So here we were on Saturday May 16th, still not really believing that the project was over...and up at 5:00am! A few of us bleary eyed (and puffy eyed due to various bug bites..ie me!) started the day out figuring out how to get out of Dar...we were headed to Zanzibar! Now until this point we had only ever read about such a place or joked about its exotic existence and here we were on a ferry to Stonetown! The birth of the spice trade way back when...this was truly an unexpected part of the adventure. The ferry ride was smooth and pleasant...enjoying the view and the good company.
Once we arrived we headed to the hotel, baggage and all....and had an interesting experiencing dealing with the over-eager locals (hmm...beach boys??? I think they are referred to as) who offered to help in any way possible (carry luggage, provide a taxi, offer a tour etc etc...). This of course is the way of life there but at some point you have to be stern enough to let folks know you appreciate their concern but don't require any assistance....mind you, having the chief australian negotiator handling all the extra attention is extremely helpful in dodging the locals!
In any case we spent the next 2 days walking around and getting a feel for the local history, heritage, the market and how to negotiate the "dodge" of the beach boys....Many a gift were purchased by all.
Plug for the Chavda Hotel – very reputable and comfortable hotel at an extremely reasonable rate. Omar is the greatest and will make a fair deal. Masoud helped us find Issa who drove us to Nungwi for 50,000Tsh….very reasonable and a load off our minds....if you stay here you won't be unhappy. The only thing is they don't yet have internet! So we spent most of Sunday scouring the other hotels for internet access...again! We went to the Serena - extremely luxurious however much more pricey! Anyhow, the view is spectacular and the beer is baridi sana...what more could you wish for.
Once we arrived we headed to the hotel, baggage and all....and had an interesting experiencing dealing with the over-eager locals (hmm...beach boys??? I think they are referred to as) who offered to help in any way possible (carry luggage, provide a taxi, offer a tour etc etc...). This of course is the way of life there but at some point you have to be stern enough to let folks know you appreciate their concern but don't require any assistance....mind you, having the chief australian negotiator handling all the extra attention is extremely helpful in dodging the locals!
In any case we spent the next 2 days walking around and getting a feel for the local history, heritage, the market and how to negotiate the "dodge" of the beach boys....Many a gift were purchased by all.
Plug for the Chavda Hotel – very reputable and comfortable hotel at an extremely reasonable rate. Omar is the greatest and will make a fair deal. Masoud helped us find Issa who drove us to Nungwi for 50,000Tsh….very reasonable and a load off our minds....if you stay here you won't be unhappy. The only thing is they don't yet have internet! So we spent most of Sunday scouring the other hotels for internet access...again! We went to the Serena - extremely luxurious however much more pricey! Anyhow, the view is spectacular and the beer is baridi sana...what more could you wish for.
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