Day Six - The Takwa Ruins on Takwa Island

The morning started with one of the most beautiful Catholic services I have ever attended (of course, I have only attended about 2 or 3, but anyway...).  Father Crizphine's parish, Mary Mother of God, is located next to the Lamu Museum (recall, their our host for the delegation...I did tell you we were official District visitors, otherwise known as delegates) which is just a few stops down from the Donkey Sanctuary that is located next door (yes, next door) to the fabulous 5-star hotel, the Lamu House (where we are staying).

For me, a non-Catholic, the service reached the level of exceptional when the kids (at least 20 ages 3-14) began their singing and dancing during the various processional during the mass.  Words cannot describe their impact, so I will post a link for you to experience it nearly first hand...later (once we figure out how to condense the file).  The parish is the only one on Lamu Island, not surprising since it is nearly 70% Muslim.  The Catholics and Muslims co-exist peacefully.  Actually, everyone exists peacefully as there is no crime in Lamu...everyone looks out for each other and even the seemingly, conspicuous characters are harmless and are as eager to great you with a "Jambo" as are the little kids.

Later today, we took a boat over to Takwa Island.  Takwa was a 16th century village (although the Lamuans has some evidence that ancestors inhabited this island as early as the 9th century A.D.  The Takwa Ruins are part of the Lamu Museum and have daily tours going in and out.  The key to having a great experience is to ensure you do not visit the island in the morning since that's when the snakes come out, and to ensure you leave before sunset so you only have a few feet of water to wade through to get back to the boat.  It is quit amazing to realize how much this culture relies upon the movements of the ocean (that's the Indian Ocean for those of you who are not good at geography).  Our hosts knew what time we needed to arrive so that we were able to cross the bridge safely and likewise, what time to leave so that we did not sink into the quick sand going back.  The changes in the topography have to do with the water levels of the tide.

I have posted some amazing pictures of the Ruins.  The ancient Swahili culture. 

Of, by the way, we had our own private Henna Art party at the Lamu House when we returned.

Enjoy!
RW