We’re doing well (at least, I hope that’s what the title says). Yesterday we all went out to Kiboko Bay, a nice hotel/restaurant/resort on the shores of Lake Victoria in Dunga, just west of Kisumu. Not having a car, we travelled there by boda-boda. This is usually fine, but after 30 minutes each way on the back of a bike in blazing sunshine, the merits of cars and air conditioners become crystal clear. Hannah and I are rather pinker than usual! Tommy had great fun, as you can see from the photos at the end of this post. Unfortunately, he got a bit previous and just before we set off, he and Omundi jumped into the paddling pool we left out over night (see photo above).
There’s not much to talk about here at the moment. We’re in the process of organising lots of little trips Gill and John’s visit over Christmas and I will certainly put something up about it in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully the wealth of things to do will spur some others to get on a plane and visit us sometime soon!
For anyone browsing this post from the Kenyam Blogs Webring, I have a question… We’re about to run out of Heinz Tomato Ketchup and neither the local Nakumatt nor the Hyper Uchumi (there’s a surprise) stock it any longer… So, what should we buy instead? Given that I can’t stand Peptang (People, Tomatos are not luminous orange!) what other brand should I buy? Any tips would be appreciated!
To the pictures:
It looks absolutely idyllic!! I cant wait for December to come - and I dont usually say that!! Lots of love to you all
GillX
We’ll be going there for lunch during your stay. The food is not the greatest, to be honest, but the place is great; picturesque and relaxed. It’s a great place for John to go bird watching too. You can see Egrets, Pied Kingfisher, numerous types of Sunbird and a few wading birds too. If he’s lucky, the Fish Eagles might be around too.
Hi there - this is John. It was interesting to hear about the birds. I am tempted to bring out a scope and camera, but that probably would be over the top as there would be problems in the weight when flying and the risk of damage etc etc. What do you think?
We will bring our some tomato ketchup!! No problem - what about brown sauce? Best wishes, John
Hi John, sorry its taken a day or so to get back to you. Hannah and I are split on this. I think you should bring it, but Hannah agrees that it is a large item that probably is too big to carry on the plane, yet to fragile to put in the hold. Your best bet will be to bring a good pair of binoculars. Whilst we now have access to three pairs here - we found a couple belonging to our landlord - only the ones Dave sent to us are any good.
We’d really appreciate the Ketchup, however, I think we’ll have been to Nairobi by then. I’ll keep you posted- don’t think Hannah, Tommy and I don’t have a list as long as your arm as to treats we’d like you to bring from home!
In the next day or two, I’ll put up a post about some of the things we have planned during your stay. Our friend Manmeet is looking in to the costs as we speak.
David you seem to be missing an essentially British item. HP Sauce remember was said to define the Engligh working class during the Wilson era - it means hire purchase! I remember Marmite was omething missing, so was blancmange. There are enough expatriates living over there, I expect there is a hidden market in Tomato Sauce.
Several of my Tesco colleages come from Kisumu. Why? They are descendents of servants from the British hydroplane postal service, it flew from Britain to South Africa, landing on Lake Victoria to refuel. A group of Kenyan families always worked for the Air Merchant Postal service. They speak English. Strange coincidence. They urge me to go there, but I am locked to England, chained perhaps.
Alan has sold three cars in three weeks, the Hotchkiss has gone to the Netherlands for restoration. The MGF sold locally. The little Saxo is in Whittlesey. Unfortunately the heavy duty Manitou fork lift has sunk into the mud and has fuel starvation.
The dogs look engaging. Patchet is still with us, over 16 yrs old now. Remember if you have a pet other than a gerbil [you sister Sara has a gerbil-arium] you might have it with you for more than a decade. Please don’t fall for the charms of the little dogs!
I keep watching your blog too.
Hi David and Hannah
It is good to read about your adventures in kisumu’s kiboko bay experience and adventure. I take tourists to this place in kisumu. May be when you are back in kisumu ,try the roasted chiken at mamba hotel, and sample some of our kisumu excursions.
Nice to hear that you enjoyed a ride on Boda Boda.
Regards,
James Asudi
James, we’ve taken boda-boda everywhere for over a year now - we have no car!
As for Mamba, we’ve been seriously considering getting a weekly delivery arranged - their chicken is hands down the best I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. Mind you, their fish doesn’t hold a candle to that served at Tilapia Beach, we just wish it was open evenings (although I guess the mosquitoes would be a hassle).
Hi there,
could you kindly forward us contact details for KIBOKO BAY ? We are considering to use it for our clients stay in Lake Victoria.
Thanks for your help - you have a beautiful little son.
Kind regards,
Gabriele
SUNWORLD SAFARIS