It is such a magical name.Zanzibar is actually an archipelago (word of the day) located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania.Zanzibar, although nominally part of Tanzania, is fiercely independent and has a completely different feel from the mainland of the country.Historically, the islands were controlled by immigrants from India and then from Turkey.90% of the population is Islamic, although those we spoke to did not adhere to the no alcohol tenet.And, there was a lot of drinking on this island.
Zanzibar is known not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for growing some of the best spices in the world.We were fortunate to take a wonderful spice tour.We saw cardomon, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, curry leaves, pepper, vanilla beans, and cacao (chocolate), as well as pineapple, coconut, jackfruit, and bananas.We tasted everything.Notes to others:Turmeric really stains (Siena had yellow lips from the turmeric for the rest of the day) and freshly picked ginger is quite a bit spicier than the roots you buy at the grocers (wow, was that hot!).
We snorkled in the Indian Ocean, where we were saw lots of clown fish, which is the kind of fish Nemo was supposed to be.They were hanging out in the anemone and the fire coral, but, overall, the visibility was only mediocre which is a real drawback to good diving.
Zanzibar has wonderful food and we ate very well here.The fresh fish, including ocean perch and king fish (neither of which we had ever tried before) were fabulous.There were curries and coconut milk sauces, and lots of interesting spices.There was a distinct Indian flavor, but with an African/spiced twist.
After 5 days of resting here, we fly down to South Africa and meet my brother Mark.
alcohol tenet. And, there was a lot of drinking on this island. 
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