Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island off of the coast of Tanzania, with its beautiful beaches and unique atmosphere, one can't keep from falling in love with it. 95% of the people of this island were Muslim, and during the time that we were here it was Ramadan. Resulting in us hunting for food during the day and having to eat it in private. But once the sun set, the city really came alive with vendors on every corner and a seaside market, it was wonderful. Everyone was so nice to us here, it has a very laid back atmosphere, it was perfect for us because we were able to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

One of the Markets

We took this "Dalla Dalla" to the other side of the island. They squeezed 16 people into this, Needless to say, it was a very uncomfortable hour and a half ride. But a very neat experience.

We went on a spice tour where they took us to different farms and showed us different spice plants, we were able to taste them and see what they looked like before they are ground up. This is a peppercorn vine.

This is called the lipstick plant, the little balls inside are an orange color. Women use them for dyes, lipstick, their nails and for face paint.

We stopped by this bakery ( this is what an African bakery looks like, our immune systems are going to be so strong) It was interesting to see men making bread, usually we saw the women doing a lot of the work.

Near the port of the island is a place called Stone Town. This island was a major port for slave trade, So their are some really cool old buildings here.

Rusty and I were resting on this bench when these boys came up to us and asked us if they could practice their English with us. We ended up talking with them and teaching them for about 3 hours. It was neat because more and more people came to listen and ask questions about English.

Street food Vendors

Our Friends we meet in Zanzibar. The two in front have been traveling for the past 11 years! they both sold their houses and businesses and live all over the world.

The Cocoa tree plantation

Cocoa, it doesn't taste like chocolate by the way...

This kid was doing Karate chops, it was hilarious.

Just Hanging out, looking at the Mzungus (white people)

Nutmeg plant

After the spice tour, they made us a meal using all of the spices that we looked at, it was delicious!

This is called slave cave. A plantation owner would hide his slaves in here because at the time it was starting to be illegal to have slaves. But the cool thing is that this cave went all the way to the ocean, so the slaves were able to escape (if they could swim). Apparently there are large pythons and spiders as big as my hand that live in here!

carving out a tree trunk

Hanging out in the dirt..

This is called a "Dhow"

Our Brittish Friend

This is a man making sugar cane juice. We drank this like water, it was so delicious. They would add ginger and lime to it, it was heaven.

the View from our hotel roof top

This area was called Fordani Gardens. At sunset all of these stalls would light up selling fresh fish, shark, squid, vegetables, chipati ( it is like a crepe but not sweet), rice, potatoes, chips (french fries) All sorts of meat, it was yummy!