Overview

Have you ever dreamt of a place unknown yet means a lot to you, a place you have never been, yet you connect to like home, a place that only exists in your fantasy, a place of healing for the soul and a paradise you only have an idea of?

We all have that one place we would like to visit, sites to see or even an activity to participate in before we say goodbye forever and it’s a good thing. Some think bungee jumping, some think, mountain climbing, while some, jumping off a helicopter. All these are acceptable and valid thoughts and plans.

 I have personally always had a dream of visiting Diani and spend time there even if it was for a single night. How to get there never crossed my mind; I just knew that I had to visit Diani, fortunately enough an opportunity presented itself through the 2020 #TDL Valentine’s challenge courtesy of the Tunda App and the grand price was a paid trip to Diani. I knew right away that was my cue. The competition would begin on the 13th of January and end on the 13th of February. The challenge included writing four stories with regards to love and relationships centered on weekly themes provided by Tunda . I am not a love doctor but I knew I had it in me to write something about my story, so on the four stories, I partially wrote about my personal experience.

Fast forward to four weeks later and I was declared the champ of the competition. It was a dream come true. I was euphoric; I felt like I had conquered the world. My better half was even more exuberant when I broke the news to her. We had been planning a getaway together and getting one where we didn’t have to spend a dime, that was God’s doing to us (Thank you Father).

The bags were packed and on the 14th at 2:30pm we began our journey to our dream come true. We took the Madaraka Express, which was also thrilling, simply because , I had only previously heard of the SGR services on the news when it was launched  but never used it and so it was my first time and that was really amazing. The biggest highlight for me on the train ride was passing through Tsavo national park, the scenery was unbelievable.

We got to the SGR Mombasa terminus at 7:14pm as planned and our transportation to where we would spend or time there was ready. As much as it was a fully paid trip, Tunda really made sure that we had a smooth vacation. The driver by the name Peter was really jolly, had a lot of jokes and story and was basically our tour guide since he knew much about the coast. Boarding the ferry to cross to the South coast wasn’t easy.  We had to wait for over two hours because of the traffic, but then of course we had Peter who was making us laugh as we waited impatiently( being a Nairobian is hard in these parts).

We finally board the ferry and the air is different; its fresh and calming, you could feel the ocean waves hit the against the ship as we crossed to the south coast. It was a breathtaking experience. After crossing to the South coast, it took us about an hour to get to our destination at the Tiwi Hillpark Amare Resort and even though it was at night, it was a sight to behold. We were received warmly, the receptionist had this smile on his face almost saying, welcome to paradise. I felt really safe and in good hands. We were of course a little tired, so we just had supper; which was delightful and so yummy, there was lots of sea food that I only see on TV. We then relaxed a little and took a swim for like 30 minutes then went to bed. Getting to the room, my jaw dropped, it was indeed a paradise. The room was well lit, could easily set the mood for two, if you know what I mean. The bed was well spread and huge and the mattress therapeutic. You have a 24hour working AC, you have your own cable TV, a mini fridge, a safe to keep your valuables and for the bathroom you have the option of using the shower or you could simply run the bathe.

I thought I was dreaming about the ocean and the waves, but I was wrong; it was really happening. Opening the door to the balcony, you are greeted by view of the ocean. The relaxing rhythm of the continuous lapping waves was music to my ears. The ocean breeze gently swaying the palm leaves as another day on the beach begins. Tiwi Hillpark is super organized. They have a number of pools, one by the cafeteria, and one overlooking the beach and the ocean. Breakfast that day was all you could eat. I was probably confused by the variety of food on the menu that day. I could tell you for free, if you need a place at the coast where you can relax and enjoy your vacation, try Tiwi Hillpark Amare Resort.

That day after breakfast we spent a lot of time swimming at the beach, playing with the sand and watching the starfish do its thing, such a sight to see. The ocean is really deceiving with its beauty, the waves crushing on each other is super fantastic. We went a bit deeper and further up trying to explore but of course, if you don’t have all the needed equipment, you can only so far. So we started coming back to the shore so that we can go have lunch. It was already 4pm, we were having so much fun that we lost track of time and the good thing about Hillpark Amare is that no matter what time you go for your meals; you will still get it. We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and walking from on shore to another collecting gifts sent by the ocean. Sadly it was our last time at the beach and had to come back to Nairobi the next day and the checkout time was 10am. I felt really sad leaving the ocean behind, we had become one but I guess everything with a beginning has an end.

On Sunday, we left the hotel at 10am to escape the ferry traffic and we did. Our train back to Nairobi left at 2pm and we got back here at around 8:14pm, I just wish I could go back. I miss it. I miss everything. But now am thinking I wanna go back there even if I have to pay with my last toe, am kidding am just nostalgic about it and since it was the best experience in my life so far, I wouldn’t mind replaying it over and over again.

WRITER: Obatsa