Greetings from beautiful Zanzibar!!!!!

Hi guys!!

So, I'm on the beautiful island of Zanzibar right now!! Plans changed slightly since the last email that I sent out. Heather and I were talking - and decided that we wanted to try and hit up Zanzibar before we both left the country. And since we knew that the eye project would be wrapping up on Thursday, since Heather was coming back to Dar on Friday, we decided that I would come back with her on Friday (instead of staying in Dodoma for the weekend) and we would make our way over to Zanzibar. She'll head back in the morning to catch her flight to South Africa for her safari, and I will be here for three nights before heading back to Dar on Monday for my flight on Tuesday morning. The ferry ride over was beautiful, and what I saw of the island upon arriving looks really nice. It's an interesting mix of flavours and cultures here on the island - from what I know, and have seen. Tons of history as well. I'll take as much of it in as I can in a couple days - and will hopefully return some time to do everything that I have missed.

We're staying at a place called Mtoni Marine Center, which is just outside the main town of Stone Town. They have their own private beach, which I am thrilled about - as I knew that the beaches looked beautiful from flying through Zanzibar on my way back to Dar from Arusha. When we arrived this evening we were told that there was no room - but we begged, and somehow they found one of the little bungalows for us. Sounds good to me - and it was even cheaper than a room! The guy wasn't sure if they'll have room for tomorrow night - but they do for the night after that for sure. I'm hopeful that it will work out for tomorrow night as well, so that I don't have to lug my bags to a new place. It really is a nice, comfortable place here (with free internet even!). While we were waiting to see if they had room for us, we were treated to a beautiful flower tied around our wrist, and a lovely cup of lemon tea. We hadn't even for sure given them any business yet! Plus they assist in arranging some tours and stuff as well, which I was planning on doing. Oh, and did I mention that they have a private beach! So, I'm hoping to be able to stay here for all three of my nights - but even if I can't stay here tomorrow night, it sounded as if they would assist me in finding a place to stay - so at least I know I'll be taken care of. I know from my description it sounds as if I must be breaking the bank in order to stay here - but believe me, I'm not! It's very affordable - but lovely at the same time!

Tomorrow, I think that I will plan to do a tour of Stone Town, learn some of the history, and see some of the good sights. Hopefully, I'll squeeze a bit of shopping in there as well! Then on Sunday (as long as I am still staying at this place), I'm planning on just having a beach day. I'm so looking forward to enjoying some sun and relaxation on the beach! On Monday, I'll probably try and catch the ferry back at around 12, and will be met back in Dar, where I will spend the night before flying out Tuesday morning.

It's hard to believe that I am down to my last couple nights in Africa. I am sad to be leaving here - but also excited to be coming home. I am also thrilled to be having this last little adventure before I start my journey homeward. I can't say that I ever thought I'd be on Zanzibar (on this trip at least), but I am so happy to be here for a couple days. And from what I've seen, I would gladly come back here anyday! Any takers? It is still just always so surreal to think of a world map, and to picture where I am at the moment. To think of being in Africa/Tanzania/Zanzibar is just crazy! They are a long ways away from home! But soon, I will be back in good old Saskatchewan!

Speaking of good old Saskatchewan, I had a funny experience tonight while eating at the restaurant at Mtoni Marine. We were eating in the sports bar/cafe thing, and we had been seated for a few minutes, and I was visiting with Heather. Anyways, out of the corner of my eye, I realize that there is . . . wait for it . . . a Saskatchewan Roughriders flag hanging proudly from the roof in the middle of the restaurant. The bright green had caught my eye, and at first I thought nothing of it, since it is common to have things like that hanging back at home. But when it all registered with where I was, and what I was seeing, I had to do a double take! I laughed, and explained it all to Heather and the waiter. Most people would have no idea who the Saskatchewan Roughriders are - but I knew!! I took my picture under the flag as proof that this really happened! I never would have expected to come all the way to Zanzibar and see that - but I guess it just goes to show that there really are Roughrider fans all over the world (or at least they travel all over the world!)

Well, I think I should head back to my little bungalow soon. We've had a long day of travelling, and I didn't sleep much last night - too excited about Zanzibar, and being home soon. Hopefully I'll sleep well tonight, and will have a good full couple days here before heading home. I hope that you are all well, wherever you are. You are all being thought of, right now, from here in Zanzibar - and I am looking forward to seeing many of you very soon!

Love,

Jilly