ZANZIBAR: From Hell to Heaven and Back: Photos 21 to 42

"You've been traveling for a while haven't you?" one of the girls I took the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar with asked me.

"Oh, I'm used to it... I've had plenty of training in SE Asia, especially Indonesia" I told her after a little incident that went something like this:

We get out of the taxi at the dock.

"No thank you. Please don't touch my bag. I am not paying you to carry it. I will carry it myself," I said while pushing away 8 agressive men trying to attack my backpack.

"There is only 1 boat today," one of them shouted.

"No there isn't."

"Yes there is."

"Your 'boat' right? ha! Ok. Come to the official window with me and you can find out."

He obviously didn't come.

Once at the ticket window where everyone was pushing and shoving, I made my way to the front.

"I work for the office. You should buy a round trip open ticket. It's better."

"No thanks. I'm taking the night ferry back."

"Oooh. More expensive. Better this way."

"No. It's $20US instead of $35."

He laughed

Full Text Entry: ZANZIBAR: From Hell to Heaven and Back

That place sounds crazy, Ana. Glad you were smart and didn't get ripped off. If I ever travel somewhere like Tanzania, I am taking you with me. :-)

Anna Marie, Hi I have just read your blog on Zanzibar. I visited there 9 years ago for 2 months when the place was less touristy and more of a backpacker haven. From what I've read and heard there are tons of resort hotels now both near Stone Town and on the beach from Nungwi to Kendwa on the north coast, resulting in more rich but less savy tourists to con out of a buck or two. Don't let Tanzania disconcert you in the future. I recommend Moshi on the foothills of mount Kilamanjaro and also the Usumbara Mountains which were both fantastic and with lots of really nice locals. Happy travelling

I had the same experience! Solution? Relax and get yourself back to SE Asia!

Just read your blog. We (family of 4) are leaving for Zanzibar - Jambiani in October. Never been to Africa before, so I try to get as much information as possible. After reading you blog, I am already worried!!!

That place sounds crazy, Ana. Glad you were smart and didn't get ripped off. If I ever travel somewhere like Tanzania, I am taking you with me. :-)

Anna Marie, Hi I have just read your blog on Zanzibar. I visited there 9 years ago for 2 months when the place was less touristy and more of a backpacker haven. From what I've read and heard there are tons of resort hotels now both near Stone Town and on the beach from Nungwi to Kendwa on the north coast, resulting in more rich but less savy tourists to con out of a buck or two. Don't let Tanzania disconcert you in the future. I recommend Moshi on the foothills of mount Kilamanjaro and also the Usumbara Mountains which were both fantastic and with lots of really nice locals. Happy travelling

I had the same experience! Solution? Relax and get yourself back to SE Asia!

Just read your blog. We (family of 4) are leaving for Zanzibar - Jambiani in October. Never been to Africa before, so I try to get as much information as possible. After reading you blog, I am already worried!!!