East Africa update

I'll work in dot points today.

Cities
1. Mombasa. In total I spent around 3 days here, as the city is central to Kenya's coastal region. This city, Kenya's second-largest, is very different to Nairobi. It feels more African: the roads are hectic, traders fill the streets and it is heavily populated. It is a noisy place and tourism isn't a big deal here - this is reflected in the cheap prices available and attitude of locals: the only people who vied for my business were drivers. On the whole, people simply showed me indifference.

2. Lamu. 7 1/2 hrs north of Mombasa, along the coast, plus a short ferry ride. It's a paradise compared to Mombasa, with architecture so attractive that it almost feels fake. The city's main streets are narrow passageways between old tall Swahili buildings and donkeys roam free. The people are almost entirely Muslim: women living on the island almost all dress in burqas and mosques wake you up very early in the morning. The island is heavily dependent on tourism and I was made to feel very welcome there.

3. Diani Beach. I stayed in a district called Ukanda Junction, just near Diani Becah, one of Kenya's most popular beaches. The junction serves as a marketplace for locals and the main matatu (minibus) station for the area of Ukanda and it is very noisy. A short matatu ride to the shore itself takes you to Diani Beach and it is like entering another world. There is a large mall, resorts, bars, restaurants and the area has fine infastructure. The main supermarket there even has a deli. And if the first mall isn't enough, there's a second smaller one nearby. All together it makes for a naturally stunning spot in Kenya (and the beach really is beautiful) that doesn't feel one bit Kenyan. Very popular among tourists.