Our flight left Portland at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and we arrived at our house in Zanzibar at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Of course we spent Most of Thursday in Johannesburg where we met Paul and Sharon in the hotel lobby at about 10:30 on Thursday morning.
Back to the airport Friday morning for a flight up to Dar Es Salaam Tanzania where we went through immigration and customs. Then an ATM to get some local cash about 400,000 shillings each ($200 USD). Then a short cab ride to the old terminal to catch a light plane for the 30 minute flight to the island.
We had made arrangements for this house about a year ago. The owner lives in Brugge Belgium and didn't want to go through Airbnb because of their fees. We were a little apprehensive that we wired 1,000 Euros to someone in Nigeria, but there was his man the taxi driver holding up our name as we left the Zanzibar terminal.
He had been out getting groceries for our stay and took us to the spirits store for a weeks supply. Then back on the road for the 1 1/2 hour 'ride' to the house.
BUT of course September 1st was "Eid al Adha", The Feast of Sacrifice, the most important feast of the Muslim calendar. He took the back roads and EVERYONE seemed to be out in their finest walking the sides of the narrow road as we barreled through. Luckily no one was hit, but we weren't in that big of a rush. He did allow us to imbibe on the ride!
We were greeted at the door by the staff of 3 girls, the cook and two helpers and maids. We got settled in and Pamela, the cook, made us a chicken with rice dinner. She had to wait until the groceries arrived with us before starting. It was very good. There is also the driver and handyman, two gardeners, and 2 watchmen.
The house is huge and very nicely decorated. 200 feet of ocean front, pool, lots of covered and shaded chairs and areas outside as well as our dining table.
We have our own bathroom and Paul and Sharon took the bedrooms upstairs.
Spent the day recovering and adjusting!
Some shots of the place follow.
Sun rise this morning about 6:40 from our yard.
Pam reading (really) and Sharon in the pool
Wow! What a great place to relax, read and have fun.
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