We had hoped for it and did not predict it out of sheer superstition, even when things looked like they might go our way. The tourist season for Italians in Kenya is going swimmingly and we are seeing the long-awaited "long wave" until Easter.
And it is one of the few pieces of news of comfort and relief, as the African country we hold so dear is going through one of the most inauspicious periods since 2008. Inflation in February rose to 9.2 percent, and it is the third worst month in recent years, moreover in contrast to December and January.
The shilling is at an all-time low against the dollar (it fell as low as 137, as did the euro), and prices of basic necessities for the population are rising 3 to 12 percent every thirty days.
Where it will go at this rate, with another rainy season predicted to be below the usual rainfall average(but by now, since this would be the sixth year, we can say that unfortunately this is the custom) is unknown.
In the meantime, however, thanks in part to the purchasing power that goes some way to balancing the high cost of flights, Italians have been returning with great pleasure to the Kenyan coast and on safari, even to the north of the country.
And even March, after the first two months of the year more than satisfactory for any coastal activity, is shaping up to be a good month. No full house as is obvious, but numbers that allow hay to be put up for the usual muted months.
Easter is fairly low this year, but a few arrivals can also be expected in April, thanks to the usual holidays-bridges between April 25 (Tuesday) and May 1 (Monday).
Then there are the retirees, who do not need to plan vacations. May all this fine bailamme serve as a launching pad for a coming season, from August (without election bogeyman) to next winter for the definitive revival of the destination!