#SHE'S IN AWE! - ZANZIBAR - Day 2-3

Sunday 7:30am Zanzibar, 12:30am NYC

It's a chill day for us. Adjusting to time change and having had partied late, we were tired!

We finally get to see what the breakfast spread is and boy oh boy...was it wonderful!  Each station has a chef ready to make your egg any style, fry your bacon any style (I like mine crispy), and pancakes made that looked more like Crepes, as well as some items available buffet style, for your picking.  There was always an abundance of peeled and sliced fruit, 4 different kinds of fresh squeezed juices, and home made baked goods (I buttered my Croissant).

Seated in the same spot as dinner by the pool, we were now enjoying the bright view of the beach in the distance, tall trees, with low tide beginning, as the break in the waves, seemed to be about a half a mile out already.  The water still blue and green.

Because some of us were still tired,  we decided to go back to bed for a nap, especially me.  However, my bff decided to take herself on a tour of the beach and the hotel grounds.  Let me just say, she got the best photos!

Sunday 2pm Zanzibar, 7am NYC
Photo shoot Fresh

If you saw my post on my Instagram, you saw that my Aunt gave me a camera of hers for use, since I wanted to snap way better photos for this trip.  I am not one who likes to be in front of the camera, I rather try and catch natural moments however, when you have friends with you who love to take a picture, a photo shoot happens almost all the time.  I texted them asking them to wake up so we can freshen up and take pictures before the sun goes down.  With the beach and parts of the hotel as our backdrop,  we were watched as we posed off LOL!

 

Dinner finally rolled around and me, per say, was excited to be eating again, since dinner would entail local food cuisine.  Per usual, I was fulfilled with my dish.  Nothing beats fresh veggies that are sauteed just right!  While eating, we had a performance taking place by the pool, from a local band, that showed traditional dancing and music. 

We finally went to bed to prepare for the next day's adventure

Monday 7am Zanzibar, 12am NYC
Prison Island Tour
The fact that we had to be up so early just to enjoy this tour for the full day, was beyond us.  Of course we went to bed late, only to wake early for our pick up from Azizi.  We drove roughly 45 minutes to Stone Town, where we would get our own private boat to Prison Island.  Before boarding our boat, we of course took photos along the way, every chance we could get.

We even got a tour of one of the newly built hotel in the city and a chance to see one of its luxury rooms.

Saying "Ndizi" to smile which means Banana in Swahili

It's finally time for us to get on our boat but, not without being harassed to buy some items from the local peddlers on the beach, one of whom did not take no for an answer!

Our "captain" of our little speed boat, didn't smile much.

We couldn't understand.  We even tried cracking a few jokes with him but no smile.  We later found out, he didn't understand English that well, because we were speaking too fast for him.  Once our jokes were translated and we spoke slower, he smiled and even laughed.



We hop off the boat and proceed to make our way to our Prison Island tour. Please note, humidity at this time is about 100% with clouds.

I couldn't understand why! But, it worked to our benefit, as it was better than having the sun beaming directly on us, while on this island with very few trees.

Prison Island was not actually and island that held prisoners.  It was originally a place where rebellious slaves were held (Prison Island).  It later was used as a quarantine for those infected with Yellow Fever.

Without having had done a lot more research, to our surprise after paying our entry fee, we came upon a mini forest that is covered by...TORTOISES!  Just these slow, old, giant Tortoises, hanging out with the occasional Peacock roaming around them.

It was just something so weird and fascinating to see at the same time.  The tortoises were a gift from the British governor of Seychelles (another African country/island) in 1919.  We were able to walk among them, feed them, and even got followed by a few who wanted more food.   They make you nervous, as you may think they would pop their heads out and bite you, but that was not the case.













We continued to tour the island, which now has a hotel and restaurant on it.  Some of the old prison cells for the slaves have now been turned into lounge areas, still with remnants of the in-ground hooks that they chained the slaves to.

Just sad to see.  We journey out to a ledge where, unwanted slaves were tossed to the low tide below, on the coral.  Silence falls over us.

We return to our boat to continue with our tour, by snorkeling nearby.  The coral and starfish we saw, were amazing.  Not too many fish were around to catch on film, but plenty clear ocean blue and green water to just relax in.

Song: Temper by Skales

The sun slowly began to come out and my friend began to tell us about the time she tried to bring a Starfish home for her mom...from Jamaica.

Monday 3pm Zanzibar, 8am NYC
Stone Town
We return to the mainland, with time to freshen up, change, and explore Stone Town a bit more.  The inner workings of Stone Town was awesome.  Something you see in movies.  Locals all around us, tiny "streets" where people still rode their mopeds, speeding pass those walking in the tiny space (which later became annoying as hell) was unique.

Shop owners could smell tourist on us from a mile away, as well as, we clearly didn't look local LOL.  But we were often mistaken for being from South Africa.

They also didn't know what we were from the hustling capital of the world, New York City, BORN AND RAISED, so as they threw their prices out, we threw ours out.  A battle that had to be seen in person, which was quite funny to say the least.  We always won :-)

There were very few tourists in the area where we were, which I liked.  I loved that we were among some of the living spaces of the local people who, well word on the street is, gentrification is hitting them as well so many are being pushed out that area.  Sad, but sounds all too familiar.

Monday 5pm Zanzibar, 10am NYC
Local Market and East African Slave Trade Museum
We proceed to the local market, the "Fish Market".  BOY...OH BOY!  You know how you see documentaries that are shown on television, that show the busy markets in developing countries.  Can I tell you, we were in the thick of it.  So think and trying to keep up, that I tried my best to get some of it on film, without risking getting robbed or lost from my crew.

It wasn't just fish being sold, it was all food items you would buy in your local grocery, but on the street sidewalk on the ground, or in a cart.  Fruits looking so fresh and ripe, veggies looking like they weren't injected with any hormones, just NICE!

Fish Market

Spices, Teas, Oils, Fresh Veggies

The market was roughly a 2 block walk from the East African Slave Trade Museum.  

I'll admit, I never knew much about a slave trade taking place in East Africa.  I was only familiar with the West African slave trade, as its where my descendants come from.

The museum contains photos and stories pertaining to how the people who were freed, later changed their names and religions, to not be associated to their slave descendants, as well as to not be a target for possible mistreatment due to their previous status.

Because the museum is located in  the actual spot of where the trading took place, we were able to step inside 2 of the small chambers where slaves were held.

There is also a church in place of where slaves were auctioned off, right at the pulpit of where a church now stands in place.

When whipped during the auction, a step up, symbolized the increase in cost for a particular slave, a step down meant a decrease in pricing as well as, possible next steps for this slave to be deemed unusable and possibly killed. 

Monday 7pm Zanzibar, 12pm NYC
We finally said it was time to go home.  Most of the streets in Stone Town are not well lit, unless its in areas where big events are taking place like, local food vendors in the square selling food or nearby restaurants that are open right on the water, which is also frequented by kids after school who just jump in the ocean, in their school clothes, for a cool down.


However, I also didn't realize how closer we were to the ferry that comes from mainland Tanzania.  It was because of this, we ended up in jam packed traffic as well as a police detail that just seemed to be rolling through the dark streets, going nowhere honestly.  I was just happy to be able to nap in the car and hurry back for dinner at the hotel..which per usual, was phenomenal.

We decide that our following day, was going to be another chill day.

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 ARRIVES - ZANZIBAR - Day 1

Friday October 6, 2017 (NYC) 

If you read my previous blog post on my travel to Thailand, then you know I am already nervous about flying out on time, with Qatar Airlines, again. To my surprise, we not only boarded a little early, but we departed on time! AMEN!  
Just like my last time flying with them, I totally enjoyed my meals as well as, special beverages, as yes, I paid for them!

I have to say, their food is phenomenal.  It makes me think, airlines in the US need to step it up!

Of course my view, in the middle of nowhere in the sky, is beautiful! Literally seeing the sky turn from night to day, flying through different time zones, took my breath away!

Saturday 6:45am Doha, Friday 11:45pm NYC

We finally arrive and all I can think is, "Hurry up and let us disembark, NOW! See, this airport is built differently and is time consuming, when seeking your connecting flight, and has a 2nd security check, once you arrive. Still don't get it. From security, to an indoor airtran,

to finding out where our gate is, as it is not listed on the board when we arrive, we finally find our gate. We had a little time to spare and depart Doha to Zanzibar a little late.

Saturday 3pm Zanzibar, Saturday 8am NYC

I steadily watch the airplane map, after I woke from my nap, to see how close we were to Zanzibar.  The excitement begins to build even more, as all I want to do mostly, is see the culture.  I knew that it would be a slight culture shock for my friends, however, it was a slight one for me as well, in the airport.

The airport is not built as nicely as most.  Because it is a small island with limited access to construction materials, and as word on the street, government funds not being assessed properly to properties or the people, the airport is something out of a movie, where it appears like it was just built with limited materials, back when the first airports came into play.  No real air conditioning, ceiling, tight customs area to fill out forms, just hot and crowded.  Arrivals enter on one side of the 1 story building and departures are on the other side of a single wall.  A very small and crowded airport.

Visa and Customs
We decided to get a visa on arrival, which costs $100.  We made sure we had the cash on hand only to find out, they do not accept cash payments.  Payment for the visa was card only, which I was too hyped about because...I WAS EARNING MILES WITH MY CAPITAL ONE CREDIT CARD! :-) GLLOOORRRRAAAAYYYY!  Plus I also liked the idea that I would have a legit receipt on file, with my bank showing my payment.

From that window, you go to the customs window, to get your picture and finger prints taken, and receive your temporary visa, which is applied to one of your passport pages.  I felt so legit!

The exit is about 100 steps away from the customs and baggage area.  You can feel the heat and humidity coming through the airport.  Just sticky.  However, before leaving, we needed to exchange money as well as get phone sim cards.  The joke:  The sale of both was OVERWHELMING!  We had 4 different people in the tiniest boths waving money at us, yelling "buy money here, exchange here! HELLO! HERE!"  It was a competition between all of them.  At first we were appalled but then laughed because these folks, by any means, were trying to get our attention and do business with us.  One girl, not with us, got so overwhelmed, ended up walking away because she couldn't take it.  We end up doing both transactions and headed to our driver from the tour company.

Drive to Hotel
To finally see a part of Africa in motion was phenomenal.  You see it on television, which sometimes you question, however, these people moved so comfortably in their crowded buses, cars, even pick-up trucks with folks standing in the back, packed tightly.  There was no sense of nervousness or that the trucks would topple over if a turn is taken the wrong way.  I was nervous when I saw it but, to the locals, it was the norm.

 



The greenery of the land: BEAUTIFUL!  It was so lush and healthy.  You can tell in its natural state, the trees and grass received enough nourishment even with the heat of the sun beaming down on them.  Not one dry patch in sight.  So much available, that those who owned cattle, just let them roam freely and graze on the land, right outside of their door or on the roadside along the "highway".  It is because of this, we later discover there are certain parts on the island that are designated for growing certain fruits, veggies, and other crops of the like, for export. It did not appear that much tilling of the soil was needed to grow these items, as they just flourished nicely on their own, in the most random spots.

While driving and taking in the sites, we were educated on the history of Zanzibar, how it wants to stay independent of Tanzania, how Tanzania's name came about, and the types of people and cultures that are practiced on the island.  Our guide made sure we were well informed during our 1 hour drive.  It was also here where we learned that we were upgraded to the bigger, sister hotel.  More excitement sets in.

Arrive to hotel, Maasai, & hotel upgrade
We stayed at the Bluebay Beach Resort and Spa. The outside of the hotel was nothing I expected.  The doorways are all shaped in a Mosaic style, with some form of representation of prior groups that colonized Zanzibar, mainly the Sultanate of Oman.  Well maintained land.



There are 2 security check points, which are a great distance away from the very entrance to the resort.  Upon disembarking from the van, we were greeted by a local Maasai tribesman, which shocked the hell out of us.

It hasn't been known to us that they work, let alone, work in places like hotels.  We were under the impression that they solely lived off the land.  We were later informed that the governments of Kenya and Tanzania, have been trying to have them assimilate to live like today's citizens.  A few have joined and embraced the change, where as others have maintained their semi-nomadic life on the mainland (Tanzania) (Maasai People).  This Maasai man's name was Thomas, and he was lit!  We received a Swahili lesson everyday, as we passed him.

We were greeted with fresh hibiscus juice (which immediately, I said "this is Sorrel" for my West Indian people).  I was excited as hell.  I chugged it fast. Just the right amount of Ginger mixed in it as well.  We were informed that with our upgrade to this hotel, they also upgraded out meal plan to not only include breakfast, but now included dinner.  We were too excited because, we knew food may be a little costly during our stay, but prepared financially for it.  Now, we had plenty cash available for buying gifts and paying for other things while out and about.

 

The Room
The hotel is sprawled out in a luscious garden "campus" style.  If you did not walk around at least once to see what else was around, you missed out.  With the layout being as such, we had to follow signs for our room numbers.  I was just excited to see that the beds came with mosquito nets that covered the bed perfectly, from ceiling to floor.  The bed itself was about the size of a King, but a little bigger.  Myself and my best friend never ended up touching one another while sleeping.

Dinner 
The spread of some nights included a combination that catered mostly to those who were not familiar with Zanzibar cuisine, with the occasional mix of some traditional local foods.  Let's just say, we never stopped at plate #1.

Our view was that of an illuminated sprawling pool, with a fresh sea breeze that blew just the right amount of air to keep us cool in the warmth.  There was also evening entertainment for us to enjoy while taking in the fresh squeezed Watermelon and Mango juices.

However, to our disappointment, because we were half board, this was the night we also found out that with dinner, drinks such as juice, water, or alcohol, were not included with our meal.  When we proceeded to leave the table, we were presented with a receipt to pay for our drinks.  Confused, we asked "what is this for?".  The waitress explained to us the process, why, as well as why it applied to us.  This information was not told to us upon check-in.  GRRR!  Nonetheless, we had to freshen up and get ready for the evenings festivities.  Please note, we have barely slept on our 24 hour trek.

12am Sunday Zanzibar, Saturday 5pm NYC

Moon Party 
Because I wanted to support a local business while in Zanzibar, I came across a tour guide, by the name of Azizi, who I found on Instagram.  Let's just say, he became our big brother for the week.  Before our arrival, he informed me of an event taking place Saturday night, called the moon party.  We had no idea where it was taking place, where we were going, all we heard was party.  With suspicion, we did not proceed with excitement because it was about a 30 minute drive to what seemed like the middle of nowhere, in pitch black.  Suddenly upon arrival, down a rocky road that goes far away from the main road, and closer to the beach, you see a line of cars and people flood this hidden spot.  We clearly were going to join civilization again.   

We finally saw a sign of where we were: Kendwa Rocks.  This area was built like a quick and easy access to bars, restaurants, and the clubs, on the smallest road connecting them all to one another.  Inside (outside) was nothing of what we expected.  A sprawling outdoor club, made of nice wood, even with an upstairs VIP area, stage, lightning all over, was nice!    



Beyond the stage, was the beach, which had some lounge chairs, tables, canopies, and more space for dancing in the sand.  There were also food stations set up.

They wind down the party by having a bon fire



We headed back to our room about 4am, to finally get some real sleep.  The following day was going to be a bit more relaxing.

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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