By Ross Sinclair

Well, it took Melinda several days, but she has finally earned a nickname. Yesterday she wore a blue shirt that was relatively new. The blue dye from the shirt stained her skin. The name Smurfette seems appropriate.

We left our hotel and headed down to the ferry landing. We were herded through various lines but we finally made it on board. The 1 hour and 45 minute ferry ride was beautiful. Even though Zanzibar is a part of Tanzania we had enter through immigration again. We all took turns mis-spelling the name of the hotel we are staying at. The Mbweni Ruins Hotel is beautiful. It is right on the water and has a private beach area. The accommodations and the staff are very nice. The picture below is the view from the hotel restaurant.

TZ 18
We spent the afternoon shopping in Stone Town. Zanzibar is 98% Muslim. It is Ramadan and most of the people are fasting during the daylight hours. We didn’t eat or drink while we were out and about today as to not to offend the locals.

TZ 19
We finished off the evening by eating dinner at a water front park called Jamituri Gardens. Street vendors served up all kinds of cuisine. You could literally get fresh crab, lobster, calamari, octopus, shrimp, beef, and chicken cooked and served to you on a paper plate. It was delicious and we plan to return tomorrow evening.

Hakuna Matata