We are Annie and Ian, a married couple who are growing old disgracefully. We've had all the jabs and fly to Mombasa in two weeks. It's interesting reading the accounts of the orphanage and school knowing that we will be there soon. We've had all our friends and relatives making elephants out of plastic milk bottles and using them as collection boxes so we have some funds to help the children when we arrive.
What should we wear when we get there? Why shouldn't we wear white? Is the water safe to drink? Will there be somewhere for Ian to sleep in the afternoon? Where do we get food at lunchtime? Has anyone been to Shimba Hills? Does anyone know where we can go sailing? Do the children go on field trips or to the beach? What sort of electrical plugs are there? Can you buy marmite in Mombasa? Does the school have any guitars or drums?
A bunch of random questions maybe but write it up if you know the answers. We look forward to meeting some of you soon.
annieandian
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Oh yeah i stayed with Andrew! He's a cheeky chappie who will enjoy taking you both out to bars for beers and showing you around. He made me a CD of local music to bring home and sent me a christmas card too :) bless him.
Thanks Katie. We're planning to buy clothes when we get there. Can't remember who said not to wear white but it doesn't matter. We are there for a month so hopefully will get used to the humidity and the busy town it by then. We will be at Andrew's home stay for the duration but may look for some weekend retreats too.
I forgot about the water - it's so cheap to buy there's no need to drink the local stuff and much safer!
Hi again, It's not so bad once you get used to the layout on here! Stick with it!
Who told you that you shouldn't wear white??? I just wore combat or linen trousers and t-shirts that covered my shoulders. Remember that the staff and children will be used to being around westerners but it's still nice to be able to to respect for the locals and keep your shoulders, stomach and thighs covered. You can get amazing clothes and bags made in Mombasa out of really cool traditional material.
Mombasa itself is quite lively which I didn't expect! I was so knackered at the end of the week but there was still a 24/7 club to go to on friday! I'd imagine (depending if you're in the volunteer house or homestay, you can hit the hay for a nap in the afternoon as most projects want you from 9am to 4pm at the most (however long you can stay is how long they'll have you for!)
Don't underestimate the humidity though. that knocked right out at night times so if you want to escape for the weekend, choose an air conditioned hotel for some pampering! How long are you there for?
Your school is going to be a basic place, one better than a mud hut so I don't think there'll be musical instruments beyond the most basic but it could have changed since I was in Mombasa? I wouldn't think so though...
Lastly...marmite...i don't remember seeing it in any of the supermarkets i went to and they were pretty well stocked! sorry!
Thanks Katie
Still trying work out how to use Campfire. We will be at New Hope Children's Home.
Hi Annie and Ian, I went to Mombasa last March and I'm happy to answer your questions as best as I can! Which actual project and accommodation do you have?
I went to Shimba Hills and I have pictures on my account here on Campfire if you want to take a look :)
I seem to remember the plugs were either uk or usa ones, I'll have a look and see if I took an adaptor...
The children will go on trips but remind me which project you're going to and I'll be able to give a better answer :)
Have a read through my journals on here and peek at my photos if that helps!
Katie
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