Zanzibar is amazing! Absolutely beautiful. Kristen, one of the volunteers who came into the mess this week, decided to come over with me and the two of us left the hostel at 5:30 this morning. The reason for the early departure was that Kristen had not bought the ticket and we needed to do that an hour before the ferry left. We were actually the first ones on the ferry (after I rather gracefully slipped up the steps) and we got a great seat by the window. The ferry ride was rather short (or maybe it just seemed that way because we were deep in conversation) and before we knew it dhow boats were racing by us, their insides full of fish and octopi, and the bright blue water and sandy beaches were greeting us. We went through the formality of customs, even though Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and we started our (short) trek down the beach to the Tembo House Hotel. Holy Moly this hotel is amazing. Needless to say, the two of us were a little unsure if this was actually where we were staying given how absolutely gorgeous the hotel is (and especially after where we have been living for the past few weeks). The lobby is amazing- designed in traditional Zanzibar design (a mixture of Arabic and Indian- amazing!). I am staying in room 17 and though it is a single, my family of 5 could totally fit in this room comfortably. Its great with a beautiful carved 4 poster bed as the center piece. There is a balcony that overlooks the pool and the beach where we are going to watch sunset later this evening.
We left the hotel, started walking around and got completely lost. We soon found ourselves by Tibu Tip's house, a former slave trader. We were reading a sign outside and were soon invited on a cool tour given by one of the residents. After we left Tibu's house, we were again completely lost and were found by a very nice Zanzibari man. He ended up taking us on a FANTASTIC tour of the city, including a trip to the spice market before delivering us to our hotel. It has been a great day here and this evening we are going to watch the sunset from the beach and then we are headed to dinner at the Omani Fort.
Its fantastic here!
Namaste
- Jen Ross
- I'm off on an adventure. Trying to do some good. Living by grace and learning a lot.
4 comments:
jennifer - Just in case you don't remember me I'm Karen D. your dad's cousin. I talked with your dad and grandmother today. They are both proud of you. I must say I'm a little green with envy at your amazing courage. The lives you are touching with your unselfishness will be blessed. Some say youth is wasted on the youth, but in your case it is being enriched. God Bless You
Karen D.
Jenny - I am so thrilled that you are having such a good time in Zanzibar. What an exotic area. With all that has transpired in the past week, I bet being in a hotel room with hot running water is much appreciated. As I have said before, take it all in and say hello to the children of Malaika for me.
Love
DAD
Jennifer,
All of us are at Stefan and Maria's home close to Malmo. I am catching up on your exciting news. It is a shame that corruption is a part of life but it provides a perspective as always... How nice to be in Zanzibar as it sounds like it is just fascinating. I can't wait to hear about all of your experiences. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Tanzania and take good care of yourself.
We love you lots,
Mom and the gang
Jen,
Good things come to those who wait!! LOL. Take a loooooong hot bath and enjoy your sunset.
You are loved and missed,
Aunt Melinda
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