By Hans

After returning from Nairobi, I was offered an assignment by an Austrian Film Production Company to scout for their main actor. The specific instructions were to "scout for a young, good looking man, beach boy type who has been in contact with sugar mammas and speaks a bit of German".

This assignment took me from the North Coast (Malindi, Watamu, Mtwapa, Shanzu and Mombasa) to the South Coast (Ukunda and Diani), which I had not visited for some time. What struck me between the two ‘Coasts’ is the difference in prices and services offered.

Locals and tourists enjoy a day at the beach.

My next stop was Vindigo Cottages in Diani, South Coast, where I paid Sh3,300. The difference could not have been bigger. The cottages were once a perfect location for a film production in the 1950s and, 60 years later, nothing had changed.

From the outside, they appear charming but once I got in, I was met by old tired furniture, dry taps and no towels in the bathroom! The room had a huge bathtub but when there is no water, of what use is it?

The small kitchen had crockery and cutlery as old as the cottage and there was no way I would have prepared a meal there. The only good thing was the location — it is stunning right there on the beach. I took a walk every morning.

I was surprised by the many ‘massage’ huts on the beach. Several times I was accosted by big mammas, some blocking my way. Obviously massage was the last thing on their minds.

There is still a serious shortage of tourists in Kenya. I saw that most hotel gardens on the beach were virtually empty.

After a few days casting, it was time to relax and what better place than The Forty Thieves, one of the few bars-cum-restaurants that are right on the pristine white beach. On this Sunday afternoon, a life jazz band was performing.

Hans, the manager, takes excellent care of his clientele, which explains why the place is regularly packed with Diani locals and a few visitors. No beach boys here, only guys who offer their camels for a ride, which are total fun for children.

The relaxed informal ambiance is soothing and lunch goes for Sh550 only. Prawns, chicken and vegetable curry with rice and fruit salad were on offer for buffet. I opted for the delicious roast pork with potatoes, salad and mixed vegetables.

The experience was truly enjoyable and affordable with excellent, friendly and efficient service. Driftwood Club in Malindi, also on the beach but without a live band, offers a Sunday buffet with soup, stir fry, roast turkey, chicken curry, dessert and coffee for Sh500.

Perhaps I am too critical but when I spend my money, I want to have a good deal and a good meal.