Lamu

Our weekend away to Lamu has finally ended. Although it is sad to leave such a beautiful place, it is good to be home. Here are some pictures of the breathtaking island.
While there, the only motorized vehicles I saw were a motor bike and a tuk tuk, used as an ambulance. Donkeys were the only method of transportation around the towns, while boats or dhow could be used to get to the beach. We walked to the beach on the way there and took a boat back. It is hard to catch the vastness of the beach in one picture, but I tried my best. Just imagine a beach that stretches for miles with no one in sight and sand dunes all around. It is weird to see sand that has no footprints on it.

As far as our accomadation goes, we stayed at a place called "the Lamu Guest House." It is owned by an old islamic man who has been living in it all his life. Even his great grandfather lived at this house at one point. The price was cheap, and we had the whole place to ourselves. At night, we would lay on the roof and watch the stars. The Milky Way was very visible here as well.

Food on this island was simply amazing. I was even able to have a milkshake and smoothie for every meal. My life was complete. During breakfast one morning, a man approached us and saw that we were reading The Lonely Planet tourist guide book. He asked us if we have read about him in the book at all. Given that we are constantly approached by people wanting money, we thought nothing of it. Then he persisted for us to look him up. His name was Ali Hipy, and he was indeed mentioned in the book. He is known on the island for inviting people over for dinner and entertainment, for a small fee. We discussed it and decided it would be an amazing experience. Our dinner included prawns, lobster, kingfish, and plenty of rice with chipatti. I have never been so full in my life. It was a classic swahili dinner, so we sat on the floor to eat. Below are some pictures of the group and one of me with Ali Hipy himself.

As you can see, the house had nothing to it. This is how many families live. No light, and no decoration. It makes you think about how fortunate we all are. Even the less fortunate in the United States live no where near the lifestyle some people live here. Yet Ali Hipy is as happy as ever. Hes been providing tourists with dinner for 38 years now. With his high blood presure, he is not allowed to eat the food. He just gets joy out of seeing others moan and groan in appreciation.


Well, it is back to work for me tomorrow, and I have never been happier. I shouldnt even call it work. It is my last week at the orphanage, and then I am off to the hospital. Although I am looking forward to delivering babies and helping with patients, I am going to miss all the kids around the orphanage. I most likely will be spending my weekends visiting them all again. The kids that I have grown most attatched to are Purity and Melody. Purity has ringworm, so her hair can't grow at the moment, but her long eyelashes make up for it. Melody has been mentioned before as being the girl who I help with homework. I am looking into sponsoring one of the children, but I just cant make up my mind. Although I make no income at the moment, I will do all I can when I return home to support a child in some way. They all deserve it.