African Drums, Part Two: Zanzibar

(Boat to Prison Island)

A few billion zebras and impalas later, it was time to shake things up; adding a little sunshine, a little sand, and some spice to the mix! Unfortunately, we had to let half our team go, as they were decidedly voted off the island / truck (or off to do something more fun without us). Twelve remained for African Drums: part two, which took place on an exotic little island called Zanzibar.

Fresh off the boat, we arrived in Stone Town a bit dazed and confused; a mixture of sea sickness and shock from the drastic change in setting. The ferry ride from mainland Tanzania transported us miles away to an exotic land.
(Stone Town)

Zanzibar, also known as the "Spice Islands", has historical ties with the slave trade.
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Our visit fell right at the start of Ramadan, and Stone Town is nearly completely Muslim. Though we arrived with mouths salivating for fresh seafood, we had to wait until dark to dig in; no food in public during daylight hours! I was a bit apprehensive about paying only $5 for my humongous crab claw and Coke...but managed to avoid food poisioning!

(Forodhani Gardens outdoor food market)

Our very own Ali-G-like Ali-T tour guide was very entertaining and drove us to some spice plantations in a mosquito-infested van. He taught us about nutmeg, cardamom, tumeric, lemongrass, cinnamon, vanilla, coco bean, and more! He told us not to be shy like the mimosa, which temporarily shrivels up when you touch it, but to interact with the spices: taste, touch, smell and feel. I most enjoyed eating passion fruit during the fresh fruit tasting session and trying the ever-so large jackfruit…too bad it was Ramadan and we could not taste the curry!

We also sailed to Prison Island, finding Giant Tortoises hungry for a feed!


After a few days in Stone Town, we zoomed up the the northern beaches for a total change in pace.


It was the perfect place for rest and relaxation. We settled down in bungalow town called Nungwi. We laid in the sun and watched ancient dhows sail across turquoise blue water while relaxing on the white sand beaches.


We also had a jumping contest (Go Noah!)


I most enjoyed the walk through the town to the aquarium, where the brave got to swim with the turtles!




Until next time...