Christmas is in 2 days – what! Days have merged into one this month but here we are, Christmas 09 then the dawn of a new year begins. Personally, I am really excited for the new year. In fact, very optimistic. Because this new life in Africa, though a challenge, has shown me, dreams really do have the chance to shine like stars in your life. Things can happen. Things can change as soon as I just start moving and walking.

So for this Christmas and New Year, I’m in Lamu, on the coast of Kenya just north of Mombasa and along the Indian Ocean. Lamu is an ancient Arab-Egyptian Island dating back to early civilization. Think: long sunlight hours; heat that reaches 30+; donkeys as the only mode of transport; narrow streets; stone walls; wood carvings around the door frames; simple-beautiful furniture; greetings from every kid on the street almost with, “Jambo”; tiny art spaces where artists work for a living; magnificent tropical plant life; a slower pace of life; white sand beaches; silky warm sea waters for swimming; lush fruit and seafood; warm people; strong Swahili culture; boats as transport-mangrove cruising-tropical fish coral reef snorkeling-Christmas evening sunset trip-yes yes yes!

So yes its been a great holiday so far. Relaxing; soaking in the sun: eating fabulous food; staying on an ancient island that just happens to have few annoying tourists.

Its funny though, as we really have no idea its Christmas season as there is little of the associated madness. There’s a festival groove and vibe all over town, but the stores haven’t got their sale or Christmas window. Its weird. But its also incredibly cool to do something different. To be somewhere different and to appreciate Christmas through the lives of a different culture.

For this year I want to say, thanks. Thank you for all the love you have sent me this year through email, this blog, facebook and twitter. I have really appropriated it, it has meant a lot.

Have a happy Christmas my friends and family and good start to 2010.

Love and Peace
Marcus.