This morning Arnold went to site with his parents to sort out a few things so i stayed in bed and littered about doing some sudoku. I also packed my things for Zanzibar. As I was psckinvy nags, the dadas were tidying around me. As much as it's a massive luxury and I am very appreciative of the maids, they work so fast that they'd pick you up before you fall. Sometimes I will put something down and when I go back it will be moved and tidied. It's like my mother, she tidied up before you have a chance sometimes, but it does keep the house very tidy, as wi th Arnold's apartment.

This morning there was no water at Arnold's apartment, which shows the water can stop for anyone, not just those in less fortunate places.

Lunch today was the choice of prawns, beef strogenoff, rice, potatoes, mashed potatoes, and several different veg. I have found a new love for prawns! I used to crave them at home which was strange as I never used to l like them, who craves food that they don't like?! Now, I am thoroughly enjoying prawns and embracing them at every given opportunity!

Today I am surprising Anrold on our trip to Zanzibar for his birthday, he doesn't know what we are doing, he keeps nagging me but I won't crack! It would have been too much of a rush to get the ferry as we were running late as it was, so we decided to fly which was only $15 more. We landed in Zanzibar shortly after 5pm. Our reservation was for 6pm so i rang them and changed it to 7pm. The drive to the hostel was just over an hour, we are staying in Michamvi Kae which is in South East of Zanzibar. We didn't arrive at our hotel until after 7pm as there was a delay between landing and getting transport. I would usually worry and flap, but here, there is no worries and I knew that the restaurant wouldn't be stressed about us adriving so there was no need for me to stress. The room at the hostel was really nice, a nice bungalow on the sand with a little balcony. Not bad for a hostel! We quickly got changed and heades for The Rock , Arnold said "The rock? What's that" and it wasn't until we arrived there that he clicked where we were going. The Rock is a restaurant on the beach in Paje, and it looks idyllic. It's a place he's always wanted to go so i thought it would be perfect for hos 21st birthday, something he would hopefully always remember.

The restaurant was quite small and there was a relaxing atmosphere about the place. Arnold ordered chicken and I ordefed prawns. Whilst waiting for our food we sat on the veranda drinking wine and taking in the view of the sea. The food was delicious! I had heard it was nice, as had Arnold, but it was better than I tbought it would be. We were sat talking at the table, Arnold asked to sit back outside, but I avoided the question as I had another surprise up my sleeve. Shortly all of the waiters walked over singing Happy Birthday with a caramel pudding, everyone in the restaurant joined in with the singing. Arnold couldn't believe that i had done it. it was quite funny, I know how embarrassing it is having cake brought to you and being sung to in a restaurant. Another large group in the restaurant were European and sung some sort of birthday song to Arnold which was nice of them. After enjoying a bit of the pudding we returned to the veranda.

We walked along the beachagter dinner and found a bar to have a drink. Unfortunately our driver had arrived to pick us up. So we bought the bottle and took it with us. When we got the hostel we sat on the hammock and had a glass of wine . Other guests in the hostel were getting high with the workers. The wine was llovely, it was South African and quite sweet for South African wine, but it made me feel rather sleepy.

I had a lovely evening with Arnold celebrating his birthday and he was very thankful and appreciative of his surprise which made it even more worthwhile. He said he didn't guess anything, I thought he may have guessed that we were going out for dinner, but he says not. I'm very lucky to have such a great friend like Arnold, we've been friends for 15 years and I feel fortunate that I was able to celebrate his 21st Birthday with him. It's a shame that Rich couldn't be here to celebrate with us too, but he was with us in spirit and we sent him some photos.

Tomorrow we are off to Stonetown, hopefully to do a spice tour if we have enough time, if not, we will get up early Sunday to do it. After head I.g to Stonetown we heading to the North of the island, to a place called Nungwi which is where Rich, Arnold and I went on Rich's and my first weekend here. I am going to be extra careful in the sea and be super vigilant , on constant guard for sea urchins as I do not fancy stepping on one of them again!

Off to sleep now. This hostel has out done itself, so much nicer than I expected it to be! And the staff are nice too which is always a bonus!

H