Zanzibar! Need I Say More?
Trip Start
Aug 05, 2006
1
36
55
Trip End
Ongoing
Zanzibar,
Tanzania
Friday, May 4, 2007
Leaving Burundi Li and I arrived by minibus in Kigoma late one afternoon. The train for Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, was scheduled to leave early the next morning but the ticket office had already closed for the day so we made arrangements with a local tout who assured us that he could produce to first class tickets if we arrived at the station early the next morning.
When we arrived the next morning he informed us that only one first class ticket was available and one of us would have to take a second class berth. After checking the official prices at the window we found that he was trying to charge us nearly double the tickets value and we argued until just before the train left
Alleyways Of Stone Town
. Feeling out of options we talked with the conductor who told us to wait in the restaurant car until after the train left.Only 3rd class tickets remained available after the train left but we negotiated with the conductor to let us remain in the restaurant car for the duration of the journey which turned out to be much more comfortable and safe than the 3rd class section.
Arriving in Dar Es Salaam two days later we checked into Safari Inn and just spent a few days relaxing and going to the cinema to see movies.
Arriving at Zanzibar port I was greeted with a wonderful view of Stone Town which contains most of the island's older buildings and churches. Stone Town definitely has a wonderful classic feel to it much like Sanaa in Yemen. The architecture is a mix of Arab and Indian design serving as a reminder of the island's past importance as a trading link between India, the Middle East, and Europe. There is also a wonderful market that sells fresh fruit, spices, and fresh fish. In the evening dozens of stalls open up to serve some of the tastiest seafood I have ever eaten at very cheap prices.
Another Beach Pic
We spent a few days on the eastern beach of the island which, since it is the low season, was almost deserted. The tide here goes out a long way and the beach is often covered in seaweed but it is a very quite and relaxing place to spend a few days, which is exactly what I was looking for.
After a few days Li had to return to Nairobi and then Beijing so I met up with Brian again and we headed up to the north beach, Nungwe, for some more R&R. The sea here is the most beautiful turquoise color I have ever seen and the sand is blindingly white and as soft as powder. In the week Brian and I spent at Nungwe we did almost nothing but eat good seafood and relax on the beach. Near the end of the week we met up with the two Israelis and went snorkeling for the afternoon.
