Tembea Kenya,

Happy to Be On an Island in the Sun

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.

— ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

If you know me, you know I love the coast. I don’t think I could ever get tired of it. If i had it my way, i’d probably live and work there. There’s just something about it. I don’t know if it’s the humidity or the salty air that just makes life move a little slower. And it’s not just when i’m on holiday, sipping on madafu and listening to Demis Roussos. Even during my six week attachment at the law courts in Malindi last year, life was still the same. Work was done, albeit much slower than I imagine it being at Milimani.? But I don’t think I took that many naps in my life since, probably, when I was in nursery school —lol!

In addition to that, there’s always a warmly welcomed disconnect with my phone. I’m not going to pretend that i’m unlike every other youth in Nairobi who’s just a tiny bit attached to their phone, but coast makes you forget about it. I find myself just wanting be outside and I mean, really be there. Be it, reading a book by the beach, taking walks to explore and see the area, grabbing an ice cream (i desperately need to find out how Osteria make their gelato) with a friend or even just playing monopoly with the family, taking in the view of the ocean.

Maybe that’s what I love about it most. The fact that it makes you slow down a bit, take things in and just enjoy living. (Yes, i’m still actively trying to live in the moment. Refer to here and here.?) I found this quote from the movie ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ —once again on my usual Pinterest runs— and I immediately thought of coast. Hence this tribute post!

Sometimes I fantasize that our country’s capital was at the coast. I wonder then, if Mombasa life would end up being as fast-paced as Nairobi. I’d hope not! It should just stay the way it is. 🙂

Photography By Patrick Mbugua

Crotchet crop/swim top – @joheartyarns

Wrap skirt – LC Waikiki

Maroon Hat – Lookie here 🙂

Slides – CBD

Don’t forget to like, comment and share!

— Ivy xx

012 comments

writer

Heya! I'm Wambui Mabelle. Founder of this blog. Twenty-something year old Kenyan. Lawyer by day, writer by night, foodie by weekends and muser everyday.

12 Comments

Connie

You’re glowing guuuuurl!! Amazing piece yet again. ?

Reply

Ivy

Heya Connie ?
Thank you so much! 🙂

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Brian Ochieng

Hi Ivy
Coast is one of my best places .. the culture is breath taking and the beach is just the best place to go to and sail away in the wave of relaxation.. ohh and yes .. Milimani Law courts Is way faster ?

Reply

Ivy

Exactly! 🙂
I’m glad you agree, Brian.
Haha i’m sure!

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Jael

Coast is arguably the perfect place to unwind and just forget life for a minute. Amazing

Reply

Ivy

Heya Jael!
I couldn’t agree more. 🙂
Thank you

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Saucy Flair

That body? Issa snack

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Ivy

Haha! Thank You Tiff!??

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Derrick Mureithi

Tbh you have a point. Love your perspective ? and that look ?

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Ivy

Heya Derrick!
Thank you 🙂

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Cici

This post made me feel like I was in coast right now, and the sun in my face…sand in between toes and all..but its 10pm now and I’m about to go sleep?? still your writing and pics have left a calming image in my mind. You are glowing btw!!! as always

Reply

Ivy

Heya Cici!
I’m glad my post helped you relive the coast experience, even if it was just for a few minutes, haha!
Thank you and all the best in your remaining exams! 🙂 🙂

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