The Ruins of Kilifi

It was a beautiful Saturday morning; the sun was peeking out of the clouds making it a fantastic day to play football. 

That is exactly what Odongo, and Pinder planned to do as they picked the ball and ran out of the door. 

“Do not go to the ruins!” Mama Odongo called out as the boys rushed past her. 

“What ruins?” Pinder asked Odongo as they ran. 

“Oh, the incomplete and abandoned building near the football field.”  

“Well, I know ruins your mother would not mind you visiting,” Pinder said. 

“You do?” Odongo asked. “Oh wait, do you mean those old places like Gedi and Mnarani Ruins? They are boring,” Odongo continued. 

Pinder was shocked by this sentiment. 

“Ok just listen to me, they are an interesting piece of our history. Did you know that those buildings are from over 1000 years ago?” 

“That’s really old!” Odongo exclaimed.  

“Yes, it is, and those ruins give us a story of how our ancestors lived centuries ago.  

Did you know that Mnarani is a Swahili word that means pillar?” Pinder asked. 

Pinder continued to explain to Odongo that traders would sail across the Indian ocean from as far as the Persian Gulf in the Middle East and dock at Mnarani.  

“Now when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound so boring,” Pinder said in wonder. 

Just then their friend Hamza joined them. “Hey guys, less talking and more playing, what are you talking about anyway?” he asked.

“I was just schooling Odongo here on the ruins in Kilifi,” Pinder laughingly replied.  

“Oh yeah, my class is going to Gedi ruins next Friday. I am pumped to see them,” Hamza said excitedly. 

My dad “schooled me” on those last night, he added winking at Odongo at his fun play on words. 

“What did he say,” Odongo asked. 

“A long, long time ago,” Hamza started in a voice that was clearly to imitate his dad, “Gedi Ruins held the remains of numerous coral-brick houses, a palace and a mosque. It was an advanced city of its time with well-structured streets, running water and even flushing toilets.” 

“Ok enough of the history lesson, let’s play ball,” Musa said. The game was on. 

“GOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL,” Hamza shouted running around and dancing. 

THUMP!  

Hamza collided into another boy he didn’t recognize. The boy was soaking wet. 

They both fell and Hamza’s friends ran over to make sure they were okay. 

“I am sorry,” the boy said.  

“Where are you coming from?” Odongo asked, irritated. 

“I was swimming in the Mida Creek, just running home to change,” he replied. 

After making sure that they were both okay, the boy continued on his way. 

Odongo looked puzzled and asked, “What is the Mida Creek? 

“That’s where I learned to stand up paddle,” Pinder answered.  

“Stand up paddle, what now?” Odongo asked. 

Musa laughingly described. “You stand on a board that floats on water and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water, how cool is that.” 

“Oh, wow can we try that tomorrow?” Odongo asked.  

“Let’s go ask your mum, maybe she’ll even buy us some crab meat samosas,” Pinder answers, pushing open the door to the house. 

“Straight to the bathroom!” Mama Odongo shouts from the kitchen when she hears the boys walk into the house.