Spice town. Mohammed's birthday was on the 17 th pretty popular guy.

Walked the great city old town. Up and down alleys , through markets dodging scooters and bicycles as they ride down the alleys ringing there bell. European tourists are evident but only in the higher priced hotels and shopping areas.




Parking, anywhere is parking


Car carriers that drop there ramps on the beach at high tide and try to get the truck on. Quite a sight.


Sun setting ofer the port


A average alley. Or street in old town. Always people and always busy


Full moon over Zanzibar., taken from the roof of the guest house. Feb 18

Location:Zanzabar , Tanzania

Did I say small. I meant minuscule. Really

After being taken for 15 thousand shillings at a ticket office. I went to the main terminal. For me it was not the money but the fact they were dishonest. The manager at the ferry was Mr Hussain. He was wonderful. I said the overcharge was not at his office but at a private ticket seller. He was on his phone and within 5 minutes the money was in my hand. He was very apologetic. To be clear the ferry company was not at all dishonest it was the ticket seller that was not at the terminal.

The ship was like the victoria clipper very clean and fast. But the small world part.

As I walk down the gang plank who would be there beside his motorcycle but Jami
from Finland


What a great site. We greeted each other with a laugh and a hug. I last saw him at the mansion backpackers in Mombasa a week before. He made a deal and managed to load the bike on the ferry and the return price is 250 US. It was actually a good deal. Talked about his trip starting in finland and ending in southafrica. We sat outside for the whole 2 hour trip using my backpack to support his bike from falling over all the way to Zanzibar. As we entered the port the water was the color of turquoise and the air was hot and wet.

After getting his cell number. head off to find a place to sleep for the night. Was being followed buy a man as I left the terminal. He wanted to direct me to a hotel. The rate goes up and so the man makes a commission. After about 200 meters I turned and asked him politely to allow me to wander the city on my own. After a short chat he wished me well and off I went. Almost walked in the hotel. It was not in the lonely planet and for that I was happy. Sometime you need to make your own way. It is the pearl guest house. Lovely high ceilings and the rate with breakfast is $15000 tzs per night $10 US. Nice deal. After went off with the hotels owners son to rent a motorcycle for three days. We haggled as they always quote in US $. Then when they convert to shillings it is some creative accounting. Thank you for the iPhone app currency converter. After haggling for only a moment we agreed to 115000 tzs for three days.

I gave them 30 thousand shillings in good faith.
Tomorrow will be a big day. Discovering Zanzibar. Will actually drive and find a beach property to stay for two or three nights and then return to the old city on the 22nd. will try for some diving to.

Look out for the blog to come.


From my room into the courtyard.



Location S 06 09.620
w 039 11.605
Zanzibar.

Location:The ferry post at Dar ES Salaam

Fish market foul but amazing at the same time

Well the sun is up. Doxycycline is a nasty pill without food this is the malaria pill of choice when traveling in this part of the world. Without food keep close to a toilet.

Well , went to the fish market with the boys. I may have to burn my boots. The pictures speak for themselves.


Ready for a dinner table. Suggesting you do not buy any fish after noon.


He was the prettiest dish at the ball


He wanted to have his picture taken and there was no charge.


Really he was just waiting for the tide. Or catching a rest not to sure yet.


In the back is the swimming club. If you saw the beach you to would find this picture funny


Fish delivery. It looks like chaos but works all the same.

Location:Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania.

It's a small world after all

After riding the bus for 9 hours from Mombasa was more like a roller coaster. Opting for the real experience. I sat in the suicide seat the very front with the view of all oncoming traffic.
2 hours before arriving the rain started to fall. The first rain since arriving 17 days ago. The bus arrived and now off to find a hotel. After withdrawing some funds 4000000 tzs equivalent to 300 US. Crossing a street I a tall see a man with Blonde hair. Well it turns out to be my new friend Bernd From holland who was staying at stilts .He was with his friend mike from Portsmouth England. Bit of luck they were kind enough to walk me back to there hotel and I got a room. I had not eaten since 7 am. we went to an authentic Tanzanian BBQ.


Fair to mention that they do grow loads of veggies here but they do not seem to serve them in restaurants . Now what goes best with a BBQ. Yes beer. Well this is a city with over 70 percent Muslims so beer was a challenge. Thank you for the chinese. Every country has them and they are the happy souls that supply the lovely brews. Actually we had 3 Tanzanian beers and the Kenyan tusker.


The night was complete. 11 pm and off to bed.
On a side note the lonely planet book states of touts and con artists ar all over Dar even says be careful. Well this was the one City I have truly had no worries at all. People were very polite and welcoming. Do not always believe what you hear. It's still only one person opinion.
But always keep on your toes.




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Location:Dar ES Salaam , Tanzania