Kendwa Beach

Hi all,

After I last wrote, most of us went to the night beach markets. We had the most delicious pizza/calzones for dinner that we watched the guy make right in front of us. First I had a meat and veggie one, then a mars bar/chocolate/banana. Both were amazing! Then we headed off to the Africa Hotel for some rooftop drinks. We slept out but our bed was as hard as a rock! Air con was great though. 

The next morning, Rob slept in and I went wandering and shopping with Kat, Sam and Sabrina. I spent $50 all up and got a skirt, a t-shirt, two magnets, three pairs of earrings and a small plate. I bargained which I am useless at! We revisited Freddie's House and read the information outside this time. Freddie was born in Zanzibar 5/9/1946 as Farroukh Basara. He lived here with his parents. He dad worked as a British government employee in the House of Wonders building (which at the time was one of the most beautiful in the world, but is sadly falling apart now) and his mum worked at the high court. When he was nine he went to boarding school in India, and in 1964 his family moved to England due to the revolution here. I absolutely love Queen's music, but I never knew the "alive" Freddie Mercury because sadly he died in 1991 of HIV before I was born. But it was pretty special seeing the place he was born, and needless to say I have had "Don't Stop Me Now" in my head ever since!

At 11.30 we caught a mini van for 1.5 hours up to Kendwa Beach. Zanzibar is famed for its northern beaches and immediately you could see why. White sand, turquoise water and a plethora of palm trees awaited us. It's stunning here! I'm stoked we have two full days as well as yesterday here to unwind and relax. 

At 3.30 we headed off to a swim with the turtles experience. I was really excited, but was about to be disappointed. In Bali last year we swam with sea turtles in the open ocean and they were so free and beautiful. This was literally some selfish workers luring the turtles into a lagoon when the water was high with food. Once in, unlimited numbers of tourists are allowed to swim with them, touching their shells (which ruins the waxy exterior and makes them susceptible to infections), pulling their fins and in general just being way too close to them. I got in for three seconds before deciding that I didn't like them being so close and that I didn't agree with it. It made me feel a bit sick that the money we had paid encourages these people to continue the practice. So if you're going to Zanzibar - please don't go there!

Back at the resort and we went for a swim in the gorgeous Indian Ocean. It's nice and warm! We bought drinks (it takes half an hour to get one though as the bar staff are so slow!) and had dinner on the beach. I had a yummy vegetable pizza. 

Now Rob and I are lying on beach chairs by the water relaxing. We slept in until 9.30 and are both feeling a bit more human now. We have a boat trip later today which should be fun. 

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox