Hello from tropical Zanzibar!

We arrived in Zanzibar on Saturday afternoon and stayed in Stone Town, which is absolutely gorgeous. Mum, gran and granda.... you would love it. Full of tiny streets and the atmosphere is great. Its a nice mixture of africa and touristy stuff. We stayed at a place called Safari Lodge which had air con - muchos appreciated, I must say! We went for some drinks at a beach-side place called Africa House and watched the sun set, then headed to the night market. We had the famous Zanzibar pizza (rice, beef and egg all mixed in and fried)... delicious (seriously)!

On Sunday we headed off to Jozani (or something like that) forest where we done a lovely nature walk. It was so amazing. It was a beautiful, lush forest and on the forest floor were hundreds of little crabs, and when you broke some leaves and threw them down they all scuttled over to eat them...... well.... we thought it was cool. You feed ducks.... we feed crabs! haha.
We lef tthe forest and went in search of the red colobus monkeys and you would not believe how close we got. You'll see it on my video but we were literally about 30cm away from their faces. And there was a little baby one jumping around too - so cute.

From there we went back to Stone Town and done a tour of the old town. We learned about the slave trade which was very interesting, and we even got to see inside one of the tiny dungeons that they used to keep over 75 women and children. It was distressing, but very good to see.

We then left there and went on a spice tour, learning about where all the spices come from and what they look like in their pure form. It was really interesting as well. Two little kids kept following us and making us things from the leaves - like rings, necklaces, hats, bags etc. It was very cute. We have photos and video to show of that as well.

After our busy day we headed up to the north of the island where we are now. The beaches here are paradise (see picture). The see is a gorgeous mixture of rich blue and turquoise which sparkles under the fierce african sun. It is vvvveerrry hot here, we've not been used to this much sun. Its absolutely gorgeous here. Think the next beach holiday we have will be here. There is just the right mixture of tourism and real africa for a holiday. Mum, you would love it!... We have to come here!!!

Jd, Becky and Dan are away snorkelling today... (they should be back soon actually). I never went coz, well, me and boats do not mix so I thought it best to let the others enjoy the trip minus me and my puke!

I honestly cant explain how gorgeous it is here. The sand is so white, the sea and sky so blue, and dhows go floating past.... its paradise!!! I dont want to leave here. Granda would change his mind about Barcelona if he came to this island - he would want to move to Stone Town, by the sea.

Having a relaxing day on the beach tomorrow. And then leaving Zanzibar on Thursday afternoon to head back to Dar in Tanzania. When i say in Tanzania... we are still in Tanzania, its just the island of Zan is a different state.

Not much else to say just now.
Hope you are all very well. Jd and I are well, and dont want to come home! haha. We're thinking of maybe coming to Africa for a year or two and staying in South Africa for some experience abroad before moving to Oz, but we'll see. Jd's just fell in love with Africa... its hard not to.
We have decided though that we dont want to do anymore 'typical' beach/touristy holidays. This trip has been such an eye-opener to all the wonderful things in the world that just have to be seen!

So if anyone is booking a holiday soon... choose Zanzibar!! (This place should pay me for this kind of write-up).

Well much love and sunshine.

Ash and Jd xxxxxxxx