Malindi is a popular coastal resort area north of the Kenyan port of Mombasa. We have been to this area before and have enjoyed the beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and the many sights and sounds of a large, resort community. Admittedly, the most popular attractions are the beaches and the ocean. But there are other activities to help pass the time as well. Allow me to share a few with you.
When one goes to a tropical beach, one is not alone. Obviously, there are the other beach goers and swimmers. But there are also denizens of the beach. Those creatures that call the sand home and were there long before we ever arrived. Pictured at right is one such beach dweller: a crab. They burrow into the sand and the only evidence of their presence are holes scattered around the beach. When disturbed they skitter across the ground and scurry down another hole.
The day the adult Hazards and Dubbers were engaged in a sand castle competition, younger members of these families observed the labor involved and quickly determined that chasing and capturing crabs would be far less work and much, much more fun. Pictured at left are Lyndsey, Ian, Titus Dubber, and Megan demonstrating the strategy necessary to trap crabs: sheer numbers to harass the poor creatures into coming out of their holes; herding them toward the "trapper"; and then ruining their day by plopping a bucket over them.
Pictured at right is the largest specimen trapped that morning. The kids put sand in the bottom of the bucket in a humane effort to help the crab feel at home. I'm sure he appreciated the gesture. As I looked at this picture, I couldn't help notice the "face" of the crab. Two eyes, a nose, two cheek areas, mouth, and a chin. Creepy! Looks more like a Transformer. Now, my only concern is whether this "crab" is a friendly AUTOBOT or an advance scout for the evil DECEPTICONS.
Well, there are other activities with which to be engaged at the beach besides capturing Transformers disguised as crabs. One can look for shells, loose change, or, pictured at left, coconuts. Lyndsey proudly displays her prized beach find. She claimed that when she shook the "nut", she could hear liquid sloshing inside. I didn't test this theory because as I was staring at the coconut, I couldn't help but think: "does that thing have hair?"
During one of our days at the coast, we divided into two groups; one was traveling to the ocean again to go snorkeling and the other would be visiting a nearby Crocodile/Snake Park. As our swim with the fishes was relatively mundane due to poor visibility, I'll feature the trip to the place of prehistoric creatures and slithering tempters of Eve. Pictured at right are several of the park residents hanging out together doing whatever crocodiles do when they hang out on a sunny day. Crocodiles are not alligators. Notice the "V"-shaped nose typical of the crocodile. That of the alligator is a wide "U"-shaped, rounded nose. This picture clearly shows that crocodiles do not have webbed feet whereas the alligator does. The crocodile is regarded as the more aggressive of the the two species. Alligators prefer freshwater whereas crocodiles like brackish or salt water. Crocodiles can tolerate salt water because they possess salt glands on their tongues. These glands filter out the salt present in the water. The American alligator can grow to the length of 19 ft. The Nile crocodile can reach a length of 20 ft. and weigh up to 2,200 lbs.
Now, when you are surrounded by reptiles who survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and have a reputation of being extremely skillful killers, what is the logical thing to do? Why, hold one in your hands, of course. Especially, if you are a kid. Here, our granddaughter, Megan, is holding a young crocodile. You probably couldn't do this in the U.S. You know, OSHA, liability, cleanliness issues, SPCA concerns (PETA fanatics: no crocodile was harmed in the taking of this picture.) But, hey, TIA*! Come on, what kid wouldn't get a thrill out of holding a real, live crocodile in his/her hands? This will be a memory which will last a lifetime. And consider the crocodile. He can tell all his buddies that he was held by a human being. That will be a memory to last a lifetime. Other kids in the group had an opportunity to hold this little guy as well as the adults. By the time everyone had had her turn, the croc probably felt as if he had experienced a thorough TSA check ... and he isn't even luggage yet.
I did mention that this park housed crocodiles and ...snakes! I also mentioned that this park was into "hands on" experiences. So, naturally, the group had the opportunity to hold a snake. Pictured here is Grandma holding a python. Pythons are non-venomous snakes that kill by constriction. You know, squeeze until you stop breathing. Then they eat you whole. Depending upon the size of the prey, a python could be satiated for weeks or months after eating. Therefore, these reptiles eat only 4-5 times a year. Snakes tend to give me the "willies". But I've noticed that a lot of women don't mind snakes. They wear fashions made from snake skins; they hold them; perform with them in the circus. I suspect this whole relationship goes back to the Garden of Eden. Not to be outdone, Cassidy Dubber and Megan, together, held the python as well. Come on, what kid wouldn't get a thrill out of holding a real, live python in his/her hands? That will be a memory to last a lifetime. And consider the python ... well, you know the rest.
Every zoo and wildlife park has its featured animal. Some are old; some are really young; some are extremely rare; some are unique; some are just plain unbelievable, like the "Jackolope". Well, this crocodile/snake park was no exception. It had its star attraction. This crocodile was unique in that under certain lighting conditions he appeared black. Crocs usually are an olive green/brown color.
The park staff named their star: Obama.
No further comment.
The crocodile/snake park was within walking distance of the Elena house where we were staying while visiting the coast. However, after a long time spent in the heat at the park, Grandma decided to treat everyone to a ride home .. in a Tuk-Tuk. This is a three wheeled conveyance also known as an auto ricksaw. This particular form of transportation is very popular at the coastal region of Kenya especially Malindi. Pictured at right are Joyellen, Megan, and Cassidy in a typical Tuk-Tuk. The ride home was enjoyed by all. The cost: 100 Ksh. - $1.16.
After toiling in the hot African sun building sand castles; after running along the beach chasing inter-galactic Transformers disguised as crabs; after wondering if coconut oil could promote hair growth; and after holding crocodiles and being hugged by pythons, nothing hits the spot like ice cream. So the Dubber and Hazard families drove into Malindi and went to the Gelateria Oasis owned by an Italian/Kenyan couple which offered Gelato: Italian ice cream. A great way to cool off and relax after experiencing a variety of activities.
Our time at the coast was drawing to a close. Soon we would depart for home. There is ...more to come.
*This is Africa
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