Back in Kilifi

Woke early on the train because of the prospect of seeing animals near the tracks in the last few hours of the trip. Not many animals, but lots of kids chasing the train which was fun to watch. Train arrived early in Mombasa, steamy walk with our packs to the matatu stop, jumped on a matatu (this one much less crazy than my memory of them, although the roads are noticably better) and we were in Kilifi and at M's place before lunch.

Have had a brilliant day - a wander down at the stunning beach below the house, a trip through town checking out the changes and buying new thongs, and then to see the kids. As expected, the 'Brig, Brig' chant started as soon as they saw B, and we were quickly swamped by grinning children all wanting a hug. Back home in the evening for dinner and a long catch-up about all the goings on in town, the lab and at the orphanages over beers.

There are a lot of changes - the place is growing and changing at a fast pace. All the old problems related to poverty and poor governance remain. Still, it is a stunning place, the kids could still put a massive grin on anyone's face, and I'm very glad to be back.

PS backblipped yesterday if you're interested... baby giraffes...