A portly middle aged man sometimes can be found down by the harbor front waving large live lobsters in the faces of tourists. This gentleman, Ali Hippy is well known by the locals and tourists alike. Ali invites anyone who will take him up on his offer, to dine with himself and his 2 or 3 wives. His guests are usually tourists. His family lives in a dirt brick house located several blocks from the water front in the area of town without … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Ramadan
I visited Lamu in December and during this particular year, the Islamic holiday Ramadan was held right in the middle of the month. Most of the local people were participating in this. Fasting occurred each day between the hours of approximately 6:30am and 6:30pm. During that time period no food or water was consumed. During the night every several hours small meals are eaten. The two primary meals are iftar after sunset and suhoor before … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Shopping
Gallery Baraka is an excellent gallery selling items from West Africa as well as some crafts (especially Maasai beadwork) created in other parts of Kenya. They also sell a few locally made wood carvings. The craftsmanship on some of the pieces on display is incredible. Small wood carvings, pottery, jewelry and other artisan work fill the walls and tables inside. This is the best gallery that I found in Lamu. They are located on the main … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Lodging
Lamu offers numerous boutique hotels and private accomodation. Do you have additional lodging options for this page? If so, please email them to Dave as we like to keep this page updated with current lodging options. I stayed in a small house located several streets inland from the harbor front. I always had a difficult time finding my way back - through a maze of narrow dirt streets from the harbor between the whitewashed walls of the … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Restaurants
I ate at several excellent restaurants for both lunch and dinner. One of our favorite meals in Lamu was the curry. Breakfast can be an enjoyable meal in Lamu - especially when one is no hurry - taking time to enjoy the start of the day and not worrying about what the rest of the day may bring. One such cafe, called Whispers (where I had excellent breakfasts each morning) has a stone patio in the back of the restaurant surrounded by … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Conclusion
The last visual scene I have of Lamu is on a dhow heading for Manda Island. I glanced back over the choppy waters at the small town concentrated along the waterfront. The coral white-washed buildings with their distinctive pillared round arches were a stark contrast to the dark water and clouds overhead. Leaving by boat leaves one with a sense of longing - a lingering sadness at leaving and not having spent enough time here. Small wooden dhows … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – More Info
Lonely Planet published a book called, East Africa which provides a comprehensive and detailed section about attractions, lodging and restaurants in Lamu. Also visit our selection of related Lamu links below. General www.jambohouse.com/en/info.htm local information from "Jambo House" www.lamuholiday.com local information from "Lamu Holiday House" www.spiritedpursuit.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-exploring-lamu-kenya - … [Read more...]
Key West, FL – Restaurants
To begin this section I would like to offer one of the more popular recipes for Key Lime Pie. This well-known pie is a specialty dessert of the Florida Keys. This particular recipe was taken from Key Kookin by the late great Glad Whitley. Ingredients: 4 eggs (separated) 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon gelatin (in 1/2 cup ice water) 1 half cup Key lime juice 1 half teaspoon salt Beat egg yolks until thick, add 1/2 cup … [Read more...]