……. Three days later, I was on the Madaraka Express headed to the Coastal City, yet again.This time around, it was all work and no play! Who takes a break from a holiday and returns to work and then goes back on holiday? I surprise myself too!

The year had come to an end, it was time to reflect on what has been achieved, and part of these reflections are work-related. Personally, I think it is one of the best years of my professional journey so far. This is also around the same time I celebrate the birth of a very special someone, and I had to take a break and spend the week with him(a story for another day.)

I had to wake up quite early to get to the station on time, that way I didn’t have to rush through the security stops mainly because I never have been able to pack light! I like how they keep time because by exactly 8.15am we were off. Since it was the Inter-County train, I had something to look forward during this 6-hour trip. Coffee and pastries all at affordable prices were served. I was able to catch up on some reading and before I knew it, we were there.

When we got to the Miritini Station, we negotiated and got a taxi to Kilifi, another three-hour trip! We had a stopover at the Nyali Center on Links Road for Packed lunch and enough litters of water from the Naivas Supermarket. Shortly after 5.00pm, we checked in at Mnarani Beach Club. The process was easy as they did expect us. The one thing that always takes my breath away is the infinity pool overlooking Kilifi Creek. It makes the view of the Indian ocean even more spectacular. I ended up taking a long shower and a nap before dinner.

At the Bar, I chose to have a Cocktail which totally cooled me off considering it was 31 degrees. We called it the Ice-ruler. Basically, they Mixed the Amarula with Vanilla Ice cream and a bit of Lime Syrup. My drink of Choice any time I stay here. They have a great Food Menu and a toothsome buffet.

And then it was morning.

As we walked to the Conference Room, slightly confused by the signs, we got into it and before we knew it, we were having dinner by the pool ……. Days go by and it was our last night.

This one excited and freaked me out at the same time a dinner cruise on a dhow (all pun intended). Our Chef and his team were the captain & crew. Slightly before the Sunset, we sailed off…. The brave swam, the rest of us (like me) watched. We ended up on the Distant Relatives beach and gained the courage to find our way to the beach, (water wasn’t as deep).

After brunch, we were off, back home to celebrate Christmas. This for me was a holiday to remember.