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Published: January 19th 2009
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I changed my ticket once more for a day full of monkeys, dolphins and a large hairy Iranian man...
After I went to the port to change my ferry ticket I opted to do one of the classic tours of the island without booking a tour. I jumped on a dalla dalla headed in the right direction and looked forward to the rest of my day. About 20 minutes into the trip with about 15 more people crammed into the back of the dalla dalla, we all heard the engine clunk a few times and then putter out. All of our bums were pretty much glued together in the back so we all sat patiently as the driver got out his tools. Pole Sana (I'm very sorry) he said to me, the only white person on the dalla dalla. I smiled and said Hamna Shida (no problem) - sure enough, 10 minutes later we were up and running. My first stop was Jozani Forest, I thought it would be nice to take a break from the sun and have a nice relaxing walk in the woods. Turns out that most people drive from one 'point of interest' to the
next- this was a slight problem since I was dropped off on the side of the road with no transportation. With no one else around they found myself and my guide a bike to use. It was a great afternoon exploring a boardwalk of mangroves and watching the red colubus monkeys.
After my park tour I returned once again to the side of the road hoping another dalla dalla would pass by. Before I knew it a private vehicle slowed down by my side, I'm sure assuming I was lost or something. I told them where I was going and they repeated in broken english that they were headed the same way so I jumped in the back. It was an older, loud, chainsmoking couple from Italy. The man kept messing with the broken radio as the women talked and took pictures non-stop, including pictures of me. Knowing no Italian I smiled and laughed along with jokes I couldn't understand. We made it to Kizimkaze, a beach on the south of the island. The Italian couple parked, got outside for a cigarette and a picture and then went on their way after a group picture with me. It was
bitter sweet to say goodbye because I knew I no longer had a comfortable ride back and that my boat excursion would be more expensive with only one person. I came to Kizimkaze to swim with the dolphins- but now debated if it was worth it to pay for the whole boat myself. I sat and debated until finally another customer arrived. Myself and Rashid, an extremely large hairy Iranian decided to do the trip together. After rummaging through my bag I soon realized I forgot the most important thing- my swimsuit. After a quick underwear check it was Hamna Shida(no problem) once again- I was ready to go 'play with the fishy' as Rashid called it. So, the whole swimming with the dolphins thing sounds very nice and magical... it ended up feeling more like we were out on a hunt. We cruised around the bay for about an hour before we finally saw some dolphins in the distance- our guide revved the engine to catch up and soon we were close to a beautiful group. He asked if we were ready- so Rashid and I quickly got on our snorkeling gear and jumped in the water to swim
with/chase the dolphins. After swimming a bit we had no luck- the dolphins had switched directions. The chase continued- The next time we were more prepared and I jumped in and heard Rashid flop in behind me. Determined to catch up with them I swam a bit faster and finally saw them in sight and swimming towards me. They were absolutely beautiful! I swam above them for quite some time until they were too fast for my increasingly tired legs. I looked back at the boat to see Rashid already in it ( I don't think he made it very far). This chase continued a few more times- Rashid was starting to give up because he still had not seen them but I urged him to keep on going. Each time it was a true chase once we were in the water- I swam as fast as I could and knew that Rashid probably wouldn't make it far from the boat. After Rashid had finally given up and I was a bit exhausted we headed back and I was more than relieved when he offered me a ride back to town. A sunset and seafood ended my last evening in
My new Tattoo!
Come on mom and dad... don't you like surprises! Don't worry, I promise you'll like it:) Zanzibar.... Now I will head back to the mainland and spend my last week making my way slowly back to Nairobi.
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lolijones
non-member comment
WOW!!!
Surprises are good, and they keep our wonder of this beautiful world fresh and alive. So, if that meandering tree upon your back is rooted in love, friendship and all the incredible experiences you have enjoyed, more power to you !!!! Look forward to giving you a big hug in a few days. I am very proud of you, dearest Ari ! Love from afar.....MA