It was a last minute decision to make a trip over to Stone Town. I wasn't going to go as I have really blown the budget since being here but can't account for it in any meaningful way. Last time we had been advised to avoid certain areas because of some unrest but everything seemed to have settled down. The lure was too strong.
We set off early on Saturday morning. A 20 minute flight, quick zip through the offialdom of the airport (mzungus need their passports even though its the same country) and a 10 minute taxi ride and we were at our "boutique" hotel, the Maru Maru near the Old Fort.
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| Narelle co-piloting! |
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| Foyer of Maru Maru Hotel |
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| The Old Fort |
I am in the company of seasoned shoppers. Without any delay we were off down the side streets looking for bargains. You'd have to look hard for original stuff however eagle eyes were busy. By lunch time I'd had enough as it was raining although not cold. We found a small vegetarian Indian cafe that served delicious samosas, roti and pilau, then I headed back to the hotel to put my feet up.
My friends returned with lots of trinkets and a couple of very nice dresses each. Here I have to say they are both the ideal body shape for clothes.
Doing the wild Africa look and modelling one of the dresses.
They purchased some beads and with them got the story of how the young girls are prepared for marriage along with some interesting demonstrations it would seem. This extended to the life story of the shop keeper (who complimented Terri on her great bum).
Mutual delight with purchases
The Terrace Bar and Restaurant advertised happy hour cocktails. It was nearly finished but we thought we'd have time for one and to watch the sun set.
Sunset from the hotel rooftop
Tanzanians seem extraordinarily fond of sugar. The waitress thought it a little odd that our cocktails should contain less than half the amount they would normally. However they were delicious.
While we were there we got chatting to 2 young ladies holidaying from Oman. They were having shisha and invited us to try. The fruity flavour was yummy but the smoke was as bad as a cigarette.
Bliss
New friends from Oman
Ali's very beautiful daughter (from Zanzibar)
A couple of cocktails merrier and rather hungry we headed off to the night market in case there was something good to eat. We were advised by our new friends to be cautious as some of the food may have been there for several days.
It looked and smelt delicious
We placated ourselves with some paratha
We decided to err on the side of caution and headed back to the Terrace for dinner before retiring for the night.
There was no lying in, as Terri and I had organised a Prison Island tour for Sunday morning. It was a quick breakfast on the terrace again with early morning harmonies from the Islamic girls school below us.
Prison Island is also known as Quarantine Island or Changuu Island. It takes about 30 minutes by a motorised fishing boat to get there. It seemed very reasonable at US$15 each and Tsh4000 entrance fee.
The boats for transfer to the islands
Our guide
Lone fisherman
The island was used by the Sultan as a prison for rebellious slaves in 1860s and also functioned as a coral mine. It was later purchased by the British who built a prison complex there. No prisoners were ever housed on the island and instead it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Island resort - off season. No tourists
It is now owned by the government who use it as a tourist resort. Its main claim to fame is the collection of endangered Aldabra Giant Tortoises. The original pair were a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles.
Fareaway land
Busy
In action
Ages painted on their backs
The one on the right is 189 years old. The shell looked a tad worn
Big boy
"on your marks ....."
Heavy youngster
The prison is now part of the resort and has a restaurant situated in the outer courtyard and small bar inside.
The Prison
Original door
Reminded me of the Roundhouse in Fremantle
The Sultan
His queen
Chained and flogged
Out to mustering area
Boat mooring area
Market run
Way out
It started to rain again on the trip back. Narelle, who had been heading down to the Zanzibar Beach Resort was still waiting for the taxi when we returned, so we all went. It was close to the airport and had hardly a sole around. Most definetly not the tourist season. We found a nice spot to relax with a book for a time before locating the restaurant. I made a bit of a poor choice here and ordered a seafood salad. You think ocean front - fresh seafood. Not its not tourist season maybe the food's not fresh! I have been paying for it ever since. Today I have started on antibiotics and will hope for the best.
Just up the road was the International School which was having a craft fare. Every ex-pat on the island must have been there. We saw Ali's daughter there. This time with her mother, a very talented photographer and the first female to do this on the island.
Talented artist
All good things come to an end and we had to collect our bags and head back to the airport, but not before a final view of the water.
Gardens in front of the Palace of Wonders
Defence?
And...... a quick trip to one of the shops. After all its work on Monday.
well you are making the best of it Dada!!! Enjoy your last few days....getting so excited to see you on the 11th xxxx
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