Hired a car and driver and ventured a bit further afield today. Headed north west to the spice farms

They walked us through each of the spices- amazing that we eat all these products but have no idea where some of them come from- or of their medicinal benefits.

They grow all spices for export and interior consumption. Almost all are introduced species coming from India and Asia. The cinnamon tree is the “queen of the spices” – every part of the plant is used- bark (cinnamon sticks) & leaves (curry), roots (Vicks Vapor rub) & trunk (burn as insect repellant). After the tour we were sung the welcome song from the coconut tree and presented with new adornments…..

After a spice and food tasting, we made a quick detour to the slave caves- where the slaves were housed after abolition so that the Arab nations could continue the slave trade.

Home and quick turnaround to head to the other side of the island (about 1 1/2 hours drive) for dinner at The Rock restaurant. A magical little shack perched on a rock about 100m from shore.

Paddled out through the waves but could walk back as the tide went out. Beautiful full moon, gorgeous food, great ambiance- would have been a great spot for a wedding ?