Paradise Found

The fast-ferry to Zanzibar took 5hrs, nothing fast about it. But I did run into Claire at the dock!!! I trained with her in Montreal and she was stationed in South Africa. What were the chances?!?

After a lot of travel, we finally reached Nungwi, on the North East coast of the island. Our rooms were steps from the beach and the water was the clearest I’ve ever seen. After swimming, Katie and I wandered the nearby village (thank goodness for her company), where children greeted us with ‘Jambo!’ We even encountered a Rasta Masai with an i-pod, what a sight! Next day, I went scuba diving with Sensation Divers. I highly recommend them, really professional, they’ll setup and carry your gear, even give you cookies and water.

Beach Bumb

I’ve never seen such still waters, but the visibility wasn’t great, wrong season. Saw some sea horses, eels, and fish, nothing mesmerizing… My dive buddy was also Canadian. Instead of being carried by the current, she kept exerting herself and swimming away, which meant I couldn’t admire things for long. She was nice though, gave me her number in Nairobi for when I’m there.

Afterwards, I had lunch in my room to avoid the swarm of flies outside (like in Dahab, Egypt) and decided not to go for an Advanced Open Water Certification, I was too tired. Every time I’m surrounded by divers, I get lured into the illusion that I could hang on the beach for the rest of my life and make a good living as divemaster… I was satisfied though, I tried something new on these dives: a back roll entry. It was just as scary as the giant stride, a blind leap of faith, but once you do it, you never want to stop.

Island of Spices

After breakfast, which was included but our leader failed to tell us, we headed for Stone Town. Ali T, a local guide, whisked us off on a Spice Tour. He had the most hilarious Irish/Aussie twang, with the funniest expressions like “no wokin’ furries.” He guided us through two plantations, using a pocket knife to let us smell and taste nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon grass, vanilla, pepper corn, etc. It was a treat for the senses!

The tour included tea tasting, fresh fruits (passion fruit, pineapple, banana, jack fruit, and orange), and a delicious lunch in a local home. Then we watched a young lad climbed a coconut tree to fetch some for us to taste.

Stone Town

We spend the afternoon getting lost in the narrow alleyways of Stone Town. There was nowhere more enchanting, an infusion of Christian, Muslim, Indian and African culture. People went about their business, and I forgot I was a tourist. We even wandered to a beach access to dip our toes in the water.

At night, we went to the fish market. There was a movie playing in the park, and dozens of stalls selling BBQ seafood, “pizza” and snacks. It was so much fun to do as the locals, rather than hiding away in some restaurant for pasta or burgers. To top it off, we got a fresh sugar cane juice. The ice, bucket, glasses, and vendor’s hands were highly questionable, but it was the only cold NON-fizzy drink I’d seen in ages. I’m happy to say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. After a little shopping, we dropped like flies. Best day ever! I never wanted to leave!

Next morning, we went to the market for fresh fruit. We walked alleyway after alleyway, going in circles, but it was fun. We pre-ordered lunch from the friendly Indian owner next door, squeezed in some shopping where I demonstrated by bargaining skills, and returned for THE most delicious lunch ever: mushroom curry paneer. It wasn’t hot-spicy, but flavorful-spicy, mmm.