The centuries-old Swahili culture and architecture in Lamu

I visited the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu, which is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. The narrow streets and alleys of Lamu Town are surrounded by white-washed buildings with intricately carved doors and decorated balconies that reflect the diverse cultural influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, European traders and settlers. I walked along the Lamu seafront, where dhows (traditional boats) are still used for fishing and transportation. I also visited the Siyu Fort, which is an important architectural and historical landmark that is a testament to the Swahili military prowess. The tranquility of Lamu and the charm of its people made me feel like I stepped back in time.