Zanzibar Island

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On the 9th September after about 10 days of hectic waking up Gestapo style and having the tents down, breakfast out, dishes washed, then queuing single file to be hosed down and de loused before we got back on the van at 6am, we set off for a nice relaxing few days on the island of Zanzibar, which is a two and a half hour ferry ride from the port of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

We were crammed into the bus at 5am and driven to the port, which was filled with hundreds of locals selling cashew nuts, bananas and copies of the Guardian. Many locals were also boarding the ferry to go and work in Zanzibar while Lizzie popped about 57 seasickness tablets. We boarded the ferry and after sitting in the port for about 10 minutes, we set off with Lizzie realising she needed to go and stand on deck with fellow sickie Jemma, who also felt she may soon be feeding the fish. Being the loving boyfriend that I am I accompanied her for a few minutes before retiring back to my comfortable seat, placed my face on the table and was woken up just as we arrived. Apparently neither Lizzie or Jemma fed the fish and the crossing was ok. We met our fixer Abdul at the port and were placed on another bus which took us to our accommodation on the north beaches. We stayed at Sunset Bungalows on Kendwa beach to be greeted by hot showers and a four poster bed which could have slept a small village. The damp mould infested tents, and 5am wake up calls were a distant memory and none of us could wait to get stuck into the local culture of sun, sea and sunburn.

The next couple of days were as we’d hoped, relaxing on white beaches and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean with everyone from the tour. The sunsets were awesome and as you might be able to see from the photos so was the food. The older folk from the other Acacia tour arrived on our last day at the beaches and were quick to challenge us on the volleyball court to try and amend their previous humiliation. After streaking ahead by 2 points in a 21 point game, the trash talk came hurtling in our direction. Quips of “ are you ok with beers later on or can we get you some WHOOP ASS?” and “You’re gonna need your passports, cos you’re going DOWNTOWN!” were personal favourites. Anyway, we clawed back this 2 point deficit you’ll all be pleased to hear and our reputation remained intact with another crushing victory.

Thanks to the wonder that is Satellite TV (albeit Africa style), we managed to watch Theo destroy Bilic's Croats while the girls headed off, via boat with holes in, to a local Rasta Bar. Not sure what they got up to as I was slouched on a couch in the bar by the time she and the rest of the ladies returned but apparently there were booths in the shape of Pirate ships. Personally I think that sounds awesome. Savvy?

We headed to Stonetown for our final day in Zanzibar and headed to the fish markets where we tried skewers of seafood including barracuda, blue marlin, lobster and white shark all for about a pound each. As it was Ramadan while we were here the prayers could be heard at 4am from the local mosques and we set off again on the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam around 10. Again, Lizzie popped another hundred pills and sat out on deck while I buried my face into my jumper and woke up as we arrived back at the port in Tanzania. From here it was back to the grindstone with another evening at the campsite before we set off on our 2 day journey to Malawi.

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Photos

Stupid O'Clock
On our way to catch the ferry. Not pretty.

Comments

[Jen]

Small world!!
Wow Lizzi, looks like ur both having a fantastic time!!! I am officially the most jealous person in the world ever idst!!!! The pictures are fantastic, it has made me want 2 go on a Safari even more now!! I had a facebook message from Steves friend Adam and it appears u have been travelling with him and Mair!!!! How bizarre!! What are the chances of that!!! Well strange to see a pciture with Mair on it and you in the same picture!! Anyway matey, best go now...on an Inset day today and got another workshop 2 attend...woo hoo!!! Keep having a fantastic time and take care. Keep in touch, lots of love to you both...Jen xxxxxx

[Charlie George]

Ay up guys, looks like your having a great time!Keep the blogs coming very funny.Ridiculously jealous of you both, i want to go round the world now too!sunsets look gorgeous!any way take care both of you!be careful, have fun.lots of love Charlie