Zanzibar

We are back from Zanzibar and had a blast! The weather was sunny and to call it warm would be an understatement, really the only word to describe it would be HOT! Any movement would produce a fine layer of sweat to form. This is ok while you are on the beach with water all around, but in a taxi or in the room at night this becomes a little overwhelming. I think I actually slowed down to "African speed", which is as fast as you need to be on vacation.

My seat on the 12 passenger plane, Co-Pilot Elizabeth

Me, Cassie and Camilla

The beaches were very long and wide, covered with nice white sand. The water was so blue!!! Even bluer than I have seen in the Caribbean. It was also perfectly clear, you could see straight down to the bottom even in the deep areas.
Women walking with fishing net



We went snorkeling on Saturday to a small island on the east side of Zanzibar. And had lunch cooked for us on the beach then headed back to the hotel in the afternoon. The boat ride took just over an hour, one way, so there was a bit more "sun time" than we had expected! Needless to say we all were a bit more pink than tanned that evening, but had a great time!

Our snorkeling boat


The next day we read our books, went for walks, and did some shopping at the local artisan booths on the beach. I think we got some pretty good deals too :) We are mastering the art of haggling.


While we were without power most of the time, the hotel did run a generator at night after 6pm until just after midnight and then would turn it on again around breakfast time for a few hours. The food I think reflected the lack of power, it was good but not great due to not having refrigeration at all times. Also ice cream (which is clearly a must in this type of weather) was VERY difficult to come by....but as you might have guessed we found it!

Doors of Zanzibar

So we are back home now, and our plan for this week is to go to an orphanage Tuesday through Thursday and return to the hospital on Friday for Cassie to say her goodbyes. She leave Friday evening!!!!

I'm not sure when I will get pictures up, but am thinking about trying to get some of that together next weekend....so sorry for no safari or Zanzibar pictures yet!