Hello from Zanzibar

We are now on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania. It is a lush island rich with flora, animal, avian and aquatic life. The locals are a mix of dark-sinned Africans and “cappuccinos,” as they called themselves, the result of generations of intermarriage between Indians, blacks, Italians, Portuguese, Osmani, you name it. We've found the "Zanzabarians" to be very pleasant and hospitable, eager to share their culture and history. 


We've found Zanzibar to be the perfect short vacation as it has many attractions including historic sights, luxuries (spas, sandy, white beaches, scuba diving, etc), cuisine (world's most amazing octopus) and nature (red colubus monkeys, ant eaters, mangroves, dolphins, etc). At the same time, the island is relatively small in size making most of the attractions easily accessible. Yesterday, the three of us traveled to the spice farms where our guide introduced us to the abundant variety of spices and fruits the island has to offer. Cinnamon, cumin, lemon grass, ginger, chili, black pepper, coffee, you name it, it was probably there. During our tour, we were assisted by a young villager named Ali who happily climbed up into the trees and into the prickly bushes to pick samples of the spices for us to taste and smell. He and other village children also wove hats, purses and rings out of banana leave for Mom and I, as well as a crown and tie for my bf. :) Our guide also amused us with alternative uses for the spices we were being introduced to. Nutmeg, for example, is used by the locals as a female aphrodisiac, while turmeric can be used to cure acne. 


Today Mom wasn't feeling well, so my bf and I went on a snorkeling date to Bahe Island and also to Prison Island. The latter doesn't sound all that romantic, I know, but I promise you it really is. The beaches on that island are lovely and it is home to countless tortoises, offspring of the 4 tortoises gifted to Zanzibar by the Seychelles government in 1919. The tortoises were neat. You could get right up next to them and watch as they chomped away on their spinach and other greens. The larger tortoises there were well over a century old and showed no signs of kicking the bucket any time soon. There were also newly born tortoises barely the size of your palm - absolutely adorable! 


More to come later! For now though, I am afraid that I am in too desperate need for a nap that I don't dare to type any longer, less I start typing gibberish! Cheers from sunny Zanzibar! Pictures to come. :)