We bless the rains down in Africa, gunna take some time...

[bPeteb]

Sentrim Castle Royal Hotel isa very cool old building that has lived through a number of incarnations before being bought by Sentrim. We chose this place so we could walk to Fort Jesus and the Old Twon before heading for the beach. Sentrim has carried out a fairly sympathetic renovation.

A bit of confusion when we checked in as they presumed we were all on the same booking and couldn't work out why bStut's booking was just for one. Yeh, nah


straight up to rooms before heading down for a very late lunch. Ours room 211


our huge wrap around balcony


pool on level two as well


view from our balcony into town

beer and lunch


I'm pretty sure the pizzas and burger took an hour to come out. The burger was nothing like it's description but it didn't kill me so that's a conceded pass

later we sat on our balcony and watched with great interest as this sign had the electricity connected to the box on the power pole

it was Saturday so not as much traffic us usual

we had a very late dinner. The late lunch burger was chosen by both of my travel companions and this time it matched the decription. Actually it even had egg. My half spicy chicken was ok

Day 20, and first night on our own, done

 

[RooFlyer]

A close up encounter with a giraffe

That pic is worthy of a competition. All great stuff.

 

[VPS]

That pic is worthy of a competition. All great stuff.

I think there are several worthy of competition and would look great on a wall somewhere

 

[Major]

I think there are several worthy of competition and would look great on a wall somewhere

Totally agree

 

[Daver6]

Hahahaha. Many, many years ago I was one of the doormen at the Hyatt at Sanctuary Cove. We wore a ridiculous outfit of jacket and jodphurs with pith helmet. We're the dags in shorts and things most of the time.

Umm...without pics posted on the internet, it didn't happen

 

[bPeteb]

Decent nights sleep and a late breakfast. I'm not sure why I didn't book breakfast as it was KES5000 for the two of us, $30 each


a different view of the pool, this time from the roof top terrace


We checked out right on 10 and stored our bags at reception. It was only about 15 minutes walk to Fort Jesus and as it was Sunday the city in general was very quiet

Just across from the fort we were approached by a guy who claimed to be a guide. Now we knew it was recommended to engage one but this guy just did it the wrong way. bAlt was immediately wary as we've been stung a couple fo times previously. We let him go through his speil and when he said it would be USD10 for the three of us bAlt relaxed and in we went. Kennedy was actually and excellent guide. He just needs to sort out that initial approach.

The fort is pretty mind blowing. To think that it was carved into a coral headland is wild. Portuguese, Omani Arabs and then the British. It was still a British Prison until not long before independence.



this window depicts the hypocracy of colonisation, and the christian church - we bring you christ but we enslave you

 

[bPeteb]

Kennedy then offered us a tour of the Old Town for another USD10/KES1200 and we're all glad we said yes. It was super interesting and he showed us places we would not have seen. Although there are three well marked walking trails through the area, local insight is invaluable


original door, sadly graffitied


northen end of a very old mosque


philanthrapists are buying and restoring some of the old buildings


this one looking for a new owner


old post office


yellow paint represents gold


and old dhow that has been updated with a diesel engine, and a bit more


fish market


fresh swordfish anyone


walking trail routes


check out the size of the giant avo!


the old slave market is now a bustling spice market. Kennedy was very proud of how something terrible had been made into something quite beautiful. If only the coffee beans had been in properly sealed bags we would have bought some. It smelled amazing


With the market done our tour was also complete. It had been a great way to spend the morning. It was now time to head to the beach for a couple fo nights