Monday 29th March
On our way back from Weybridge we called in at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-calkeabbey

It is very dark inside so that items already damaged no longer deteriorate.

This property is very unusual in that it has not been fully restored, only made structurally safe. Many of the rooms have been left exactly as they were found 25 years ago when the house was virtually derelict.

Many of the rooms are just as the owner left them, full of a jumble of items that were no longer used.

At the end of the tour we walked through the underground brick Brewhouse tunnels that leave the central courtyard of the house and eventually end in steep steps at the Brewhouse in the stable yards in the red buildings shown on the left.

Sunday 28th March
With gifts and balloons we all celebrated Eunice's special birthday.

In the evening we all went out to a local Nepalese restaurant.

Saturday 27th March
We met Rachael & Mike at the Barbican Art Gallery and enjoyed the Ron Arad exhibition.
www.barbican.org.uk

In the final section everyone was invited to try out a wide variety of seats. The sculptural shapes were very comfortable and those that rocked were relaxing.

We travelled back to Waterloo Station on the front seats of the top deck of the Number 4 bus which follows an interesting route past the Barbican walls and Saint Pauls, down Fleet Street and past the Royal Courts of Justice, shown here.

It crosses Waterloo Bridge just before reaching the station.

Friday 26th March
We took Eunice to the Atrium in the Landmark Hotel in London where we all enjoyed a pink champagne afternoon tea to celebrate Eunice's birthday.

Saturday 20th March
This morning we were all preparing for the post wedding reception at Loughborough.
Rachael had created some beautiful flower arrangements.

Eunice worked non-stop preparing the exotic fruit.

Glenys set up the three chocolate fountains.

Alan and Mike did the last minute shopping then folded the napkins.

Enid and John arrived with the beautiful wedding cake which Enid had made.

The chocolate fountains were a big hit with everyone.

Nearly seventy guests came to celebrate Christine and Russell's wedding, some of whom were also with us in Nairobi. There was a continuous photo presentation and a selection of videos.

When Russell and Christine cut the cake they were surrounded by memories of the weddings in Kenya.

A champagne toast at dinner that evening.

On Sunday morning Russell managed to fit everything into his car for the return journey to Weybridge.

Friday 5th March
Another morning by the beach when the temperature was once again up near 100 degrees. Only two hours here today as the area was being prepared for a wedding.


When we returned to our garden for lunch we were joined by the family of six Colobus Monkeys feeding on the leaves of the tree and the climbers on the wall. They took no notice of us and stayed around for about 20 minutes.

Two shyer brown monkeys came through the trees later but soon ran off.

We explored the extensive gardens here, keeping to the shade, in the afternoon.

As we walked over to the main buildings we were passed by the bridal procession on their way to the beach.

This will be our last post as we leave for Nairobi tomorrow and return to the UK on Sunday.

Thursday 4th March
Yesterday evening we noticed these intricate nests hanging beside the fountain ponds.

These bright yellow birds were flying in and out - they are weaver birds, very well named.

Today was extremely hot and humid so everyone was seeking shade.

We spent most of the day in the shade by the beach. There were more dhow style boats than we have seen before. The water looks green where it covers the reef.

The windsurfers were out racing each other and the little open glass bottomed boats like that on the left had plenty of customers. The fisherman on the left had a better haul of fish than yesterday and the usual locals were trying to sell food, drinks & local souvenirs. We managed a couple of walks in the sea when the heat of the day was less severe.

Wednesday 3rd March
Last night was warm and still. Dinner was served in the open air with a live group who played and sang songs from all over the world. After dinner we walked on the terrace and the moon lit up the ocean.


This morning we found a shady area on the beach terrace and watched the traders and reef guides negotiating with our fellow guests. These camels are the local equivalent of beach donkeys and come with the same bells.

Low tide came mid-morning and we walked out in the clear warm waters. Just after breakfast we had seen a lot of the life on the reef and in the rock pools with some local guides; sea cucumbers, sea spiders, hermit crabs, colourful fishes and sea urchins.

When the tide was at its lowest the fishermen drew nets around the deepest pool and splashed at the open side. We presume that this was to drive the fish into their net.

We ended the day watching the 5 Colobus monkeys feed and play at the edge of our garden. There are also baboons, brown and black monkeys here.

Tuesday 2nd March
After breakfast we explored the grounds further and one of the gardeners showed us the four pet tortoises. This is the baby - only 2 months old.

Our wanderings led us to the spa area and the pool where children are not allowed. We spent a long time here in the shade and pool as the temperature was over 90 degrees.

From the jacuzzi end of the pool we watched a family of 5 colobus monkeys feed from the tree opposite and a band of brown monkeys play on the lawns and shaded seats.

We finished the day in our garden watching the sea and a few boats. Very relaxing.

Monday 1st March.
We have a lovely cottage at Leopard Beach Resort in Mombassa. There is a view across the Indian Ocean from our windows.

We have seen two knids of monkeys in the grounds. They do not come near people but the room steward warned us that some pick up cameras and take photographs of people.

The resort is built into a cliff face with gardens sloping to the beach and wonderful views.

White sand and blue sea at one end of Diani Beach.

Friday 26th February

The four of us leaving Sweetwaters with Emanuel, our driver, who was very competent and knowledgeable.

Our first stop was 10 minutes away at the equator. We are standing in different hemispheres.