Last week I went on a little get away to Zanzibar, a island off the coast of
Tanzania and Dar. We stayed in the main city, Stonetown, on Zanzibar. It’s was really different. It has interesting architecture with a middle eastern/Indian influence. The city is made up of twisty turning alleyways that you are bound to get lost in. The whole island is pretty unique because of its history, but really touristy. It was super weird to see so many white people and to be with so many tourists... to be a tourist.
Some little highlights.
An interesting spice tour of a small spice plantation, including a spiced lunch
An odd beach trip with a tour group of young brits
I was offered 4 scarves if i slept with a vendor (extremely insulting price actually!!)
Good seafood! I had tuna, prawns, king fish, shark fish, lobster…
Lots of bargaining and gift buying and befriending the vendors in the process
An awful ferry ride back to the mainland: tons of people, smaller boat, no
place to get fresh. I got pretty sick for only the third time in my life.
I enjoyed the island though and wish we had more time to go elsewhere outside of Stonetown. Being a tourist after living in the county is odd. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and learning, but it's weird. I spent more money
this weekend than the average person makes at the church in 3 months. I'm torn
with the desire of simple luxuries. I waste to much water in an upright shower,
but the hot water shower feels amazing. I really love the thought put into ambiance and lighting for the comforts of a room, but now see it as a mark of money, an unnecessary aspect. Things like art and music that are classified as culture come from the upper class, people who have time and money for these luxuries. I too appreciate these things and while it is real life for many Tanzanians, they are a very small portion of the population. It's still too difficult to struggle with. The two worlds can't simultaneously exist in my brain for long. I have to exist in whichever one is present and enjoy what it brings.
No comments:
Post a Comment