31. Tanzania: Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of the Tanzania. It consists of many small islands and two large ones. Unguja is the main island, which is usually what people (tourists) are referring to when they say Zanzibar.

We arrived at the busy ferry port in Stone Town, and went on a spice tour before heading north to the beach for a few days. Known as "the spice island", Zanzibar produces cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon grass, turmeric, vanilla and black pepper, among other things.

The population here is mostly Muslim, though our guide told us it was only in Stone Town that women were expected to cover their legs. No scarf or head covering required.

I was a little burned out by the "tour schedule", and opted to participate in no other optional activities (for which I would have to be at a certain place at a certain time) for 3 days. Blissful freedom! I spent time wandering the town, grabbing some sun on the beach, kayaking, and otherwise enjoying the last bit of the a/c that we're likely to experience for a while.Read more