Short of chartering a private jet and taking you all to the sliver of an island known as Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, instead I thought I would just give way to the breathtaking beauty of an island boasting a legacy borne of one of Scherezade's famed tales. A fusion of Tanzanian, Indian, and Arabian influence born of centuries as a bustling trade port for spice merchants and the like, Zanzibar is an unexpected oasis just miles away from Dar es Salaam. Wind through the alleys of Stonetown, the portside town lined with cobblestone and markets where you can savor freshly grilled octopus on a stick or glasses of gingery sugar cane juice freshly pressed. Dip your toes in the sands of Kendwa and Nungwi beaches to the northernmost tip of the island where time seems to have forgotten some of the more idyllic stretches. Revisit bygone times with an enchanting evening of song, dance, and story-telling transporting you back into the heart of the early spice and slave trade. Frolic among the ancient tortoises of Prison Island (Changuu Island), ranging in age from several months to nearly two centuries. Amazingly, Zanzibar has it all.
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| Airport arrivals |
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| Welcome to Zanzibar |
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| Driver's toothless niece makes adorable chalk drawings |
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| Melding of Arabian and Indian architecture |
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| A step back in time; Funguni Palace Hotel |
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| Local favs: Kuku (chicken) with pilau (fragrant rice) and Tangawizi (ginger soda) |
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| Boats coming into port |
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| Rooftop view of ferry port |
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| Sneak camera attack! |
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| Dhow in the distance |
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| Magical reenactments of a storied past |
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| With Becca at Mtoni Palace Friday Performance |
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| Musicians dress in traditional garb from 19th Century |
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| Probably my father in another time period |
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| Audience gets down with the dancers |
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| My ancient beau |
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| Courtney, Becca, and Joyce chow down for a rooftop breakfast |
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| Gettin around town |
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| Tchotkes for the road |
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| Local matunda (fruit) |
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| Flippity Floppies |
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| Market Memories |
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| Nothing's more fresh than seaside |
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| COCONUT!! |
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| Off for the Seven Seas |
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| Being ladylike |
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| Waitin for Godot |
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| Prison Island! |
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| Oldest tortoise is apparently 189 and hasn't moved in six years (jk) |
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| Allegedly quite tasty |
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| Don't mess with the feathers, dude |
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| That's one way to get around town |
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| Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks |
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| The Zanzi Crew |
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| Perfect close to a perfect weekend |
