We've spent a whole two weeks in the same place. I can't even recall where I was when I spent so much time in one place. I'd like to say the reason is something dangerous, like trying to visit mountain gorillas and getting taken captive by a bunch of bandits, but the reality is that we've been spending time on the majestic Zanzibar.
The name Zanzibar to most conjure up an image of a tropical oasis, despite the fact most wouldn't be able to place it on a map. The beautiful beaches, rich history and lively Stone Town might have drawn most to the island, but we came for the ZIFF, the Zanzibar International Film Festival, 11th Festival of the Dhow Countries. It's consumed all of our days for the past two weeks and we've hardly moved from Stone Town. We've seen nineteen films, two ceremonies, plenty of bands, one film maker's workshop and more Zanzibar Okonomiyaki than medically suggested.
As much fun as the festival was, I can't say it was really the happiest atmosphere in the world. We saw films about wrongful imprisonment of a Mexican in the USA, HIV/AIDS, child soldiers, and photojournalists shot on assignment and fundamentalist and liberal Muslims. There were some ripper films in there and some tripe as well. There were a few comedies in there too, well I'm not sure if they were meant as comedies, but we laughed at them, they seem to have a love for bad soap plots and over dramatized performances.
Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful places we've been to yet. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are little alleys and back roads leading all across Stone Town and people toot the horns on their Vespas and bicycles as they zipp along, almost bowling you over. We've marveled at the city from rooftops and strolled along the cobweb of alleys until we became utterly lost, which can happen a few steps from your hotel door. We insisted that we didn't need a taxi/spicetour/AfricanCD/cashews/bride/anyofyourcuriocrap whilst girls in full Muslim regatta walked past.
We hired a Vespa a few times and went for a scoot around the spice island. We've seen some cute monkeys, adorable dolphins and the bluest seas and whitest beeches you've ever seen. It's just like the postcards, except the water is wet rather than cardboard. We've spent evenings exploring old sultan's palaces and drinks whilst watching the sun set over the tiny off shore islands. Zanzibar truly is an evocative place that lives up to its name.
Next Stop Selous, so until then "Spice Tour?"
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