Zanzibar

I was excited to go to Zanzibar but I had NO idea just how beautiful it would be. We spent our first day in Stone Town and wandered through the mazes of ancient buildings. We ate some delicious gelato ice cream and bought some random things. The city is amazing, mostly because of the architecture and the fact that it is right on the water. We went on a sunset boat ride in the evening and toured the island. It was a perfect day. The next day, we left for the north of the island where all the beaches are. We stayed at Kendwa beach. It was AMAZING!!! I never thought a beach could so beautiful. The water was crystal blue and the white sand beaches were huge. The Indian Ocean was very warm!!! We lounged on the beach the first day and then went snorkelling the second day. Then we left the following morning to fly back to Entebbe. I was sad to leave and my experience in the airport there did not help. Zanzibar has been without electricity for the past 2 months. I guess the government is mad at them because none of the locals seem to know why they are without electricity. So first we stood outside of the airport in a huge line for an hour because without computers, internet and electricity, the airport staff were unable to check electronic airplane tickets. So they had to call a different airline center and check tickets in over the phone...it took forever! Once we got into the airport, it was time to go through security. To check our hand luggage, the guards lifted up the bags and dropped them on the counter. If there was no "clunk" that meant the luggage must be free of guns. If it "clunked" they manually searched the bag. Once clearing security, we were directed to a small waiting room that was full of people and mosquitos!!! It was aweful. There was also no running water in the airport so the bathrooms were non-functional. There was a woman in the bathroom who poured water into the non-flushing toilet and then afterwards, used a jerry can with water to wash your hands. The funniest part was the fact that the duty free store in the airport had a generator complete with airconditioning...ridiculous! But, with exception to the medieval airport from hell, Zanzibar was unforgetable. I am just sad that we were not able to spend more time there.