#SHE VISITED A SCHOOL & PARTIED...WITH THE MAASAI - FINAL DAY

Zanzibar Friday 9am, 2am NYC
Skuli ya Kairo GIVE School

My friends pitched the idea of visiting a local school.  With me, to be honest, I didn't get it at first.  I do feel that when you visit, particularly a school anywhere, there is intent, such as bringing supplies with you, having some type of cash to donate (which you have to watch for, due to corrupt individuals who may work at the school and not apply the monetary donation to the needs of the school, but to their pockets) as well as, what can YOU apply that will help further this school.  I do feel that my exposure and experiences with having had traveled enough, and being surrounded by friends from different countries, you pay attention to details that are told you, however, it is something that I do suggest for most, to SEE for themselves and not just go based on word of mouth.

I was nervous about visiting the school, I have to admit, as looking at our surroundings and where we were located, there were parts that could use some assistance in bettering their lives, according to my understanding of "bettering" a persons life, or societies thoughts, per se.  However, there were some folks who were content and happy with the way they lived so, who are we to come from outside, and assume they need more or anything at all?

I have been to places where I have visited schools, and the staff have blatantly asked for money for them, and not towards what could be improved at the location where children spend most of their day.  Yes, I have to say, most teachers around the world, are underpaid.  But those who have a passion for seeing young minds grow, not only come out of their own pockets for supplies, but boast about how they make due with what they have, and how they can improve their students lives, with just a little more help with additional items.

We visited the Kairo GIVE school.  This school was solely built off of donations and volunteer work from the GIVE organization.  They take 6 months of their time to spend in the village, continuing to build the school, with in between breaks taking place locally within Zanzibar.  It's almost like a volunteer vacation LOL.  I liked the concept, especially since the funding for the project, actually went to the school and not the governments pockets.  We later also learned that prior to this school being built, the students would have have to walk to the nearest school, which happened to be 3-4 miles away, on their primary school feet.  No buses, car ride, or even money for a taxi.

We later found out, after this school was solely built off of donations, the government is now in control of the school, so it is technically a public school.  
We met with a few staff, which included the Head Mistress, a couple teachers and of course, the cutest faces ever!

We chatted with the staff, which I managed to record, gaining further insight into their lives and the lives of their students, and the benefits that have been presented to the students in the region.

Zanzibar 12pm, 5 pm NYC
Private Pool time

We returned to the resort and decided to just take the final day to just sit and relax.  Thanks to my bff, she was shown where there was another pool on the property that was sort of a private pool.  Not as much activity by it like the main pool.  It's hot, quite, and perfect for a photoshoot or a book to read, with music playing.

As time rolls by, a few other people come to the pool and we suddenly look up to notice, we have a bottle of wine being delivered to us.  No, we didn't request it :-).  Just a nice gesture, and right on time because, I was running out of my own Barcardi to sip on.

(I do not own the rights to this music, playing in the background)

Zanzibar 8:30pm, 1pm NYC
Surprise Private Dinner on the beach
We proceeded to our usual spot for dinner, late, because we knew we had more time to eat, so we took our casual time to come to dinner.  Once we arrived, we were escorted to sit somewhere else.  Well well well!  I did mention to the girls that I wanted to have a final dinner on the beach if possible, before we left, only for this special dinner to have been offered to us as a nice gesture! BOY OH BOY was is it a shock and and just a final "wish" I wanted fulfilled. :-)

 Our dinner consisted of a 4 course meal, with menus specially printed for each of us.

 

What's funny is earlier in the day, when we moved to the chairs that faced the beach, we watched the staff put the set up together and just kept looking at it in awe.  Just real flowers, leaves, vines, and kept saying "whoever is eating there tonight is lucky".  It turned out to be us LOL.


Maasai Compound
Once our big dinner was finished, we went freshened up little, and proceeded to head out for our final night with our friends, to a nearby club, called Waikiki.  They made a scene at the door, like it was super packed at this outdoor spot only for it to be, the total opposite.  A very nice beachfront, outdoor club, it was filled with many European tourists and...the Maasai!  The girls even noticed one that they made friends with earlier in the day.  When he realized they recognized him, he was shocked, because, he was not in his traditional garb.

Sam

As the time went on and the festivities at Wakiki was beginning to wind down, we could hear better music coming from a location a very short walk away.  I said "let's go there, the music is way better".

Upon approach, we realize we were on a compound, where everyone looked alike.  It was a Maasai compound, with a fully stocked bar, dance floor, disco lights, live DJ, and plenty Maasai tribesmen with a few stragglers who had also just left Waikiki.  I was wondering why we didn't come here to begin with!  We had a shot of, I have no clue what, I believe some type of local cognac, took in the sights, and danced a little, when we were not being surrounded closely by the Masaai LOL.  Fun and awkward at the same time.  It's part of there way of interacting.


It was an awesome close to our 7 day adventure.  Hugs were embraced that night and with a little sadness after making new friends who live so far away, we have gladly been welcomed back with open arms!  A different kind of welcome.

If your interested in visiting Africa or any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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#SHE GOT CUT - Day 6

Thursday 9am Zanzibar, 2am NYC
Blue Lagoon Excursion
Per usual, we were picked up early by Azizi.  Tired and all, we of course had it to make the most of it.  We set out to where we were going to get our private boat to the Blue Lagoon.  Along the way, we made a few stops, courtesy of Azizi, who explained to us, what they meant to him.

Paje Beach

We weren't sure about what was going on however, we just went with the flow.  In the Paje area, we stopped by some local shops where one in particular, stood out. We chuckled.  But let me tell you, the owner of the shop was one who made sure he showed you every item you requested, and definitely hustled for that American dollar LOL.  He didn't know he was up for a challenge with my friends.  For me, I'll negotiate but after a while, I get tired and over it.  I'll change my mind quickly about buying anything where I have to hassle for a decent price.

This location also happened to be near where Azizi's brother (who we met while waiting to go to the next stop) worked! 

It was nice to meet him.  I even got a ride to the beach front, small hotel location, on his brother's moped 😊.

Met Hope

As we just hung out a bit at this beach front hotel, we are not only in the best weather there could be for this week that we have been in Zanzibar, but the water was just the brightest blue and green!  My pictures and videos needed no filter.  I laid in a hammock, just enjoying the "carribbean" feel of relaxation.

We were watched by a few Maasai tribesmen

who were trying to make a sale.






























But there was one little Maasai girl who passed us and got our attention, as she was the most beautiful little girl with the brightest smile and the sweetest personality, we came into contact with.

Her name was Hope.  She was 9 and she was Maasai.  With the influence of many European tourists, she already knew how to work SnapChat on my best friends phone.

We took a few pictures of her, chatted a little bit, and she played with the filters on the app, until it was time for us to leave.  Of course my girl was not just there to be there with her mom.  She had a hustle as well!  She surely tried to make a sale of her beads before we left the beach front.  Hope KNOWS how to play the game...OKAY!  I'm not mad 😂!

Michamve Village

We make a small stop at this village that, many would think did not fit in, especially with it being surrounded on each side, by big beach front homes as well as little hotels and moped businesses that have been obtained by Europeans who have moved to Zanzibar.  This village is where Azizi is from, and had a story.

Some residents are noticing the changes that are taking place around them.  They are also noticing that due to being part of Tanzania (remember Zanzibar wasn't, orginally), there are changes that are coming that they do not agree with.  This village is also a village of people who do not quite agree with being part of Tanzania as well.  They want to remain independent, or to say the least, left alone, without too much influence coming from the mainland.  It all looked familiar to us, in the sense of gentrification taking place in NYC and other states.  This village is holding strong which, makes you respect their movement.  They are not violent.  They are peacefully, resisting.

Thursday 1pm Zanzibar, 6am NYC
The Rock Restaurant 

I've seen many pictures, and read up on it before my arrival and there's nothing like seeing something in person for the first time and to be able to say "I went there".

This restaurant, from afar, looks tiny!  It also makes you think, "how were they able to even build this establishment on this rock?".  Well hunny chile, they did and not only that, the space available is something that blows you away.  They managed to fit enough tables and chairs to accommodate enough patrons, along with an outside terrace/deck area for those who would like to sit and sip.

We ordered  light food, because we did not want to be too full before snorkeling.  I had Fish Fingers which were made out of  type of fish.  I can't recall LOL.  I know that the fish sticks tartar sauce along with the side salad, were a great combo! Unique, but very good taste.

Of course a meal wouldn't be right if it was not chased with ALCOHOL! C'MON! I ordered "The Rock" which is kinda like a Blue Hawaiian back home.

What I loved about this drink was that it is a beverage that I have at a specific restaurant back home however, this one here has a slight touch of Coconut Milk/Creme in it. YUMMMAAAYYY!

Blue Lagoon

We finally hop on our private speed boat and head to the Blue Lagoon.  
When it was time to find flippers that would fit properly, there was a slight struggle.  I think we spent about 10 minutes on trying on flippers and praying they did not slip off and get lost in the ocean. 

Let me just say, there is plenty coral and fish all around us.  I tried my best while snokeling, to catch as much as I could on film on my GoPro.  Just phenomenal! 

We come back to the boat to take a mini break, readjust, and head back out.  With this, somehow, my friend Tee ended up with her own tour guide LMAO!  He came from another boat, a friend of Azizi's, and litterally turned to her in the water and said "let's go!"  All we could do is laugh, as we knew what it was! OK!  In the meantime, myself and Yasmin continued to snorkel with Azizi, since we the best swimmers or whatever! LOL!  We finally stop to regroup by a coral rock.  Everyone else was able to stand on it but I couldn't get my damn balance.  I used my middle finger to break my fall and man oh man, I got the nicest cut from the rock, on my finger.  Salt water going into it felt so awesome🙃. 

Thursday 5pm Zanzibar, 2pm NYC
I thought we were headed back home however, the girls wanted to make one last stop in Stone Town for some final items.

Lets just say the vibe and look is very different at night

It was nice to have experienced it as well.  My nap in the ride back was phenomenal, of course, since the ride is about 45 mins from Stone Town.  I couldn't wait to run to dinner! 😊

If your interested in visiting Africa or any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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#SHE TOOK IT EASY...SORTA - Days 4 & 5

Tuesday 8am Zanzibar, 1am NYC

We decided to just take the day to get more sleep, enjoy the resort and its amenities, as well as, take more pictures. This time, we would be able to enjoy the ocean at low tide.  There's nothing like being able to walk almost about a half a mile out into the ocean and still be in water that goes as high as your knee!  It was just something fascinating about seeing and experiencing a "sand bar", without having to swim to it! Another photoshoot, takes place.

From the beach, we moved to the pool at the resort because, its only right to take advantage of the pool boy services with the movement of chairs, nice cushions, and drinks brought to you as you laid back sunbathing and the forbidden jumping in the pool.
It's the tourist thing to do lol.

Before we knew it, it was time for dinner which again, was phenomenal.  At this point, I was fine with just going to bed but of course, plans always change.

Tuesday 11:30pm Zanzibar, 4:30pm NYC
Spice Club
We were invited out to a club that, once again, was about a 30 minute drive away from our resort.  Let  us just say upon arrival, we were wondering where the hell we were as well as, is this place a run down club, because driving down the beat up bumpy road from the main road, had us thinking we were in a rough area.  Once we got closer, we saw a packed parking lot, which also contained storage containers and new buildings being built, like condos, next to a new hotel.  We still had our suspicions.

Upon entry from the the security gate, we come upon a cashier where our friends had to pay, and proceeded to look for a name of the club so we can send an SOS to anyone who may be looking at our SnapChats or Facebook posts LOL. 
Once admission was paid, we proceed to a nice outdoor space with tables, chairs, and a brand new extra large bar, located next to a new kitchen like area where food was being sold.  However, we noticed that we didn't hear any music, as we thought the venue was an outdoor party.  But to our new surprise, you had to pass this area, to enter where the party was taking place indoors and let me tell you, it was not what we expected, AGAIN!

There was a light up stage, banging sound system, and another bar well stocked nicely.  To our luck as well, the air conditioning was on blast and to our liking, as the outside area, does not get a good breeze at all and the humidity is still high.  It was also obvious when we walked in, we were foreigners.  Although everyone was brown like us girls, our swag was different, and usually when that happens, there's always a side eye look from those not familiar with you.  It did't stop us however, we still had a good time.

We later found out that our new friend, is always, LIT! 

We planned to leave at 3am.  We left at 5am 😑.

Wednesday 10am Zanzibar, 3am NYC
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Mangrove Forest (taken by me 😊)

Planning too much again, prior to heading to the club, 3 of us decided to book an excursion to the Jozani National Park which includes the Mangrove forest.  Jozani is a man made park/forest that at one time, used to be covered by ocean water.  So walking through the park, you will notice many wet spots that were soft as well as rocks that were actually coral!  This is also the only place in the world, where you can see the Red (redback) Colobus Monkey along with the Sykes (blueback) Monkey.  We are tired, but we push through.

He wasn't trying to be part of my photo opp

By the time we reached a point where we could see the Colobus monkeys, first reaction was nervousness, as we thought they interact with people, like my experience in Bali.

However, they were all taking naps!

The way they were sleeping on the trees, without falling over, was amazing.

There were toddler Colobus who were wide awake and funny enough, their mom looked as though she needed a nap herself but, couldn't get one with the two babies, jumping all over the place.

Mangrove Forest
We proceeded across the main road to the Mangrove Forest. Our timing was perfect, as Mosquitoes and other bugs were not out, but we were informed come evening time, it is almost infested with them.  Our tour guide continued to inform us about the Mangrove with his abundance of knowledge however, we were just taking in the site of the different style of tree roots that we have never seen before.

If you look closely, on the left, as mentioned before the forest used to be covered, and still is at high tide, in ocean water, there is coral that has formed.  With the man made pathways, made from the same trees grown in that forest, we continue to use the scene for...a photoshoot LOL.

On the way back to the hotel, I tried to catch a few shots of the local homes and people along the way.  Definitely a nice way to end the day before our nap and dinner.

If your interested in visiting Africa or any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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