Zanzibar

We finished off the Africa tour by winding down at the Kempinski Hotel in Zanzibar, an island located off the Tanzania mainland. We had four nights booked and took advantage of the first full day by doing absolutely nothing. We watched television, read books, drank wine/beer, and strolled through the grounds. I spoiled the day by underestimating the power of the equator sun. I spent too long under the shade of an umbrella and ended up searing my entire front side. lol. I don't believe I've ever been so well done and I've spent the days since suffering from it. I tried to remedy the situation by exhausting nearly an entire bottle of aloe in one day - my skin could not get enough moisture. No worries though - I'll live... just don't believe it to be the lighting when you look at the photos and wonder why I look like a lobster!

We opted to tour the spice farms and Stone Town via a package catered through the hotel. Mike and I smelled, tasted, and touched numerous roots, leaves, and barks that produce the spice exports for Zanzibar. I don't think I've ever felt so dumb. I didn't guess a single spice right. I need to get back to a kitchen and cooking again. The residents treated us as royalty by decorating us with handwoven necklaces, ties, rings, bracelets, and crowns made with palm leaves. I was very impressed with their ability and creativity in the designs. We ended up purchasing a few bags of spices and teas to try out in Baghdad/home.

We visited the last slave trade market and a produce/fish/meat market in Stone Town as well as walked through the streets and some museums. The city had a certain charm and interesting architecture. You could see the Arabic and Indian influences as you walked past each building. We settled down for a cocktail right before sunset to enjoy the views before heading back to our hotel.

We had booked a boat to take us to the reefs and out to the deep sea for some fishing but were disappointed when they canceled the trip due to rough seas. Fooey. Soooo...instead...we relaxed. haha. Isn't that what R&R is all about?

Tomorrow we begin the long trek back home....oi.