Well I'm glad that was over - 30 hours on a bus through bumpy Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda isn't the best of journeys I've been on, but we survived.

We spent the night in YMCA in Tanzania then cuaght the ferry across in the morning to Zanzibar. Just a 2 hour ferry ride and I'm usually okay on water but Heather and me ended up going outside with our sick bags, the waves we getting abit too much but we were okay.
As soon as the ferry pulled into Zanzibar, I feel in love! Infront of us was white sand, clear blue sea and old buildings, just beautiful. I'm apologise before hand for the over use of beautiful in my blog, it just really was!

Stone Town is the heart of Zanzibar and was used as the main African Slavery port. Even since that time nothing has changed and it is now a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The buildings are erroding but you can still see life in them. There are many original doors or replicas. They're just huge and beautifully carved.
Zanzibar is made up of 90% Muslim, 4% Christian and 1% Hindu. Within Stone Town the population does seem more of an Indian community, with only a few Africans around, they seemed to live by the coast.

Walking down the narrow, dark streets, you would see a wave of colour from a Muslim lady in her traditional dress going around the corner.
The streets of Stone Town were magnificant. We spent one day just walking, completely lost but each corner revealed something different.

We went on a Spice Tour. A touristy tour to do but it's got to be done.
It was really interesting seeing natural vanilla pods growing, the cinnamon tree or leaves used for Henna. Did you know pepper corns are actually green and then they're left in the sun to dry for 5 days and that's when it turns into black pepper. I think it's amazing how these sources are foudn to be useful by people. How they discovered the the Henna leave could be used as dye etc, very clever.
Zanzibar is dubbed the 'Spice Island' because of all they grow and export. It was incredible to be able to buy fresh Saffron for only 50p and then to be charged so much more back in the UK.

We headed to the coast, to Jambiani beach. The sea was really far out, a half an horu walk to reach it, walking past African ladies planting seaweed. We took a picnic and just spent the afternoon swimming and eating in the beautifully, calm sea.

We went around the Museums, Cultural Centres and the only slave area that's left on the island. We went down into the cellars that slaves we kept in, I dont know how they could of surivived. But that was the point, if they survived such conditions then they were worthy enough to be good slaves.

Our final day we went Snorkelling. I don't really enjoy water sports, so for someone was pretty nervous as I'm not confident in water, I loved it. It was such a surreal experience, floating on top of the sea watching all the activity going on in the coral/reefs below. The second dive took place in nearer shore, so the waves were pretty strong. One minute I'm bobbing along and the next thing I'm basically touching the coral and the sea urching waving their long 'arms' at me. They sting, so I panicked. As fast as I could I kicked my flippers until I was touching the sand. The guide came and got me and I swam the rest of the 30 minutes with him, which was nice, as he'd explain all that I was seeing. It was a fantastic experience. Would love to do it again sometime.

Each night we ate at the night market. Basically this consisted of many stools in a square shape under the trees down the park by the port. Each stool contained different food, but it was all mainly freshly caught sea creatures. I tried Baby Shark, which tasted lovely, seasoned with Lime and Salt and I also tried Tandoori Lobster. I really don't like eating fish, so I was very proud. Okay maybe I cheated a little with the seasoning taking away the taste, but I liked it :)
Another night we'd have beef kebabs and nann, with fresh pineapple or sugar cane and ginger juice to end the night. They was so much to choose from and for someone who loves sea food, it would be heaven for you.
We'd watch the boys jumping off the port into the sea and just getting chatting to many of the rasta men who came our way. It was great!

The people in Zanzibar are very friendly and always wanting to get to know you. It wasn't in an annoying way, but they were actually interested or wanting to improved the English and if it was a Rasta wanting him to come to his bar, you'd just say you'd maybe see him later and he'd plod along :)

There is so much I want to say about Zanzibar but it's hard to put into words, you need to go there to experience it. As it was Slave Port, the island is made up of many different influences from around the globe. One minute your walking through Africa, then olden Spain. BEAUTIFUL!

I've promised myself that I will be returning to Zanzibar some point in my future!! Please do, if you get the chance go to Zanzibar! :)

So I'm back in Uganda now, heading back to Bulenga tonight. I'm looking foward to it. Zanzibar was just what I needed :)

Lots and Lots of Love x x x x