Smiles for Miles

I took a walk through Mikindani and am still smiling at all the enthusiastic hellos, Jambos, Mambos, How are yous, and Good Mornings I've received (it is nearly sunset).

People here are friendly and seem delighted with my 3 words of Swahili.

Walking through town I saw goats, chickens, and cows along with happy children kicking balls made of rags and twine. A large group of women were singing and drumming. Men were laughing together, sometimes fixing bikes or motos, sometimes just sprawled across some plastic chairs, talking. I spent a few minutes chatting with a welder whose work wasn't bad. Poor guy needs an angle grinder.

People look healthy and happy, even if they also look economically disadvantaged. Maybe there's a lesson here?

My tour included buying a pen for about 13¢ and 2 slices of delicious watermelon for the same price. I suspect I overpaid for the melon but it's difficult to feel much regret for that. I had to look around a bit to find ways to leave some money in the local economy. I'm sipping a beverage by the pool at town's most luxurious hotel (only hotel?) And suppose that some of that cash will filter through as well... but I would rather buy a few snacks or such if possible.

At the tiny but cute museum they offer massage. Maybe tomorrow I'll spend $25 for an hour of therapy. I'm pretty relaxed already but it's always nice to enjoy some pampering.

We have a few days of prep here and I'm glad to enjoy being in Africa, not just sailing down the stunning coast.Read more