Nairobi, Jan. 15 -- I like the secrecy of lakes and oceans. The first time I flew over the Atlantic-for hours-I stared down and wondered: why do we even exist when we'll all perish as a lifeform and leave only the animals in the seas?

I love water bodies. I'm fascinated by water vessels: boats, ships, yachts, barges. I like how sails catch wind. I like the courage of seafaring men-to face something bigger than existence itself. For the longest time, I've wanted to do the Tamarind dhow ride in Mombasa: to see the island at night from the largest dhow on the coast, offering dinner cruises.

Last December, while vacationing in Mombasa, we managed to get a booking. [Book early.] I was excited. The children wondered what the fuss was about. "...