Time is starting to fly by as we try and pack as much fun into our last week in Africa. Left the Eco-Tower and moved next door to another place above the trees. Huge difference - the staff here makes a big effort, they are approachable and we are having lots of laughs. I think they are happy not to have rich Italians as guests. This town is supported by fishing and Italian tourists, took us a while but we were finally informed that the mafia plays a huge role in Watamu. Seems to work, locals have jobs and cash is king, even small children are taught Italian to help their future.

Kiting has been nothing short of great, we have kited by ourselves most of the time. There is a group about 2 kilometres down wind of us, we have joined them a few times but don't like getting pushed around. Bruce M put it best something like rich Euro t%#!!#, won't lower their kite even on port forcing us out of there way, just not fun. So we play alone which is fine by me. We have our own area about 1.5k upwind with sand bar and reef with waves. Had a crazy upwinder about 8k took about 1.5 hours then played all the way home. After 3 weeks, finally in good kite-shape, too bad time to go home. May sound silly but saw my first shark today, they call them black fin - only about 4 feet but for a white guy from kingston still a thrill.

This trip has been great but we keep getting unlucky in a few ways. Went on a trip searching for crocks and saw none. Went on a one day safari to see elephants and saw none. Went fishing yesterday and caught only small fish - had a big king fish on the line and he got away. One more park in the area but, we are going to pass, tired of being disappointed.

Relaxing for a day then off for a day-trip to Malindi, checking out some Vasco da Gama artifacts and the old port, a stop for lunch then home to kite. Meeting up with John and Margaret to have tea with them on tuesday, they actually came looking for us wanting to have a sundowner before we head out, should be fun looking forward to a good yarn.

Just finished our first dinner at the new house and feeling spoiled. All the staff here are amazing and can't say enough about them, hope all is well at home thanks for listening. Chat soon.

John A.C.E