Tiwi

After staying in Mombasa Backpackers for another few days I hitched a ride with some friends who live in Dar Es Salaam. Mzunugus trying to sell condoms to rich people and handing them out for free to the poor. The main problem with the condom business in East Africa at the moment is a simple one. US AID bought condoms from China. A huge amount apparently sufficient for years. But they bought the ones that are being used in the Western world. Which means the diameter is 50mm. While Asians usually use 48mm and Africans a stunning 52mm diameter. Now the Africans have to use the tight 50mm condoms and because of Newtons law they break a lot. Well and yes the other BIG problem is AIDS.

We arrived at the beach and hassled are way through the beach boys who had dollar signs in their eyes. After drinking some beer the weather had changed and was not suitable for swimming anymore. The camping ground is right at the beach between the palm trees. We made a deal with one of the beach boys to bring us vegetables, fish and a pan. Surprisingly he returned. We cooked and ate the sandy fish which I prepared in the way I learned in Lamu. The Hungarian boss of the group was pretty drunk, his US wife past out early. The attorney just sat there without words. I felt really sober in comparison.

The next day I woke up hung over and alone - the other tents were gone. I decided to stay some more days and not to meet anybody. Solitude is a concept the beach boys don't respect. Constantly I was told another sad story about economical misfortune or post election violence. I feel bad for the guys and understand there resignation, but they just keep coming. But after they got the message that I wont buy anything from them, they sort of gave me the space I desired. Tent, camp fire, beer, stars, ocean and palm trees.