Blogs from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa - page 52

Spice Farm The Zanzibar Government owns about 60 percent of the land, so this was a government farm, although it appeared that many small, village-like communities existed. Spices are fascinating, and our guide could tell us where each originated, and showed us each spice and explained its season, harvest and any required processing. Here is a photo of us at lunch. Fish in coconut sauce, green vegetable, chappati, banana, etc. Nutmeg, Mace You peel off the outer part of the nutmeg, leaving a beautiful, bright red lacy substance around the nutmeg nut itself. The red lacy substance is mace with a similar, but unique fragrance and taste from nutmeg, around which is grows. Cinnamon Only the bark of the tree is used, and you chunk off a piece, and the bark regenerates in about six weeks. ... read more

Stonetown - Saturday 2/18 When we arrived at Victoria Hotel we were charmed by the setting opposite Victoria Park, the feeling of the hotel. An old, heavyset woman dressed in black sat in a chair under a tree in front. As we approached the door a gofer guy came out. We asked if they had a room for two. He said yes and started to get a key. With that, the old woman said “no rooms … the toilet doesn’t work.” We had been told by another traveler in Dar that the place was under renovation, but we really wanted a room there so I said, “I’m a mechanic. Let me take a look at it and see if I can fix it.” She agreed. I went into the room and saw that it indeed was ... read more

what an adventure the last few days have been. The train ride from Mbeya to dar es salaam was spectacular. First class was most excellent. We actually hadto book the entire train compartment for us to share it, which meant that we actually bought 4 tickets insead of two,but boy was it worth it. The compartment itself was plush (for african standards) it had 4padded benches, upon which we were suposed to sleep and sit. a table for eating, lights and a fan. it also included bedding, wonders of all wonders. The fan didn't work and the lights wouldn't turn off, but other than that. it was fabuous.I don't even really need to talk about the toilet. just assume the worst. The fun part of catching the train was that we had no real idea of ... read more

Imagine being the hottest you have ever been but having to wear long sleeves and knee length shorts as you're in a Muslim Town - that was the first joy of Stone Town - religion has a lot to answer for! Thank God for the air con in our hotel rooms - what a treat! We spent the afternoon wandering around Stone Town checking out the diverse architecture - Arabic, Indian and European influences with amazing carved wooden doors and lots of winding alleys just like Arabian nights! There were lots of little interesting things to buy such as paintings, carvings and lamps etc. As soon as it turned 'pimms o'clock' we headed to Africa House Hotel and sat on the balcony watching the most amazing colourful sunset over the water. We then ventured over to ... read more

I arrived at Stone Town the historic area of Zanzibar by ferry around 3pm.... read more