Zanzibar - Tuesday 22 October

Today we went on another tour which I thought would be interesting as it gives you a number of different experiences in one go - we did not warm to the guide much, which was a shame as we were with him for 5 hours but we still enjoyed the day.

We met him at the Mtoni Palace ruins, a palace that was built for one of the Omani Sultans in the early 19th century. Our guide is part of the restoration team that is restoring the palace so he was good at explaining how the palace used to be, and what they are doing to restore it.

Outside the ruins - our guide is the man in white

Inside the palace

We were then took on a ride around the grounds on a rickerty looking cart being pulled along by a donkey. It was an experience, not the most comfortable one, and I did think I hope the guide doesn't let go of the reigns (he was walking besides the cart) as we would never be seen again! The donkey was a bit distracted because it's foal was running about and it just wanted to be with it!

'We have got to get on that!'

Clinging on for dear life

We then went back in to the palace ruins for a coffee ceremony. As I was the women the guide told me I had to do it all (the cheek) - so first of all I had to roast the coffee beans, then grind them, then put them in to the coffee pot and fan the fire (yes really) so that the pot boiled. Once the coffee was boiled, I had to serve up, along with some local sweet delicacies - Peter of course thought this was all very funny!

Roasting the coffee beans on a tiny stool!

Hmmm never fanned a kettle before

Peter found it all very amusing

After the coffee ceremony we were taken to see some more ruins, and then on to a spice farm which we really enjoyed. A young lad who works on the farm took us around, and we were tasting all types of spices and some tropical fruits. Then another young lad shimmed up a coconut tree and threw one down for us to drink - it was very refreshing especially as we had been out in the heat for about 3 hours by this time. And then another young lad presented us with some 'gifts' made out of banana leaf - remember we had to tip all of these kids (along with the guide and our driver).

Yes he really did climb right up to the top!

Peter enjoying his coconut

With our banana leaf hats and necklaces!

We were then invited in to the spice farmers house for lunch - it was only 11:30 but seeing as we had breakfast at 6:30 we were quite hungry. The food was homemade Swahili food and was delicious - they also served us local coffee and spiced tea.

Lovely food!

Yes, I am really sitting on aeroplane seats!

We then sailed back to the ruins on a traditional Dhow boat. As the tide was quite far out we had to take off our trainers and roll up our trousers to walk to the dingy that was taking us to the dhow. We had to wade in to the sea and the water was lovely and warm.

On the Dhow with crazy hair!

We relaxed at the hotel for the rest of the day. Dinner this evening was a fish and seafood buffet which was delicious.

 

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