The train from Nairobi to Mombasa was reported to take between 10 and 12 hours. After 18 hours on a train with fans that stopped working, "Oh, about 5 years ago ma'am. So funny", we arrived.
We spent the afternoon at Fort Jesus, a Portugese fortress built at the end of the sixteenth century (picture). It was poorly preserved, but beautiful nontheless.
We sampled some paan (picture) - a betel leaf filled with areca nuts, coconut and spices.
We met up with another volunteer who was working in Mombasa for the best cup of chai tea I've ever enjoyed, on the banks of the channel. It's remarkable how much different your experience can be as an outsider in these places when you know someone who actually lives within the community you're visiting.
Our nightclub experience was interesting to say the least. I would estimate that 90% of the women in the club were prostitutes. The signs outside the club promised the latest and greatest hits. Upon entry, we were treated to Shania Twain. Over and over and over again. All in all it was a great time.
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