious, fun and friendly in a way that made the tour so much more than just history. Her warmth and love of country shone through even though the day was ever-so -slightly gloomy.

Thank you to Sysan for giving us such a beautiful gift.














The ruins are indeed a special place transporting you back 6 centuries or so. The Gede ruins are the remains of a Swahili town, typical of most towns along the East African Coast.

 

Care of this unique place is provided by the National Museums of Kenya and with small budgets, the location is satisfyingly devoid of signs, directions, chained off areas and the like allowing you to just wander transported back to a simpler time.

Monkeys play throughout the ruins as the great Baobab trees, monolithic and undeniable threaten to destroy the coral structures flimsy by comparison.

Lessons on the nature of friendship

 

While I enjoyed the history lesson and revisiting the coast, I also learned yet another life lesson from my Mom and Kath. Just when you think you know it all..... 😆



The lesson? Well - I have to say that I  have never in my days met a more enthusiastic couple of buddies. Over almost a month I watched as they chose to be joyful and happy on each and every day. They left a trail of smiles behind them as they went chatting and smiling from one thing to the next.

It's uncanny that they were able to engage with nearly everyone they came across. Pity the fool who doesn't feel up to chatting on the day he meets up with this chatty twosome. Like a dual incarnation of Oprah, they pried and loosened the tongues of all to give up secrets, stories and opinions.

I learned about how to support your friend unconditionally, how to appreciate that happiness is not the result of choices but rather the choice to just be happy. Thank you for the lesson!

My Mom

 

 

 

My Mom is the perfect balance of grace and beauty with a healthy measure of goof ball. Up for almost anything, she is my poster girl for so many qualities important to a healthy life.

Pictured on the left, Mom gamely dons her mask and snorkel and heads for the coral reef. I looked back at one point to see how she was making out expecting her to be on the beach considering the adventure before her. To my surprise she was ahead of me deftly chasing parrot fish and other underwater delights.





There were numerous events where I marvelled at Mom's energy and grace over the days but nothing compares to her joining the nightly entertainment to give an unforgettable lesson in pole dancing. The invitation by the night performers was to do some Kenyan dancing after the pole acrobatics performance closed. No sir - my mother was going to pole dance and that she did to the utter delight of all assembled. Ahhh I love my Mom!!!!

Mom delights the crowd with her astonishingly entertaining pole dancing abilities. Who knew????

I'm so glad that both Kath and Mom were able to join me and share a wonderful travel adventure. It's moments like these when you shed the day to day and delight in the moments that catch your breath and heart and leave an indelibly etched memory to carry with you on your journey ..and connect you in your shared journey with the ones you love. Thanks for coming guys.

Come back anytime.... there are Literally hundreds of people hoping you do!!!



















Thanks for reading....Layno!!!!