Welcome to My World: Zanzibar Island

After my adventures in Arusha, Zanzibar was just like a big cushy bed ready to drift me into a world of make belief.

Once landed at Stone Town I was driven for about an hour to Pongwe Beach, which is at the North East of the Island. Couldn't help thinking and comparing notes with what I had seen in Arusha. Buildings were whiter to begin with while the locals seemed to live a better life. Local girls wore long head-scarves as part of their school uniform while men wore taftas. Muslim influence was everywhere here not just in the Islamic architecture in Town. Another big difference was that no one cried out 'muzungu' on passing by. Locals were used to having loads of Westerners wondering about (or should I say honeymooners!)

The resort I chose had all the rooms or rather tiny beach houses situated on the beach so that I only needed to open the door, step out walk down a few steps to be on the white-sand beach. Lovely! Just thinking about it makes my toes curl to feel to recall that fine texture again.

I spent 4 dreamlike days on that beach. Wearing nothing but bikinis and kangas I spent my time, swimming at the early hours of the morning, reading books in a hammock and eating wonderful food :)

Being winter time the sun found it hard to shine its radiance constantly. Now and then the dark heavy clouds turned into light showers of rain. But all in all the temperatures were warm and even so the place was still stunning.

I struggled myself out of bed every morning at 6am to get a glimpse of sunrise which was right infront of me. Then couldn't resist a dip in the turquoise waters. After a scrumptious breakfast I'd find a hammock or beach bed and read for hours. It was quiet and I must say sometimes lonely too except for the small chat with the friendly staff. I did make friends with a British and French couple at breackfast and dinner of my first 2 days stays. They were a nice bunch.

At times I wondered along the long white beach for miles. Then when the tide was out, which happened everyday till early afternoon, I would walk across endless seaweed fields which were worked my the local women. Not to mention the vast array of shells I came across.

Towards the evening my only companions would be the white crabs peeping in and out of the holes in the sand unless they'd get washed away by the gentle strokes of the sea.

I dedicated only one day for touring. My first stop was a local 'Buda Spice Farm'. I was amazed to see exotic spices at their roots; candammon, tammarind, pepper, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cococnut, vanilla pod etc... To think that they grew in jars in our kitchen cupboards!!! ;P I was invited to taste some exotic fruit and teas as well as assist the picking of young cocunut then drinking its not-so-sweet juice or rather, oily liquid. I was also adnorned with a bag made out of palm leaves to carry my fresh spices and herbs in it, and a necklace, bracelet and ring to match.

After an endless hunt for a cash-filled ATM round Stone Town, I finally embarked a boat to cross over Prison Island.

I must say the main attraction there are the huge old tortoises. They're amazing! The ones in the photos are about a hundred years old! That's me trying to feed them some lettuce. Had to be very cautious otherwise they'll bite into your hand...not very nice!!! Here's my guide, Musatafa holding one of the younger ones.

Having gathered some guts I then decided to brave the weather and cold and snorkell in the third most beautifull coral reefs in Zanzibar, which is just off Prison Island. The multi-coloured coral garden spotted with huge starfish, just mind blowing. I lost track of time and forgot all about the cold not to mention the stings from a particular sea fauna (natural habitat in coral seazones, apparently).

Back at Stone Town I couldnlt resist wondering through the narrow quaint alleys lined with curio shops.

I definitely relished the next 2 days of solitary bliss on my 'private' beach after such tiresome touring!!!