I spent my school years with Mariam — affectionately known as Malu. Along with the class of 1968 we were together from age 3 to 18. A special bond was formed when we were in Nairobi studying for our A levels and we were in the same dormitory in the Agakhan Girls Hostel along with other class mates from Mombasa.
Mariam took the lead in organising midnight feasts on Saturday nights and totally responsible for playing pranks. She was a fun girl — lively, happy and never a harsh word. Everyone wanted to be with Malu. At school Malu hated cross country running and each time we were left to do a run, we took a bus into Nairobi City to watch movies in the afternoon and then head back by public bus to our hostel, wait for the school bus to arrive and then enter the hostel with the group. The Matron never knew and we were never punished!
During each school term holidays, 6 of us travelled by train — the Nairobi to Mombasa overnighter. With Malu on board the 12 hours passed quickly. We did this for 2 years and once school was over we pursued our future paths in Nairobi.
I left Kenya to go to England and several years later a reunion group was formed. I reconnected with Malu in 1998 when I came to Toronto to see my family. Malu did ask me and my husband over for dinner but time constraints did not permit this. Malu being Malu, went out of her way to see me before my flight home and came to the airport with Doug. I was so humbled by this and what a great thing she did as it was the last time I saw her. Bravo Malu.
I shall treasure our time together, growing up and sharing fun moments. Our Saturday 10 am get togethers in Mombasa during school holidays and having coffee and meat pies at Cosy Tea Room in Kilindini Road — dressed up to show off and pounding the streets until lunch time. Sweet memories …
Yasmin Sharpe nee Ali
Great article, Yasmin. Love the story about cross-country running.