GObama
Trip Start
Jul 29, 2010
1
2
62
Trip End
Nov 29, 2011
Where I stayed
Stone Town, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Sunday, August 8, 2010
That was just one of many an interesting thing we saw on the local dala-dala (local mini bus) back to town - other highlights include the amazing ability to differentiate between your bundle of wood from the other 36 bundles of wood on the roof, and that no matter how many people are in a dala-dala, there's always room for 6 more! It was great fun, a bit of an experience and - thanks to a very welcome and fascinating detour into Bwejuu village itself for deliveries and pickups - also took 3 times as long as it should!
So after a hassle trying to find accommodation (we forgot it was a Saturday night) we eventually found somewhere to stay in Stone Town for a few days while we made further plans on where to do.
In the centre of Stone Town is Forodhani Gardens which at night comes to life like a mini Marrakesh and people appear out of nowhere to set up stalls and BBQs. The food is fantastic and cheap and the atmosphere is amazing... although there are only so many "I'm learning English and I would love to have someone like you teach me, can I spend time with you" conversations one can take before it's time to move on! We bumped into a guy from Mustapha's - Dullah - who was as always "busy busy" making deals and plans and talking to people he knew and people he didn't, and we savoured once again the delights of Zanzibari pizza which is nothing at all like a pizza. Instead it's a thin pastry flattened and in the centre they pile beef, onion, cream cheese and an egg, before folding it over itself and frying in a skillet. Don't knock it until you've tried it - it' amazing especialy with chilli sauce.
The next day we headed off on a Spice Tour. These things always feel a bit weird because as much as I want to see interesting things and learn about the places I'm in, I hate being stuck in a bus with a stack of other tourists and carted about with a camera out the window. It was reasonably entertaining though - we got to see some spices in their natural form and learnt a couple of homeopathic tricks one of which, related to unpleasant frequent toilet trips, I'll be hanging on to in case we need it later! We ate local again (it's so much cheaper and nicer that way) although Noel hasn't been feeling great - we reckon it's the malaria tablets as it seems to have passed relatively quickly. The guy who runs the place we ate at though has a son who helps him out - can't be more than about 14 max, but this kid is amazing. We had a giggle as he gave a local a right telling off and generally ran the place with the efficiency and charm of someone 3 times his age. I hope he goes far.
Next we've got a ferry back to Dar es Salaam where we spend a night before a bus to Moshi which sits at the base of Kilimanjaro. No we won't be climbing it - reasons not to range from the time (7 days) and the cost ($1500 per person) but the fact that I'm a little lazy and hate walking probably pay their part too.
Till next time!
di
