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!
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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