Our destination...a resort on the Indian Ocean at Diani Beach some thirty kilometers south of Mombasa.
The area is known for its coral reefs and beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Our transportation...this little shuttle plane operated by Safari Link. It all seemed pretty laid back at the airport in Nairobi...where we sat next to the tarmac to await our departure.
We were traveling with our friends, Dave and Janet...and a couple from Belgium joined us for the trip. The flight was only about ninety minutes long...and we flew low enough to catch a glimpse of the terrain beneath us.
We also had a good view of the pilot's instrument panel...and a good whiff of the lunch he ate en route! On a clear day one can see Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south; we just caught a peek of the peak among the clouds.
Our friends in Kenya had booked the resort for us...and we had absolutely no idea what to expect. While out and about in Nairobi, we dressed somewhat like the locals did...the girls all wear skirts and the guys wear long pants and shirts with collars. Now we were off to a tourist destination...and so we left most of our clothes in Nairobi...and threw our shorts, capri's, t-shirts, swimsuits and sandals into our bag for our time at the beach. We were ready for a laid-back time before our return home.
We were in for a bit of a surprise when we arrived at a somewhat upscale resort...and discovered that there was a dinner dress code. Uh-oh! The gentlemen were required to wear 'trousers' and shoes for dinner. My gentleman wore the same pair of trousers every evening...since they were the only ones he had with him. They hardly qualified as 'trousers'...since they were in reality zip-off cargo pants, but they somehow passed inspection. His sandals remained hidden beneath the table every evening. As for the women...they didn't really care what we wore! From here on in...I will do my homework before I pack the bags for a vacation.
We were advised upon check-in that we should not leave the resort on foot...it was a dangerous world out there. But walking the beach was totally safe...
...since armed guards patrolled the area in front of the resorts. And so we stuck to the beach!
We couldn't quite be persuaded to take a camel ride...we preferred to watch others instead.
Our first dip in the ocean was a bit of a surprise as well...a pleasant one. The ocean was as warm as bath water.
Our resort was a monkey's paradise. Prior to this trip...the only monkeys I had encountered were those in cages in a zoo.
To see them sauntering down the lane...
eating coconuts on the lawn...
walking along the deck rails...
This mamma and her baby sat on the chaise lounge next to me as I read. They provided good entertainment during our stay.
The food was fabulous...and every evening had a different theme. One night we discovered an empty dining room...
...along with a notice that dinner was being served on the beach.
With a full moon hanging above our heads...sand beneath our feet and waves lapping on the shore...it was a memorable evening indeed.
Tomorrow you can join me on our morning walk along the beach...if you are up bright and early.
What a lovely resort. I was wondering about the safety issue along the Indian Ocean.
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy for another wonderful post. Beautiful resort!
ReplyDeleteJust looking at the white ruffly waves in the first picture makes me long for sunny days and a warm ocean. Ahhhh. I'm sure you enjoyed yourselves thoroughly.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you did not want to take a camel ride!
ReplyDeleteThe resort with the dress codes reminds me on the one we went to in Mexico... kind of catches you by surprise. We also had a dinner on the beach... so beautiful!
That looks like an incredible spot on earth. I laughed to read your surprise at warm ocean water. I would be just as surprised. Ocean water is so cold in our corner and in yours, too, I guess. So the monkeys are as common as our squirrels or chipmunks would be I guess. As tame? And what a shock to think that you couldn't just take a walk and that there were armed guards on the beach.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhhh....to be there now! Just had snow...again...oh to be in that warm, bath water ocean! Are we allowed to have a pity/envy party right now? LOL.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful vacation! I haven't visited you for awhile, and you've been busy traveling again. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I'm not sure I would have liked the monkey so close.....you are braver than I!!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly where we were for three months in1996. The Word of Life Base is along that stretch of beach and the base had an arrangement with the Diani Reef hotel that we could use their swimming pools.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading about your trip... brings back memories.
Oh, Judy, this all looks so lovely! It's a shame the "real world" there is so dangerous, but it's nice you were able have some pleasurable time while you were in Africa. The monkeys must have been such interesting entertainment..there seemed to be such a large variety of them! How was the food? I'm curious, did they serve African cuisine or Europeon?
ReplyDeleteawesome, very beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteWell you know me, I'm won't be up bright and early...
ReplyDeleteI think I know where we're going for our 60th. This looks like the kind of holiday, especially with monkeys, and dining on the beach in the evening sun...what else could one imagine. Looks like you survived quite well regardless of the dress code.
Beautiful photos of your resort Judy. I knew it was gorgeous. ..but then I googled it pretty quick to snoop :)
ReplyDeleteOH. ..love the tour. .thank you!
oooooh that looks lovely - except for the armed guards on the beach.
ReplyDeleteI'll be up very early to catch up with you for the walk!
Like I said before, I feel like I should be paying an admission fee for all that I am experiencing on this trip with you. So very interesting...the monkeys freely roaming, the security guards on the beach, and the gorgeous moonlight dinner setting. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDelete