October 8
Today took the ferry to Zanzibar. After a few nights roughing it on the dash down here, I decided to spoil myself by staying in the old stone town in Zanzibar. Room is on sea front, at Abuso Inn. White sand, turquoise water outside, as you'd expect.
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| Abuso Inn, Zanzibar |
Very hot here; will go out in the eve! Left bike in Dar, was too complicated to bring it over. May rent one to explore island... Response from Nicolle to Jay: I cannot believe you are thinking of hiring a bike. From recollection it is a small island. Give your bum rest!
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| This is the local transport. On second thoughts renting a bike does not seem like such a mad idea after all! |
October 10
Zanzibar 'The spice island' is very interesting place. A unique influential history & culture. It was the hub that linked all East Africa with Arabic world, India and Europe, becoming very wealthy in 1800's. The people are more diverse than anywhere else. Indo-arabic influences pervade.
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| View of Old Stone Town from the sea |
Old Stone Town bit more grotty than expected, restoration still 'work in progress'. Only big hotels are spruced up. After left wing revolution, the old mansions were split for poor families, and allowed to crumble. Reminds me a lot of Havana! Goan fish curries rule the restaurants. Food largely Indian.
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| Restoration work - aka - Propping up! |
Did not go around island, its just resorts and villages with beaches and palm trees.
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| One of the many beaches - sigh |
Left Zanzibar this morning, after just 2 days; struggled with the heat - I am a terrible 'heat wimp'! On boat back to capital now. Looking forward to altitude...!
Aaaarghh!!! For the 3rd or 4th time on this trip I have sat in a internet cafe (in a capital city), to try and type up a trip report and then lost the entire lot! This time the pc auto rebooted, last time it was power failure! I just give up; how is this place ever going to progress! So frustating! Going to find some ice cream to cool down.
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