Zanzibar has proved to be the perfect place to relax and unwind between the Kili climb and our upcoming Habitat build, and we've really enjoyed our time here. And, aside from the occasional crabbiness that results when traveling with a group of people for an extended period of time, we've gotten along swimmingly. I mean, how could we not when we're surrounded by such incredible scenery?
The first two days in Zanzibar had us poking around Stone Town, the historic old town portion of Zanzibar Town, which is also where we met up with two additional vagabond friends who joined us from Chicago (welcome, Pearsons and Caroline!). While activities were somewhat lacking, it was fun to explore the town's twisting back alleyways and admire all of the Indian and Arabic architecture (including ornate spiked doors, apparently a decorative import from India, where they were used to ward off elephants! See below for illustration). We enjoyed sunset drinks (at restaurant Lulu! Hi Lulu!) on our beautiful hotel's rooftop, as well as at the Africa House hotel in town. I must say there are few things better than sitting on a rooftop overlooking the sea at sunset in Zanzibar, sipping a shandy made of Stoney Tangawizi ginger soda and Kilimanjaro lager, and watching wooden dhow boats lazily sail by. Pretty. Sweet. Other activities in Stone Town included visiting the palace museum, where we learned Zanzibar citizens vote for not one, but TWO presidents (one Zanzibar president, and one Tanzanian president), and dinner by the water at the Forodhani Gardens night market where local fisherman bring their daily catch. While snacking on freshly-caught grilled octopus was a treat, I especially enjoyed giving my leftovers to the adorable little kittens that gathered around our feet while we ate. So cute! I have a stray cat problem. I love them.
The "main drag" in Stone Town, where most of the shops and hotels are located:
Sunset on the roof of the Seyyida Hotel:
"Mister Happiness" table at Forodhani Gardens night market:
Super-adorable kitties waiting for my leftovers:
Greg showing how one of Stone Town's ornate doors may have been used to ward off elephants:
A day and a half in Stone Town had us ready to hit the beach. We took a taxi up to the Doubletree Hotel in Nungwi fishing village, a tiny town at the northern tip of the island. Some things we saw on our ride:
1) Oxen carts competing for road space with cars and trucks.
2) Cows eating burning piles of trash on the side of the road.
3) A thief, already bloodied, getting chased across the street by a huge crowd of people holding sticks and rocks. Our driver kindly clarified the situation for us, saying, "Oh, yes, he probably steal a banana. This is how local people do in Zanzibar. If you steal, they chase you and they BEAT YOU." Effective, I guess?
The hotel is situated right on the water, with a raised private beach overlooking the ocean. The tides are dramatic here, and, while in the morning we watch local women and children walk what seem like miles offshore to gather shellfish, in the afternoon the waves are crashing against the hotel's rock wall and splashing our beach chairs. We have spent most of each day, with the exception of a snorkeling trip yesterday, sitting. And reading. And sitting some more. And watching sunsets. Not a bad life. The water here is clearer than any water I've ever seen - seriously, it felt like we were snorkeling in a pool yesterday...a pool filled with giant starfish and a billion angelfish - and the sand is so soft and fine it almost feels like clay. Check it out.
This does not suck:
This also does not suck:
This doesn't suck either:
This most definitely does not suck:
Also, it doesn't hurt that the seafood is delicious...
...and I found some cows on the beach:
We start our journey to Maputo today, with a ferry to Dar es Salaam and a night at an airport hotel before flying through Jo'burg tomorrow. While it's sad to say goodbye to Zanzibar, and the nice brain atrophy I've been recently enjoying, I think we're all looking forward to a change of scenery and getting our hands dirty (Nick - can you bring me some work gloves? Thanks). My next update will probably be post-Habitat around the 12th of August, so until then, stay cool. And crazy like a banana.
Thanks to my Zanz travel buddies for a great trip. And for eating a record number of Doubletree chocolate chip cookies.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad from some awesome, fabulous, amazing, dangerous international location
Location:Nungwi Village, Zanzibar
No comments:
Post a Comment