Lamu

 The fort in Lamu town

 Our family at the fort overlooking the water.

AQP asleep on the beach as the others fished.

AJP and BLP fishing off the side of the dhow.

Our lunch on the beach.  The mangoes were the best we have ever eaten.

A street in Shela Village.

JTP and AQP in the Indian Ocean.

AJP underwater looking for shells

Last week we headed to the beach!  We stayed in Shela village on Lamu Island off the Kenyan Coast.  We spent plenty of time relaxing at the beach or the pool but also had other fun activities.  We went on a tour of Lamu town.  It felt like we stepped back in time because there are no cars on the island.  We walked through the narrow streets as our guide told us of the mix of cultures that have created the current village.  The biggest influence was the traders from the Arabian Peninsula but there were also the Portuguese, local African tribes, Chinese, and Indian influences as well.  The highlight was JTP, AJP, and BLP’s fishing trip.  We crossed the channel to Manda Island in a dhow where TSP and AQP were let off on a nearly deserted beach.  They waited there while the others fished.  After the fishing, the boat operators grilled the fish and prepared lunch.  We ate on the beach and enjoyed the afternoon swimming and playing in the water.  It was very relaxing.  While that day was especially nice, we enjoyed the whole trip.