The Coastline Taste



THE COASTLINE TASTE
BY: Jeremy Leariwala
One of the crows that had been screaming nearby flew too close to my head, forcing me to duck. It wasn’t the first time that had happened but I was still not used to it. I watched as it made a sharp turn and fly back to join a few more crows on the pavement behind me. The sun had a few minutes before setting and the ship I had spotted breaking the waterline was about 200 meters away. I went back to what I was doing with my pencils and eraser.
The month is October, the first month of the last quarter of the year. When the year started in January, just like very many other people did, I made a list of resolutions. Things I wanted to do this year. Now that nine months are gone, this is the best time to review my list of things to do and try to hurry up before the New Year knocks on my door. Looking around myself, all I see is a serene environment. Cars parked, Kenyans of all walks of life going about their businesses, birds flying about and chirping. The wind, the temperatures are favourable and the Indian Ocean peacefully stretched for miles in my front. This is the best place for me to reflect and mentally go over my resolutions list.
Mombasa is a beautiful city. When I received news that I was required to move to this city and attend a course, I was excited for a number of reasons. First of all I had a reason to travel on the newly launched Standard Gauge Railway Service. Secondly, this was my opportunity to enter into the famous Portuguese’s Fort Jesus. Thirdly, I would lodge and dine in Mombasa city with its delicious famous ‘coast dishes’. Lastly; was the overall objective of attending the course to sharpen my abilities.
“Tooot!” the long sound of the ships’ trumpet filled the air as it finally arrived and glide quietly past me towards the port some miles away.

On my travelling day, I woke up early than usual and called a friend who operated a motorbike ride service. Being a Sunday morning, we encountered no traffic jams and the journey to the train terminal took less time than I expected. The security screening was smooth, quick but very thorough. The electronic scanners marked my luggage at all points and forced me to explain the relationship between me, my bag and its contents. The ticketing session was super and pocket friendly, just like it was said in the adverts. The waiting lounge made me feel at home. Very spacious and well stocked with almost everything a traveller desired.
When I finally walked into my coach I knew I was in Mombasa already. The trains’ speed was lovely just the way the estimated timings were precise. My seat had enough space that gave me the comfort to sleep or read from time to time. It was a smooth ride, devoid of any bumps, rattles or delays.
Early afternoon that Sunday when the train arrived at the Mombasa terminus, I walked out into the warm atmosphere of the coastal city. The streets, to a high degree, were clean and almost every building had a fresh coat of paint. The palm trees swayed in the wind and you would have thought they were waving at the new arrivals. I could smell the ocean in the air I breathe and I started feeling on holiday mood right there at the terminus.
I boarded one of the taxis lined up at the car park and gave the driver the address to my final destination. There is something unique about the buildings on Mombasa Island. Majority of them are rich with historical architectural designs. Looking at most of them, I guessed they must have been designed by architects who roamed Mombasa streets a few years before we gained independence. The environment within the city though has plenty in terms of vegetation, tree cover and bird-life.
I could not wait for many days to visit Fort Jesus. Being a major landmark built nearly 400 years ago and inscribed as a World Heritage Site, a walk in the fort was a priority. Since Mombasa has hospitable people, locating the fort is easy. Moreover, there is always a tri-cycle passing by courting passengers.
A tour guide was at the fort’s entrance to show me around or answer some questions. The facility has a rich history and it still maintains its original features in most faculties. Its caretakers seem to have taken great care to protect and maintain it. I however think I saw a little evidence of ‘today’s-man’ trying to renovate some places for his comfort. All in all, the history of the fort is still intact as written in the books.
Back on the shores of the ocean, I put a few strokes on the image I was working on. The ship was long gone and probably docking, but I had quickly sketched it too. There was a slight breeze causing little ripples on the calm surface of the water. The crows were no longer screaming but they still hang around dodging the passersby. A short distance away on the water surface, I noticed the beacon lights blinking and guessed it was late already. The next day will still be another day to enjoy the therapeutic taste of the coastline.

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