Zanzibar is beautiful. It feels like we have stepped into the set of “Death in Paradise”. Palms fig and mango trees, white sands and crystal clear blue sea.
The day started with a walk through the narrow, winding streets of Sonee Town. Stone Town is gorgeous. Population is mostly Muslim so prayers ring out throughout the day.
Stone Town is a rabbit warren of very narrow streets, shared by pedestrians, motorbikes, bicycles and cats alike. For a gorgeous seaside town it is interesting that we haven’t seen or heard a single bird.
There is a mix of restored and derelict buildings so we are seeing the potential for renovation everywhere and dreaming of life change. We opted to navigate ourselves rather than take up one of the many (aka hundreds) of offers from local guides. All greet you with handshake and introductions, and Rogers name seemed to catch on – so after our 6 hours walking round town they were greeting us like long lost friends as we turned every corner.
Our walk very quickly turned into a bit of a shopping spree- basketry and rush mats were stunning (there is a little place in Hong Kong that will be looking much brighter).
The weather is incredibly hot but dry heat so not too draining (at least not for the first 4 hours) nonetheless we were forced to take refuge in numerous coffee houses- it’s a tough job but someone has to do it……
First stop (round first corner from the hotel) was in a beachside cafe where we sat under a massive fig tree on the beach, feet in the sand, watching the local boatmen repair their boats and touting for business.
Zanzibar Coffee house was our absolute fave, best coffee and possibly the best pizza we have ever eaten.
Visited the old Slave Markets. We had a guided tour from a lovely young man (uni student) who reminded us that slavery is still prolific in the world today albeit with a different face- a sobering thought.
Returned to our rooms at 4pm utterly exhausted, to hibernate for a few hours before visiting the night markets in the relative cool.
After much scientific discussion (on my part) the three boys agreed to eat in a restaurant rather than partake in the pre-cooked delicacies from the street stalls.
Tomorrow will tell if that was a good decision….
It looks wonderful and exotic, and those ruins, few million and it could be your palace. What a wonderful trip your having. Life’s ?
Hopefully your recent experience in Sydney informed the Scientific discussion, Naomi, and everyone is still well. Love the commentary to fabulous photos! Thank you once again for letting us share your wonderful holiday! Love to all xx
To those of us looking on Zanzibar conjures up visions of a history all at once exotic, adventurous and frightening. Sounds like things have not changed so much… it does seem less frightening. Love to you all.
Pizza looked very delish. Should definately tried the street stall.
If the locals eat there then its fine.
You look great my team in Zanzibar and i feel left out. Next time i will join in just to have a feel of it all. The place looks clean and very nice colours around you in the town. Still waiting for you. Enjoy the seafood there.
Loving your travels team Hackworth.
We especially love this post as we had a great few days there once. Loved Stone Town, the market, the buildings, the East Coast there and the huge turtles.
Did you realise Freddie Mercury was born there?
We took the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam, grabbed our case and headed for the airport. Opened it there whist waiting and it was full of fabric!
We had the wrong case. Rang ferry terminal, taxi raced off with it, we were prepared to lose ours with camera, clothes and books in it but taxi got back with ours on board and we had 30 mins spare to check in.
Loved the excitement xx
We love reading your posts but this one is particularly special to us. We had a few fab days there a few years ago. Your remarks on the beautiful buildings, the poignant slave market and museum and what about the stingray tail whip they used on the slaves….
Loved the bazaars, colourful clothing and the dhows.
Did you know Freddie Mercury was born there? Special….
Don’t do what we did! We took the ferry back, picked up a suitcase and raced off to the airport at Dar Es Salaam. Opened it 3 hours later and it was full of colourful fabric…mild panic set in!
Rang the ferry terminal km away, found that our case had been handed in there so gave a taxi driver the case and we were prepared that we would lose our camera, clothing and travel books. Would he get back in time? Would he even come back?????
But it came back just as check in closed! ?
Safe travels and keep writing this wondering travel blog.
Yes, it has such a buzz- we are loving it. But every day has had its own adventure – that’s why we love Africa.
Yes FM features here- including the Mercury bar just across the road from where we are staying.
Off to see turtles today.
Look forward to catching up when we are back
Nxxxx