Run No. 220 - 8th September 2007
Last Saturday’s Hash started at the Shiv temple, Old Nyali. The temple is quite unique as it has two roofless caves where stalagmites have formed natural lingams (representation of the Hindu god Shiva) as well as a natural rock formation resembling Shiva's son, the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh. A number of interesting stories are attached to these caves, one of which tells of a certain cow who was in the habit of rubbing her udders on the stalagmite to exude milk (pouring milk on the lingam is a way of worshipping Shiva). Her herder, afraid that the cow would damage her udders, hit her to get her to stop, upon which he was attacked by a swarm of bees. Admitted to hospital, he was treated by an Indian doctor who, hearing the story, decided to investigate, and was amazed to discover the Ganesh rock and the Shiva lingam.
Certainly the twelve Hashers gathered (the Grand Master R’Hole having buggered off to Dubai, Horny Sunset steamed off to Canada to see her hubby, and everyone’s darling Kama Sutra still recovering from her B’day party) were fascinated with the temple and the views it offered of the Indian Ocean.
The unfortunate Hare setting the trail this time was yours truly with Wunderbra Alice directing as Co-Hare. So a circle was formed, instructions given and off went the whole pack, straight down a false trail, which got the Co-Hare smirking with glee. Now Hashers are meant to be kali sana hunting hounds for god’s sake not happy-go-lucky bumbling bunnies. Wet Hole even has the audacity to turn around and ask the Hare “is this the right way?”!! Ah well, got them back on the trail with Mzee Mouth leading the pack. The posh residents of Nyali out strolling seemed a bit perturbed by the mangy pack running past, not that I blame them. Sharp left and the trail branches off into an overgrown garden with a desolate house in the middle. Global Diktiza is busy chatting with her long lost pal Marilyn from Hong Kong but a mention of snakes in the long grass livens her up a tad. A break in the stone wall reveals a narrow and very steep path leading down through the lush vegetation covering a disused quarry. On On goes the cry as Vibrator vaults over the gap, obviously in good form today. A classic false trail up a hill and Vibrator falls into the trap. Slippery When Wet is no help in identifying any of the birds. The trail turns left again through two large stone gateway posts but with no gate or fence. Dense green foliage rises overhead on both sides and the light is dimmed. Narrow sunbeams shine through gaps in the foliage like searchlights on a dark stage, birds providing the sound effects. A little further and the Hashers almost miss a derelict stone house standing silent surrounded by the flora. Why is it that windows of abandoned houses seem so sad and alike empty eye sockets in a skull? Who once owned this house and lived here? Why did they leave? Now bushes and saplings grow in the rooms upwards to the missing roof. The ghosts or djinns might know but they seem happy enough dancing away their nights in isolation as evidenced by the empty wine bottles littering the floor. On on, the trail curves and waves can be heard. A break in the foliage, the ground turns sandy white and the sea can be ahead through another gatepost, its neighbour having fallen down and marked with a Hold sign. The pack catches a breath admiring the rocky beach and views of Mombasa Island. “Check it out” I order (this bit I like) and off they go down the beach.
Lots of brown seaweed and bits of plastic, Kalim offers some startling info, Mombasa has no working sewage treatment plants and raw sewage is pumped directly into the sea. If that’s true then we all are going to be in a pretty pickle when some Euro inspectors turn up and find our famous beaches and sea polluted, end of tourism, end of dollars!
The city fathers recently took pity on me and lighten me of Shs.3,700/= in exchange for a bumpy drive to the Municipal Yard (next to the failing Fire Station), a 2 hour tour of the majestic municipal buildings contained therein and a July/Sept 2007 copy of the Mombasa Bulletin – the official journal of the Municipal Council of Mombasa. Road to Recovery is the cover story. Maybe next they can turn their attention to the sewage plants?
The pack moves on from the beach up a path aptly called Samaki Lane. It’s the straight run home back to the temple now and Mzee Mouth legs it with Kate the G4S Guard hot on his heels. Back at the temple the pack say a prayer watching out for the cobras said to guard it. A bit of Yoga demonstration and its time for some downs downs at that den of vice the LGM pub. The virgins Marilyn and Eastern Sonia are inducted into the Hash by Wet Hole.