From the White Sands of Zanzibar

Mike and I have spent the past week enjoying Zanzibar Island- a beautiful and very interesting island off the coast of Tanzania... the perfect way to close our trip. We spent the first three days here exploring Stone Town, the main town on the island, went on a spice tour (loved seeing nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, cocoa all growing... and for the record nutmeg is one funky looking seed in its fresh off the tree form), and went sailing on a dhow (gorgeous wooden sailboats made exactly as they have been for the last 100 years) out to Menai Bay Conservation Area for some snorkeling. It was lovely. The Indian Ocean is spectacular- every shade of blue from deep slate to bright topaz. It is not, however, extremely warm. It is not freezing like our Pacific waters, but it definiely takes a bit to get used to, even with the warmth of the sun on our backs. We also went to see a local group rehearse Taarab music, a wonderful bled of Arabic, African, and Indian influences. The men and women sit on different sides of the room, (though they welcomed me to sit with Mike and the men), and the women dance up the aisles to give the female singers money if they appreciate the music. Men do not give women singers money, as that would have sexual implications, but will give money to women audience members to bring to the singers, so that whole exchange was as fun as the music.
For the last four days we went to the east coast beach, Matemwe, with its palm trees and powdery white sands. It didn't even feel like sand, but was blindingly white and extremely soft. Our days consisted of reading a good book in a chase lounge or in a chair outside of our bungalow in the sun, walking along the beach, drinking a soda or beer now and again, and eating a meal. It was blissful. We did have one scheduled activity, however. We went snorkeling off of Mnemba island along a coral reef yesterday. The coral itself was not too spectacular, but the fish were great. Special highlights for me were two different types of Moray Eel and many Moorish Idols- I think they are really cool looking fish. We also saw many different types of parrot fish, which are also fun and colorful and a little freaky looking b/c of their teeth :) The water was chilly, so we had to take breaks on the boat, but it was a great day.
We are back in Stone Town for the remainder of the day and then fly to Dar Es Salaam and to Dubai tomorrow. It is sad that our trip is ending and we feel it has been a great and diverse experience- a magical five weeks.