Wassini Island

Having to endure Kenyan bureaucracy and unending delays, all related to my teaching program and school placement, left me with another day off. Taking advantage of the situation, I opted for a visit to the far removed Wassini Island near the Tanzanian border. A self-sufficient island village of 800, all food and staples are procured from the waters and mangrove forests. The island lacks electricity, healthcare facilities or clean water, and is completely deprived of basic necessities, even by Kenyan standards. Despite material difficulties, the Wassini village people appeared to be happy and in good spirits. Invited to participate in song and dance, I clapped and shook my foot to the buoyant Swahili beat, with perfect syncopation and rhythm I might add, notwithstanding my awkward mazungu dancing style.

However, I must first backtrack to Shimoni, the port village en route to Wassini Island. It was here that I commandeered a wooden dhow, snorkeling gear in hand, bound for the coral reef off Wassini Island. The light sea breeze brushed about the sail as the dhow slowly pushed through the tranquil waters, the sun reflecting off the green, jade azure, only distant fishermen in sight. Small islands rise out of the Indian Ocean like stone mushrooms, cut away by the pulsing waves. Atop these islands are lush palm-tree forests where small primates dart to and fro, amidst colorful tropical birds, squawking loudly. Next to the boat, dolphins cut through the waves, dancing through the water with playful grace. Reaching the reef, I slipped into the water, a warm salty bath. Colorful aqua life swam about the myriad of corals and plants, rich and dynamic in color. The sea garden invited a closer look. Diving beneath the surface, I encountered the beautiful but deadly lionfish, and the seemingly menacing, but harmless moray eel. Octopus, rockfish, angelfish and a plethora of sea life swam about me in an elaborate spectacle of color and movement.

Embellishment is not needed; Wassini Island has proved to be the highlight of Kenya thus far. My daytrip was not without its setbacks, and I eased into bed with a stinging sunburn at day's end.