Monday, March 28, 2011

Lamu - Misplaced within the Time Journey!

Probably if you have a chance to go to Lamu and certainly you want to! Lamu is an island city positioned within the Coast of Kenya. Frozen within the 14th century, Lamu is a should for any traveler to Kenya who wishes to flee the hustle and bustle of city life.

Lamu a peaceful tropical island is known for its slow and relaxed rhythm lifestyle. An island of great history courting as far again as the 14th century. Over the centuries, Lamu has acquired numerous guests and cultural influences but despite all that attention, the island has developed its personal unchanging culture. The people of Lamu are nice believers of custom and culture and this has ensured a powerful society built on a respect of the past.


Lamu's actual attraction aside from the long, white sandy beaches is the Old Town. The medieval stone city with its lengthy winding slim streets is type of fascinating. There aren't any automobiles in Lamu and the one dominant form of transportation is either the dhows or donkeys...yes, donkeys.

Aside from exploring the city on foot and lazing on the seashores, one can go on dhow safaris past Lamu into surrounding archipelago, the place isolated villages, historic ruins and some luxurious and unique resorts lie hidden among the many islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.

Would you like that excellent honeymoon? Are you an individual who is fascinated by medieval structures and wealthy cultures? Then Lamu is just the perfect location for you!

A must see occasion is the annual Lamu Cultural Competition held every year in November. The four days occasion that includes the perfect of traditional shows including plasterwork decorations, elaborately carved doors, high-backed chairs, beds and chests, boat constructing, embroidered conventional hats called kofia; conventional dances comparable to Kirumbuzi which is a stick dance through which pairs of men transfer inside a big circle of males, finishing up a mock fight with the intention of knocking the stick out of the opponent's hand. In the past, it served as a cathartic function in that males holding grievances had been capable of work them out in a socially acceptable means; conventional competitions together with donkey and dhow races. Donkeys are half and parcel of Lamu life, transporting all the pieces from sand, constructing blocks and farm produce to shop merchandise and people. This race attracts a whole bunch of spectators. Young boys experience these beasts of burden in a race alongside the seafront that begins and ends in front of the Lamu Museum; Swahili Bridal Ceremony is a celebration involving female friends and women kin of the bride before the marriage ceremony. The bride undergoes elaborate beauty preparations which embody massages with coconut oil and sandalwood fragrance, extensive henna decorations applied to each hand and feet. The superbly dressed bride, largely in green colours is showered with gifts. There could be dancing and singing to Taarab music and the delightful ullulations of girls; Musical performances and books launches.

Lodging in Lamu and the surrounding islands vary from budget lodging including resorts and guesthouses to the expensive accommodations including luxurious hotels, resorts and beach houses. Basically, Lamu caters for every customer because you are important to us and we love visitors...Kenyans consider guests as blessings!

Like we say in Kenya: Karibu Kenya, Karibu Lamu (Welcome to Kenya, Welcome to Lamu)!


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