Lamu: Where the showers are free and everyone gets around in a fanny pack

Lamu is a magical place - not at all the "real Kenya" I had prepared myself for. Located far North on the coast, on the road to Somalia, Lamu is a place where Arab and African cultures intersect. Women peruse the streets in full body bui-bui, men with kofiah on their heads and fanny packs fastening kikois to their waists. Most importantly, the donkeys own the streets. There is a unique attitude in Lamu in that the people are proud of their town. Rather than "please take me to Canada," people say "Welcome home!" The attitude here is carefree, and I am constantly greeted with funny phrases. "I hope you're enjoying the free showers!" when it rains; "can I give you a lift on my donkey?" when I look tired; and every time I meet someone, their name leaves me speechless.

Kenyans are very creative with their names. Each region of the country takes on a unique approach, often resulting in an eclectic mix of Western culture and tribal traditions. In Luo tradition, the first name is English and is chosen by randomly calling your baby different names until it stops crying - the last one being the baby's "favourite". The second name is Luo and indicates the time and weather conditions when the child was born. The pool of second names to choose from is pretty limited, so parents get very creative with the first. You would not believe the amount of Bill Clintons Onyangos and Fancys I've met. Every time I meet a Fancy I think to myself I can't believe your parents thought that was an option! Luos aren't the only tribe known for creative, if not questionable names. A friend of a friend once taught an Adolf Hitler, arbitrarily named after a "great European leader." No one had the heart to tell him exactly who Adolf was.

And here I am in Lamu, where there exists another unique approach to naming. I get the impression these people adopt new names as it suits them. Abdullah, for example, the manager at Sunset House, renamed himself Abdullah-Bob when he realized that about half the men in Lamu are named Abdullah. I've met a Smile, a Dolphin, and there are plenty of Captains - Captain Slow Motion Donkey stands out the most.

The funny names and fanny packs are a perfect reflection of the lifestyle and mindset in Lamu. Care free. Lighthearted. I'd happily spend the rest of my trip here, but Tanzania is calling.

(Side note: for those of you who are wondering, I never did see Dr. Foxy again. Sigh.)