Zanzibar is so far away that it literally feels like flying to another planet but once you get there you’ll be planning your return. Watching the Indian ocean dance throughout the day reminds me of watching a magic show. The Massai Warriors are a gentle and entertaining people of which I have no question could take me out if prompted. The spice market is aggressive (not as insane as Bangkok) but with patience and determination you can get through it with bags of goods. Zanzibar, like many parts of the world, was an active trading post for enslaved Africans. However, the local people are friendly and can be seen playing futbol in various open fields adjacent cows, goats, chickens, and other animals.
Upon arrival it took hours to get to the beach resort that was truly a paradise. I had never previously experienced walking up to check in on sand floors that even continued to the room which had bowls of water to clean your feet before entry. The Loop Resort was pretty spectacular with calming beach views as a welcomed ending from such a long journey. During the morning, I was afforded the opportunity to walk and play out on the ocean floor due to the receding tides. I’ll never forget seeing how by lunch the ocean magically appeared as if it hadn’t left the night before. Boats that were stuck in sand when I took my walk were now floating as they were meant to be.
I was lucky enough to meet two Massai Warriors by the pool because my outgoing friend managed to strike up a conversation with the wife of one that had been from Ohio. Meeting someone that lived off of the land humbled me. In their culture, their wealth is determined by how many cattle they have. They live inland only eating with they live amongst. They get everything from the bush and have medicine for just about anything that you could possibly need medicine for. The use of microwaves, indoor heating/cooling systems, and other basic modern conveniences are not on their radar. One of the Warriors was a full-blown comedian constantly cracking jokes with an infectious smile. Do you know how difficult it is to keep a straight face hearing someone say “Oh My Cow!” instead of “OMG”? Over the next few days, much more was shared about their culture. The meaning of their jewelry, the infamous shoulder shimmy, why they jump and how high, as well as their living arrangements, diet, and ritual circumcisions were a few topics discussed which mostly left me in awe.
The spice market was a hot, sweaty, and humid mess to say the least. It wasn’t what I expected from something so famed. Dubai has had the best spice market that I’ve ever seen. I love spices in bins so that I can make special blends. Most of the vendors had the same prepackaged spices in various quantities. Many of the products available to purchase were gimmicky tourist items that left me disappointed. I’m glad that I’ve seen unrefrigerated fresh cut meat before, otherwise the images there would have scared me into becoming vegan. There was beautiful clothing for sale on random corners while tours were being conducted. Some of the streets looked like I had transported back to Rome with their cobblestone streets amidst the city.
As an American, I grew accustomed to and had extensive knowledge of the trans Atlantic Slave Trade (my ancestors). However, traveling to east Africa exposed me to the trans Atlantic Slave Trade which I had extremely limited knowledge of. After visiting Dubai and going on a few tours, it was evident to me that the traders didn’t need shackles and weapons to trade spices. However, I must’ve forgotten because Zanzibar was a reality check. It’s very troubling how much slavery is intertwined with Christianity. Many of the churches had holding cells for captured Natives right underneath the pulpit. Remnants of slavery were still apparent all throughout the island, yet people still manage to smile. They still have the faith of Islam combined with other religions and customs to propel them forward. Walking around it’s easy to get swept into watching a spirited futbol game or watching the youth dancers in their traditional costumes. It feels like an island, a big city, and countryside all packed into one. I had an awesome experience in Zanzibar!