Ramadhan ends tonight. The Islamic holy month has been extremely interesting to take part in, but also extremely challenging. The month itself is about self-control and tribute to the Prophet Mohammed in celebration of his reception of the verses of the Quran. The fasting is to spread the doctrines of hospitality, genorosity, self-restraint and self-discipline. Ramadhan began last month when the new moon was spotted and since then it has been a feat of endurance for all those who fasted...and for most of those who didn't. As a well-informed tourist, the expectation is to respect the traditions of the Islamic faith [View Full Entry]

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Jambo ! Zanzibar - island paradise off the East Coast of Africa. Perfect half way point for me and Louise to meet for a holiday catch up after 2 years. Louise arrived from Cape Town and I flew in next morning from London. Tembo Hotel - Stone Town our first port of call for 2 days exploring the colourful streets and exotic food of the Spice Island. Then off up the coast to the Karafuu Resort for 5 nights of luxury. Cocktail of the day, snorkelling on the reef, chasing dolphins, lounging by the pool. Hakuna Matata.. [View Full Entry]

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So, this is the first entry in my new Travelblog!! But who am I and what's it all about? Well, here goes.... My name's Chris Bowden, I'm a student at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London studying Swahili and Development Studies, with a mind to do who knows what!!! I've just started my third year of a four year degree during which I HAVE to study in both Zanzibar and Lamu, ah it's such a chore to have to do that!! So, this blog will be a testament to the life of a student, in a foreign and [View Full Entry]

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We arrived at the port of Zanzibar, called Stone Town, with the usual hassle of hawkers trying to drag you into their guesthouses, but we were having none of it as we know where we were going. The whole 2km trip to Jambo's, we had about 10 guys following us, argueing between them, and eventually fighting once we were in our place! Quite a funny sight to watch! Stone town is buil up with narrow alleys and was used back in the days of the slave trade, where slaves were transported to Arab countries, and it still has a large Arab [View Full Entry]

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Hi everybody So sorry this has taken so long... Work has gotten out of control and I had to spend a week in the field. So no blogging. Boo. But now that's over and I'm back in nice comfortable Ouaga and I thought I'd recap a bit the trip to Zanzibar. So here goes! So after the agonizing climb up Kilimanjaro, I was looking for some well-deserved rest. So I got on the plane at the Arusha Airport and flew to Zanzibar, an island just off the coast of Tanzania, known to be a little piece of paradise. **Also known to [View Full Entry]

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So, nach langer Zeit mal wieder ein paar Bilder und News aus Zanzibar fuer Euch! Sorry an alle bei denen ich mich seit Eeeeewigkeiten nicht gemeldet habe (Jo, Jö, Steph - bitte verzeiht mir! ;)), der August war einfach zu busy und auch sonst bin ich immer schwer beschaeftigt mit arbeiten, arbeiten, am Strand liegen, gemuetlich einen nach Feierabend trinken, am Strand liegen usw..... Ehrlich gesagt war's mir die letzten Wochen nicht nach Email schreiben nach Feierabend und auf Arbeit keine Zeit. Gestern gings auf "Safari Blue" - wohl die beste excursion die man auf Zanzibar machen kann (wenn auch nicht [View Full Entry]

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Nungwi [View Full Entry]

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Stonetown [View Full Entry]

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Dar-es-Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar [View Full Entry]

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This entry is just of photos of the laid back village of Jambiani and the beach and water. The photos say it all. [View Full Entry]

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