Zanzibar - the Spice Island

Zanzibar, the Spice Island, truly lives up to its name. As soon as you exit the airplane you are hit with a waft of rich heat that is both shocking and inviting.

After transferring to the airport we enjoyed a swim in the cool pool at Stone Town's Zanzibar Serena Inn. We visited the open air market and enjoyed a nice dinner. Stone Town is at once exotic, inviting and a little intimidating after a safari bu well worth a visit.

Next day, we shopped the winding alleyways of Stone Town then drove on the relatively newly paved roads to the northeast coast of the island. Shooting Star provided a down-to-earth and welcoming reception for us and while the family enjoyed the beach and pool, I visited many hotels in this area.

Today, Kelly and Bibi (grandma) took an EXCELLENT snorkel trip to Mnemba Atoll where they saw hundreds of varieties of fish. I stayed back with the boys to play on the beach and swim in the pool. When the tide is out, swimming is difficult but the tide pools reveal a great variety of marine life.

Tonight, we relaxed by the pool and finished the evening hunting for crabs and gazing at the stars. Look out for 5-year-old Grady's Top 10 Tanzania experiences list tomorrow.