A two-hour boat trip around the island of Manda to Manda Toto (Toto = child), swimming, snorkeling at the corals with the whole family of NEMO present, more swimming while our very nice Muslim friends grill delicious tuna on a charcoal grill in the boat with the world's simplest, but tasty salad and fresh japati (loaf) Yum! And then a leisurely sail home in these two beautiful dhows that originally come from Mozambique. We just have to endure a little dehydration and sunburn. A great and comfortable full-day trip.

MATANDONIA

A big contrast to both the Manda Toto trip and the opportunities the people have at Shela (tourists, super beach, good infrastructure ++) was today's trip to Kurvlandsbyen or Matandoni. Hadjia and her 10-year-old son welcomed us and showed us around the village with 2100 inhabitants. No beaches, unstable currents and water from the well mean that not many of Lamu's tourists stop by. Matandoni is known for its good craft traditions and is a picture of what Lamu society was like before tourism arrived. That is why there has been a good collaboration between Matandoni and Elverum Folk High School for over 15 years.

Matandoni is known as the Village of Weeds because they weave all kinds of products for people on the island and on the mainland. So palm leaves are very important for the people in this very poor village - just a short boat ride from Lamu Town and Shela - with all the opportunities the people there have. We were also served coconut juice which is very nutritious and extra good against dehydration. A sporty group from Elverum tried most of it and even though it was really hot in the city I think we all agreed. It was worth it!

Tomorrow, deep sea fishing swimming with dolphins and Yoga await at Bananahouse.