Ambling in Africa: Mpango wa Kando

Cruising to Paradise

Mpango wa Kando is a Swahili expression that refers to someone who is your significant other. And by other - I mean other than your wife! It translates roughly to "side chick" and is generally used in a playful manner. And so I now have to confess that I have a Mpango wa Kando; my side chick is the venerable and sexy BMW R1150GS pictured above.

What better place to take her than the South East coast of Kenya for a bit of R&R and exploration was my thinking -- and so Indian Ocean Africa Pearl resort Diani -- here we come!!

It was a perfect work play week particularly as I was able to spend some time with my dear friend Chris who has settled here (Bastard). Tanned fit and remarkably healthy looking we idled over long breakfasts and single malt Scotch catching up after almost 2 years of being in separate places in the world.

Chris and I have been in Diani in the past hanging out and enjoying what can only be described as paradise. There is almost always a breeze, warm and gentle on your cheek and a sweet smell that encourages and invites you to breath deeply. The sound of the ocean rolling onto the brilliant white sand is audible from wherever you park yourself in the village; a comforting sound through the day and night.

The Indian ocean sparkles always luring and giving some rational for Greek Mythological Sirens who lured sailors to ruin on the sea. I get that. A noonday or midnight swim are equally enjoyable in this tropical Elysium.

On the morning of my return to Nairobi, I rose early and packed my gear out to the big BMW. The sun was an hour from rising though the air was warm and a bit sticky as I loaded and secured the gear. It was a bit tricky as I'd broken one of the luggage support mounts on the way in. Road was a bit rough 😏 ... (couldn't be the rider)

I pushed the starter button and the big 1150 rumbled to life. As habit, I checked turn signals, brake light, kicked the tires and a quick once over to see that nothing was falling off. Satisfied, I climbed aboard and pushed her off the stand.

I traveled the coast road as the sun rose, my visor up enjoying the wind on my face, the smell of the ocean and the sun rising over the ocean. The coconut trees seemed to be waving goodby as I at last turned inland to face the 2 hours of rough road ahead of me.

I have to admit that despite my love of 2-wheeled motos, I'm not a great rider and particularly poor off the tarmac. I do however, enjoy that sense of solitude and self reliance that comes with getting off the beaten track. This dirt road is no joke. Worried about getting lost without a GPS signal - worried about a breakdown - worried about a bad fall - worried about an attack - worried about running out of fuel ... my mind was busy thinking through the what if's. The road challenged me thoroughly. Standing up on the foot pegs I tried to pick paths that avoided the dreaded sand traps and worst of the rocks and ditches. Finally and admittedly exhausted, I arrived in Samburu town and turned right onto the tarmac heading to Nairobi.

After riding on the dirt for 2 hours at 30kms an hour or less, I went through the gears, the motor sung it's beautiful tune finally able to rev as I hit the 130 mark and settled into the groove. A group of Zebra's watched me from the side of the road looking sad and forlorn as I passed. Why the long faces I thought😏

A word on Jake and Yvonne

Jake and Yvonne are doing well. I haven't seen either of them for a few months as it's a bit risky with Covid19 and all -- but looking forward to spending some time with them when this Covid19 thing is done and dusted. Sincere thank you's to Muriel for her very generous donation that I'm sure Yvonne and Jake will really appreciate.

Jake definitely doesn't look like a baby anymore turning 3 this December. :) What a handsome young fella!!

Last but hardly least - my Gran!

This week was also a time to say goodby to my Gran formally. She passed some time ago but the spreading of her ashes was this week as family gathered to share stories and memories. I was a bit far away to attend the auspicious occasion but took time to remember the woman who helped raise me.

Never an unkind word and always ready to make time for me is how I remember her best. A proud woman, she delighted in books and family history, she taught me many things about life. I spent many a day at her home on Salt spring island as a boy eating her famous PB&J sammies and shoveling down great heapings of the Mac and cheese that is to this day unequaled.

Just shy of 100 years on the planet - I share this picture of her from the last time we met just over a year ago. Rest in peace dear Gran - and thank you for your endearing kindness to me.