The scene captured in Mombasa is unintentionally dramatic.

The most famous landmark in Mombasa Old Town is Fort Jesus. This 16th-century Renaissance castle, with its 18-meter-high walls, stands on the 15-square-kilometer island of Mombasa, guarding the maritime passage from Mombasa's natural harbor to the Indian Ocean. It naturally became a battleground during the colonial period. Over the centuries, the Portuguese, Persians, Arabs, and British have all fought over the fort, leaving their historical mark on the city. Mombasa, in the local Swahili language, means "city of war." Walking through the winding alleys of the old town, it's hard to imagine the scenes of war that once took place here. What you see is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, Northern and Southern architecture, and the customs of the world's major religions. You hear the swish of looms and the creak of oxcarts, and smell the aroma of a mixture of dishes from all over the world. It is no wonder that the fort has been awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Strolling through the old town, you often see tiny three-wheeled taxis whizzing by, splashing mud on you if you don't move out of the way. There are also oxcarts delivering goods everywhere. The cart driver sees you holding a camera and mutters, "You're not going to tip me for taking a photo, are you?" He has been weaving for 35 years, from being a worker to starting his own business after being taught by his landlord. Now his colorful shawls are popular with tourists!