There is a small abandoned ship on the shores of Jomo Kenyatta beach that has attracted many photographers due its rusty old look. The ship has been at the beach for almost two years. Rumour has it that it was bought by a Tanzanian guy but he is out of the country, in the meantime it is being fixed until he returns.
When walk on the public beach at Bamburi, you will find it there with onlookers trying to find out why the ship has anchored there.
Located in the heart of Biashara Street, Duka ya Abdallah under the Kaderdina Hajee Essak Ltd have been around since the forties of the nineteenth century. Mali ya Abdalla Leso has become a household name in Mombasa and other parts of the world.
The leso is a rectangular piece of material made of pure cotton. It measures approximately 150 x 110 cm, and is wide enough to cover a person from the neck to knees or from breast to toe. All lesos have fairly broad borders (pindo) all around and are printed in bold designs and bright colours. Lesos are bought in pairs – a pair is known as a gora – and are most attractive and useful as a pair. A gora of lesos is joined along the width of the fabric when bought. The buyer then cuts along the width and hems each of the two pieces of lesos to prevent fraying of the sides of the fabric. The leso is also known as the Khanga – the names are interchangeable. – Duka Ya Abdalla
The saying is the crucial part of the leso, it sends a message, and it tells a story to others. Others are made for gifts to newlyweds, to new parents and etc. Once you step into the shop you look for two things in the leso- the saying and colour patterns of the leso. Choosing a name depends on the occasion of the purchase of the leso. If it is for a newlywed, one with beautiful colours and congratulatory words will be ideal. A tradition that used to be common in Mombasa is when neighbors quarrel they just argue through sayings of the leso, one will wear a Leso with a saying that indicates hate to the other. Duka Ya Abdalla gets the sayings from anyone who gives them suggestion, they accept from the general public.
So if you are in Mombasa, take a walk to Biashara street to Duka ya Abdalla shop and peruse through the different patterns and colours of the lesos showcased.
In the meantime here are some samples from my visit to Duka ya Abdalla shop.
Our beautiful coastline In Kenya is our major asset for tourist attraction, a walk at the white sandy beach is the most picturesque appeal. With our recent insecurities many hotels along the coastal cities are suffering due to the low visitor turn out. Many hotels have closed and others are barely making it. Now the only way to survive is to appeal to local tourist, creating packages that will cater to coast residents and other Kenyans.
Most hotels have special packages from Nairobi, some even include transportation from Nairobi. The only way to survive is to find a small incentive from other hotels to stand out. But a trend that has emerged that appeal to coastal residents is lunch buffet (Inclusive of swimming) at a minimum fee and unlimited swimming time. The price range start from kshs 1200 to kshs 2100 lunch buffet and swimming. This deal caters to family who want to spend an afternoon swimming and enjoy a good meal. All the deals are always for Saturday and Sunday only.
So if you ever find yourself with no Sunday plans call your nearest hotel and ask them for Sunday special deal. You will be surprised by the good deal you get.
Sights and Sounds of the beach :
