Swahili readings / Beginner 2 / Travel Experiences

Weekend in Mombasa

Wikiendi mjini Mombasa

Asha na kaka yake Omar walitembelea Mombasa wikendi. Walifika asubuhi kwa basi kutoka Nairobi. Jua lilikuwa kali, hewa ilikuwa ya uvuguvugu, na bahari ilinukia chumvi. Waliweka begi zao katika hoteli ndogo karibu na Old Town. Mtaa ulikuwa na nyumba za mawe, milango ya mbao, na madirisha yenye mapambo. Walisikia sauti za biashara na vicheko vya watoto, wakaona punda wakivuta mkokoteni. Baadaye walitembea hadi ufukwe wa Nyali. Mawimbi yaligonga polepole, na maji yalikuwa ya buluu. Asha alipenda kukusanya magamba ya bahari, wakati Omar alipiga picha za mitende na mashua ndogo. Walikodisha mwalimu wa kuogelea kwa dakika chache, na walijifunza kusonga salama ndani ya maji. Kisha waliketi kivulini, wakanywa maji ya madafu baridi, na kula samaki wa kukaanga pamoja na chipsi na kachumbari. Ladha ilikuwa tamu na yenye pilipili kidogo. Jioni walienda Fort Jesus na kutazama jua likizama. Mwanga wa machungwa uliangaza kuta, na upepo ulileta harufu ya karafuu. Walisikiliza hadithi kutoka kwa mwongozaji kuhusu historia ya mji, safari za baharia, na biashara ya zamani. Usiku ulipoingia wakatembea Old Town tena, wakanunua zawadi ndogo, na kusalimiana na wenyeji kwa tabasamu. Siku mbili zilipita haraka, na wikendi yao ilikuwa ya kupumzisha, yenye urafiki, na yenye kumbukumbu nzuri. Waliahidi kurudi Mombasa tena wakati wa likizo ijayo.

English Translation

Asha and her brother Omar visited Mombasa for the weekend. They arrived in the morning by bus from Nairobi. The sun was strong, the air was warm, and the ocean smelled of salt. They put their bags in a small hotel near Old Town. The street had stone houses, wooden doors, and windows with decorations. They heard the sounds of business and children’s laughter, and they saw donkeys pulling a cart. Later they walked to Nyali beach. The waves hit slowly, and the water was blue. Asha liked to collect seashells, while Omar took photos of palm trees and a small boat. They hired a swimming teacher for a few minutes, and they learned to move safely in the water. Then they sat in the shade, drank cold coconut water, and ate fried fish with chips and kachumbari. The taste was sweet and a little spicy. In the evening they went to Fort Jesus and watched the sun set. Orange light shone on the walls, and the wind brought the smell of cloves. They listened to stories from a guide about the history of the town, the journeys of sailors, and old trade. When night came they walked in Old Town again, bought small gifts, and greeted local people with smiles. Two days passed quickly, and their weekend was relaxing, friendly, and full of good memories. They promised to return to Mombasa again during the next holiday.