Stone Town, Zanzibar



After three glasses of wine in Dubai, I barely recall takeoff and thankfully slept pretty soundly for the entire 5 hour trip. I had the whole row to myself too!

Arrival was pretty quick with my visa already in hand but we were a bit early so my car service hadn't arrived yet.

The ride was pretty quick and the city seems pretty livable. Even passed a Golden Tulip hotel (same as Dhaka) I was surprised when we stopped and the driver said we had to walk from there. The roads are pretty narrow and I guess it was the only option.

It was barely 800am, so except for the school kids, it was pretty quiet.

The hotel very unique and I must find out the history. Lots of dark wood with white walls. A central courtyard and lots of coffee paraphernalia. I forgot that my room has a private external bath. Which is fine it's five steps away and necessary in such an old building.

After a quick shower and a short rest I move to the rooftop for a simple breakfast - fruit, pastries and museli with yogurt. And coffee of course. As much as I feel like I should explore, I organize some tours and nap for a couple hours.

After maneuvering the streets and a quick gin and grapefruit to settle my rumbling tummy, I meet up with my walking tour guide,Iddi, for a walk around the old town. Even at 330pm, it is blazing hot and my stomach still isn't right. He proceeds to explain the history of Zanzibar from the Portuguese to the Persians and a short stint by the Brits and even Oman. Today Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous primarily Muslim part of Tanzania. It is interesting and I see a lot more than I would on my own including the market, the slave market and the Freddie Mercury house and museum - plus lots of side streets and interesting architecture. 

After a quick change of clothes, I wander past the waterfront and the night market where street food doninates and wind up perched on the deck of the Beach House which is a thoroughly modern hotel and restaurant for sunset. Some rose, prawn and corn ceviche and the best grilled octopus I've had. And in the last year, it's been a lot. Finishing up with some Nutella cheesecake and an early night before the tortoises and spice farm tomorrow.

Tummy seems better so will hopefully hit the night market and Zanzibar pizza tomorrow night.

(Overall the people are really nice but the hawkers on the streets for taxis and tours are a bit annoying - but absolutely safe)