Memories of Zanzibar~


I haven't yet had a chance to write about our wonderful trip to Zanzibar this past weekend. Although it was very relaxing, it was also quite informative - and a true learning experience.






Our group left very early - 6:00am for the Kilimanjaro airport.

I really don't think many of you would believe me if I told you about the airport - but even in this small place, we had to pack any liquid-type product in cargo.

At the airport, we were greeted by Omar - our guide for the weekend. He took us to our 3 star hotel. Let's just say it had a tremendous amount of "character." Kara and I were apparently the lucky ones, because we ended up with one of the nicest rooms, and even mosquito nets on our beds. This might seem ridiculous in North America, but in Africa, having a mosquito net means an extra sense of security from whatever creatures may be hoping to cuddle up with you that night.


I might begin by explaining that Zanzibar is a small island off the east coast of Tanzania

across the Indian Ocean. The island is known for it's beautiful beaches, amazing aquatic life, and expecially history of slavery.

During our first tour, Omar explained a bit about the history of Zanzibar, and we saw the Soltan's former castle where he kept 99 women. Everyday he would visit the castle and have the women jump naked from the balcony into a pond below. He would choose the one he liked the best for further "activities" that day. Later he would return to his wife at another castle called the House of Wonders. Omar also brought us on a spice tour. Zanzibar is also known for growing many spices, and it was very interesting to learn the medicinal uses of the spices we so commonly use at home. I had no idea so much work went into their cultivation.

The next day, we went for a boat ride. Many members of our group swam with the dolphins, but I have to admit being too afraid of being hit by the many make-shift boats in the process.

Later that night, we went to an amazaing restaurant on the beach, and devoured a seafood buffet. After dinner, we all learned to dance - African style- from the locals around a fire, to the beat of homemade drums. Here is a picture of us preparing for our seafood feast.

The final day, we did a tour of the former slave market and learned of the great work of Dr. Livingston. - Dr. Livingston I presume...- On his search for the source of the Nile, Dr. Livingston bargained with government officials and played a major role in the closing of the slave market. Unfortunately, one month before the market was closed, he died of malaria. A memorial church was erected in his memory. Here is a picture of Omar explaining how as many as 75 slaves were kept in a basement cell so small that I felt sick even being there with only 14 people. The history was so very interesting, but to think that people were treated so barbarically, is almost uncomprehendable.

As we prepared for return, it was not hard to see that the airport in Zanzibar was even more primitive than the one in Arusha. There were pretty much no security checks and our plane was 1.5 hours late apparently due to some technical difficulties... I think I must have asked a million questions to ensure it would be safe- only hoping for the best. Thanks to Mike and Jen, the game CatchPhrase saved the day, and held us over in the airport during our long worrisome wait.

There were so many more memories and pictures of Zanzibar, that I will save until I come home. This is definitely a place worth visiting... but it's funny, after the weekend I was very ready to return home - to CCS.