Blog #6: Zanzibar!
We had scheduled several days at a resort on the island of Zanzibar – at this point, as much as we loved the Serengeti camp, we were ready for indoor plumbing! A 90 minute flight took us east across the Indian Ocean. The of Zanzibar was much larger than we anticipated. Our small, local aircraft looked like a toy when it came to a stop next to an Ethiopian Air Airbus 380!
Zanzibar has been home to the world’s spice trade, slave trade, and multiple other commercial endeavors, due to it’s geographic placement and availability of a unique and cosmopolitan workforce. The city’s population is generally poor, but there is lots of investment going on, creating new opportunities.
Our hotel was lovely – we each had a bungalow with ocean views. After a day relaxing around the resort, and taking advantage of their world-class spa facilities, we undertook a walking tour of the Stone Village (a UNESCO world heritage site). Known for it’s uniquely carved doors (the Zanzibar door which was carved to indicate the business of the merchant), we walked through the city’s old market areas, which are still in use to sell fish, beef, poultry, produce and staples. On a Saturday morning, the market was extremely busy – but fascinating!
Our visit to Zanzibar was just enough time to get rested and refreshed before starting the 24-hour trip home!
I'll be continuing my blog with some specifics on various animals, meals and accomodations!
Comments