Stone Town, Zanzibar

Well here i am - in Zanzibar - such an amazing and incredible place I don't know where to begin... I arrived into Dar Es Salaam airport after having slept for only an hour on the night flight, so was very dazed and confused trying to make my way to Zanzibar. I made it here in one piece and have had a great couple of days exploring the town and surrounding area. I did the traditional spice tour, where they show you how many spices are grown and let you taste local fruits - very exotic, although the only one I remember is jack fruit, which is like a cross between a banana and a pineapple... very nice but strange!

The town itself is made of tiny backstreets and alleys, with a market like how I imagine a Moroccan souk to be. It is very dark, with awnings blocking the sun and smells coming from offal on butchers' blocks, spice stalls and a million other things. The sellers see a white person and you see the $ sign light up their eyes - it is a strange feeling to be a novelty due to the colour of your skin, but the people here are very poor and whatever I have got is more than they will ever have (for some). I have met some great friendly people - my 'international family' from finland, canada, oz, uk and the states, and many many more. I am now in Kendwa on the north coast, a stunning beach resort where I plan to relax for a few days before heading down the coast either back to Stone Town or to Jambiani in the east. The volunteering will be hard work so am making to most of my time off before I start! Ele x