Jambo House, a small five room hotel in Lamu Town, attracts an interesting clientele of mostly backpacker students and folks looking for a good deal on fine lodging. Not only were the rooms clean and comfortable, Arnold, the German born owner, knew exactly what his guests prefer and can afford. People rave about him on TripAdvisor and four years of awards speak for themselves. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace was how guests socialized and how Nicole and I convinced Chris to join our fishing trip.
The folks you meet traveling are fascinating people, especially in Lamu. Being so far away, it attracts a different type of tourist than the overweight speedo wearing Europeans found further south along the coast. Faye was waiting for her boyfriend to arrive from South Sudan for a much needed vacation. Chris had volunteered in Uganda but vacationing before returning home to Montreal to figure out life. Mike was a sixth grade teacher in the Bronx while Faye taught in intercity Denver. Chris even taught in Jamaica. It was lovely to talk to folks our own age and budget. Because of Lamu’s remoteness, it takes a special type of person to visit, even flying in.
Lamu has been the highlight of the trip, from wandering its dark, narrow alleys at night without fear of violent robbery, enjoying an empty seven miles of beach alone, climbing sand dunes and eating cheap but superb food at various restaurants. Listening to the call to prayer in the early morning, the sounds of footsteps rushing through the streets and the occasional donkey neh wafting through my window, I will certainly return to Lamu, hopefully with my girlfriend in tow.
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