Meeting the kids and Moha's Tours

JAMBO, JAMBO! Hi there guys. Well I’m feeling the pressure of writing the first volunteer blog (tense or what!) so bare with me. I am a creative student so I apologies in advance for some of the rubbish grammar. Today was my second day on the project; so far it has been amazing. We met some of the children who are so cool, they have a real zest for life and I have never seen smiles so big. We visited Olives Rehabilitation Centre in the morning for Sunday School, then we went off on a tour of Old Town which is the more historical part of Mombasa.

Fort Jesus, 15th Century Portuguese fort, Old Town

The Sunday school was really cool. It gave me and the other volunteers a chance to meet some of the kids we will be teaching. We sat in one of the class rooms, there were six of the volunteers plus Tess, along with twenty kids crammed into this class room. The kids were all around 5-6 years old. We were just singing along and clapping with the kids. After we introduced ourselves to the class, they told us their names. The teachers have such a positive attitude at the centre. It’s no wonder that the kids do so well – teachers love what they do and are so enthusiastic and full of energy. The same goes for the kids who are just so receptive and bright eyed.

Washing hanging near Fort Jesus, Old Town

So after Sunday school we had the pleasure of meeting Moha. Moha is a young guy who works with G.V.I; his family has lived in Old Town for hundreds of years so he is extremely knowledgeable and knows the place like the back of his hand.

Our awesome tour-guide, Moha (left), who met his football team along the way

Moha took us to a spice market where he discussed the different trading cultures of the region. The market was like any other market, full of people in a small space, everyone trying to sell you the best spices you have seen. The smells and colours where awesome. We saw the “sites” and really experienced the culture. We went to places like fort Jesus, the Old Port, traditional cafe where I had my first Swahili tea (which is tasty man!) and chatted to more locals.

A young resident of Old Town, Mombasa

Its still feels a bit surreal walking around Mombasa - well actually its still a bit surreal trying to believe I’m in Africa, its amazing. Walking through the twisty back streets of Old Town eventually lead us to Moha’s auntie’s house where we had lunch. It was one of the best lunches I have had in a long time, it was so good. What made me laugh was that every five minutes there was a knock on the door and each time a cousin, auntie or uncle would walk in. It was a really nice feeling to walk into a stranger’s house, sit and eat this gorgeous meal that she prepared, and be made to feel so at home. After lunch we had another little walk back to the matutu’s (which are basically crazy mini bus drivers that really like there bass and rap music) - that was an experience in itself and is a must do. Another amazing day in Kenya.

Enough of my babbling. Hope you enjoyed the read.

- Dave Petts.

Tower of one of Old Town's oldest mosques (left)

Meeting the kids and Moha's Tours