Zanzibar

 

We decided to spoil ourselves with the weekend away. Zanzibar is fabulous, in a real tropical unspoilt way. Flights, transport to and from the airport, 2 nights accomodation, breakfast and dinner only US$341pp.

 

The four muskateers - leaving on a Cessna

 

The ferries have not received rave reviews in recent history so we opted for a Cessna flight across the water doted with numerous islands.  Our first view was of Zanzibar Town on the west coast. Ali, the taxi driver was there to meet us and it was airconditioned bliss while absorbing the sights.  My first impression is the relative appearance of "affluence" compared with the mainland.  Not affluence in the sense of Park Lane but in relation to people in similar circumstances.

First view of Zanzibar Town

 

Working bullocks

 

Zanzibar dula dula

 

Spice Tour

 

We had been advised by the manager of GHAWA to avoid Dar es Salaam city and Stone Town - the old part of Zanzibar city especially after midday prayers on Friday as there had been some unrest and more was expected. This was disappointing but we managed a Spice Tour instead.  It was so much fun. I was fascinated to hear that the clove tree technically belongs to the government here. Individuals can grow and use the plant but they may only sell back to the state. 

 



Enormous snails

 



Spice tour guide took a shine to Narelle

 



Natural make-up

 

Nutmeg - a star wars spice!

The tree climber

Colubus Monkey Reserve

The Zanzibar red colobus monkey is endemic to  Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is now classified as an endangered species and the reserve we visited is one of the few places at which the population has stabilized  - numbering about 2,500.  Locals  call this monkey "kima punju" which means "poison monkey" in Swahili because of their strong smell. This has caused people to hold negative views about the monkey and even to say that it has an evil influence on trees that they feed on, ultimately causing them to die from their saliva. Our guide was of this opinion too and also told us that if dogs ate the monkey their hair fell out and they got sick and died.  They look really cute though and we had one old lady follow us around, striking poses here and there.

Colobus Monkeys

 



One cool old lady - just hanging around

 

Kichenga Lodge

Our hotel was in Michamvi on the east coast, far from the party crowds but I think the staff and residents felt the party had moved in when we arrived. Girls just like to have fun! The hotel was small and fairly basic but had everything we required for the weekend.

 

One of our rooms and balconies

 

 

 

Views from the balcony

 

First thing we had to do was swim. The tide was quite far out but the water beyond that, in front of the reef, was an incredible shade of aqua. Orzanna and I decided to strike out for the reef. There seemed to be a sand bank of sorts out there as there were people off boats walking along it. About 2km later the reef only seemed marginally closer and the tide had started to turn so we turned back taking our time looking at starfish and unintentionally treading on rather lethal sea urchins. A bit of backstroke, then freestyle, breaststroke, and so on taking advantage of the incoming tide as one does. By the time we got back towards shore there seemed to be quite a number of people swimming and waving at us, so being friendly people we waved back. We discovered they thought we were drowning and had just about every resident and staff member wading out to save us. It was hilarious. What a way to meet people. Not so funny for our other friends who succeeded in imbedding a number of sea urchin spikes in their feet in their rush to get out to us. The Masai on the beach were wonderful at removing them with papaya and acacia thorns.
 

Tide's out

 

Sundowners prior to dinner - mezzanine floor
 

 
Plenty of food
 

Fun times

 Al Rahma Hospital

Unfortunately fun times were short lived and Saturday morning we headed off to the private hospital in Zanzibar city as Orzanna was very ill. We initially thought malaria, however it didnt seem to be that according to the cursory glance afforded her by the Russian trained doctor.  She had a drip, and antibiotics while Brooke rushed to the airport to get a flight back to Dar.  By 5pm, she and Brooke were flying back to the mainland leaving Narelle & I to soldier on.  Someone had to do it!!

 

Fun times are over for one

 

The trip back was a little subdued however we knew what we had to do..............



 

Not letting the side down

 

We solemnly promised we would

Masai watchmen

 

The next day it was serious relaxing because we were each doing double the work... for the team.

 The pool when you are tired of the ocean

 

Taste of paradise

 

We had to say goodbye to Zanzibar mid afternoon and head back home. Final preparation for the new course was required and of course to find out how our friend had fared.

 

 

 Sad to leave especially as Leo wasn't the pilot this time