Zanzibar......

So many little things have happened, so I'll try and capture the bits and pieces....

Airport Security
Domestic flights in Africa are a little more relaxed than in the US. :)

Stonetown
I have never been to Venice, but I hear the main area on Zanzibar is very similar. Lots of very narrow alleyways, no street signs, but wander long enough and you can always figure out where you are. Photographically stunning.

Electricity
Either you got it or you don't. And when you don't, you wish you did. And when it's 90+ degrees, you really wish you did. Zanzibar's main power line has been down for 72 days from mainland africa. The whole island is trying to run on small generators. They run them for about 4-5 hours each day. Cold beverages are tough to find.

It's the Heat....and the Humidity
Without power in our hostel room, the fan shut off promptly at 11:00 pm. It was unbearably hot in our room. I asked what time it was. 12:15am. I waited for hours and asked what time it was. 12:45am. I waited for a few days and asked what time it was. 2:10 am. Repeat all night. When we "woke" in the morning, I turned to Ari and said, "I think we are cooked." I can empathize with broccoli that gets steamed now.

Planning
It seems like it's every day. Wait it is. 18 days traveling in Africa feels like much, much longer than 18 days at home. In a good way. We can't believe all we have done as we look back on the first part of our journey.

Forodhani Gardens
After dark, this park lights up with 50-60 street vendors selling all sorts of grilled meat and seafood kebabs. It is gourmet though. Chefs in white hats. Beautifully lit. Grilled to order. Everything comes with some fresh baked bread or more likely a pile of cheeps (fries)!

Re-steamed
Steamed again tonight!

Dolphins
Ari has longed to swim with the Dolphins since she was a child and we had to make her dream come true. We did swim with dolphins in the wild. But it would be more aptly described as Dolphin chasing. It was cool, but ethically we wouldn’t do it again or recommend it. We then snorkeled for a bit at a nearby reef. It was a great morning.

Fever
Mark got one. It went up to 102. Ari read about Malaria in the guidebook and convinced me I might be comatose in 24 hours. She took care of me like a dream! We abandoned our plans for the day, hightailed it back to Stonetown to find a doctor. $7 to see the Doctor. Meds for stomach issues. Return at 4 for a Malaria test. Wait. Using a 9th grade biology microscope and in a room with no light (remember no power!), the lab technician proudly signed my diagnosis. Negative.

Pasta
We had the most delicious meal we’ve had since being in Africa. Basically penne and meat sauce. But real parmesan and garlic and olive oil! Amazing!

Luxury
With an epic day under our belts, we felt we had earned an upgrade from our steam room. We spent a little more, but it felt like pure luxury. A room with a sea view. A working, clean bathroom in our room. And best of all, a little A/C unit that felt like heaven.

Forodhani Gardens
Back for more good street food!

Beit el-Ajaib
Spent the morning taking in “The House of Wonders.” A museum with a bit of history about Zanzibar. Great view of the city and ocean from the top.

Kendwa
We set off at noon for Kendwa. Beach paradise. Turqoise blue water. Beautiful boats. Palm thatched roofed bungalows to spend the night. Romantic candlelit dinners. Great music from home. And best of all - Pizza! 2 days in paradise. Paradise. Ari - sunscreen and happy. Mark - “base coat” and burned.