A few months ago a friend mentioned this place called Zanzibar. I’m pretty sure my exact response was, Zanzibar? Where’s that? So I Googled it. The more I researched it, the more I wanted to go there myself. The history, architecture, culture, beaches, it all looked really awesome. So for the past few months I’ve been trying to find someone, anyone, to go there with me.
I had hoped all along that I could go over Easter weekend as Friday and Monday are holidays. A week before Easter when I had given up all hope of my dream vacation coming true, my best girlfriend Amanda randomly said, lets do it. So one Saturday night we sat at Art Café and planned our trip to Zanzibar.
We left early one morning for our 18 hour bus ride through Kenya and Tanzania to our destination for the next couple of days in Dar Es Saalam. Although long, uhem, really long, we had a good time. It was a great way to see the country of Tanzania, which by the way is beautiful. It’s very different than Kenya and I would argue much prettier. The landscape has rolling hills with loads of palm trees and lush vegetation, and Maasai wandering everywhere. To pass the time we had some girly deep conversations, ate junk food top of the hour every hour, and listened, sang, and danced to some tunes. When we finally arrived, we met up with some of Amanda’s friends that used to live in Kenya. The best thing about Dar was by far the food. They have a SUBWAY! I’ve never been happier to eat a 6″ BMT sub with chips, cookie, and coke!
at the Tanzania border
On the ferry finally heading to Zanzibar. We spent $5 to upgrade to VIP but we could never figure out what exactly we upgraded to. It seems everyone was VIP!
We took the ferry from Dar to the island of Zanzibar where we would spend the next four days on the East side of the island at Jimbiani beach. I felt like such an adult…on vacation with a girlfriend. The only other vacations I’ve been on have involved Mom and brother who I bickered with constantly.
We finally made it!
Days were spent taking walks on the beach, swimming, reading, kayaking, mountain biking through the local villages (this was tricky with broken brakes and flat tires), sailing in a dow, and snorkeling.
One thing that stands out about our trip is all the kids playing on the beach
We got into the habit of getting up early to watch the sun rise. There would be no one else around, water was like glass, and then you’d see the sun break through the clouds.
Glorious!
Our Easter sunrise service overlooking the water. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Christs' resurection!
A few days later we headed to the West side of the island to the capital of Stone Town. When we arrived at our hotel, Princess Salme Inn, we were scared. It looked like such a dive. I don’t think we would have even entered the building except for the fact that we had already paid a deposit on the room. Bummer. So we enter this building that has ten rabid kittens in the lobby (the owner said they were the security) and we hesitantly check into our room. It surprisingly turned out to be pretty nice and Amanda I were in agreement that their shower was the best we’ve used since living in Africa. It’s funny the things you get excited over after living here for a while.
Good ol' Princess Salme Inn
For the remaining time in Stone Town we visited all the local attractions but mainly toured through the city. The streets are a continuous maze that was easy to get lost in…so we did. We wandered looking at the shops, restaurants, hotels, and admired the architecture and doors which is what Zanzibar is known for.
the streets of Stone Town
We found an AWESOME antique store!
At the market that night for dinner we tried Zanzibar style pizza (it’s more like a crape than pizza), barracuda, garlic bread, shrimp, calamari, octopus, falafel, and squid. For dessert we had some kind of pizza with nutella, bananas, and milk. Most of the food was good! Even better, we didn’t get sick from eating it.
At the market for dinner. Everything imaginable from the sea was for sale there.
For our third course that night, Zanzibar style desert pizza. It was all so fun and different we just couldn't stop trying new food!
We also visited the former slave market where there is now one of only five Christian churches on the island. Although incredibly sad, it was equally as interesting. The church is meant to symbolize new life. Baptisms now take place over what was once a pit used for dumping dead bodies. The old whipping post where people were beaten before being auctioned off is now the altar and surrounding that altar are ornate carvings of angels. The church is still used for services every week and we were told they are always full.
Memorial to those who lost their lives as slaves
the church that covers the former slave market
It was an awesome vacation and my last before moving home to Portland this summer.
You two are awfully brave! Did you see other tourists?
Beautiful! Can’t wait to see you next week!