Today Jason, Roxanne, and Annikah hosted us on another tropical island adventure! We rented our own private boat and were off to Chungu - better known to tourists as Prison Island (please note Jason's "manskirt" in picture). The island holds historical interest as the buildings on the island were meant to house prisoners at one time, but instead served as a quarantine site. Who knows, if H1N1 hits Zanzibar soon, the buildings here may have to be used once again for something other than tourism!This island is also home to the giant turtles that Annikah couldn't wait to show us. At first Bibi and Babu were afraid of such big turtles . . . 
but Annikah demonstrated how to feed them - she's a real pro at this - and then we weren't so afraid to try! 
but Annikah demonstrated how to feed them - she's a real pro at this - and then we weren't so afraid to try! 
Once the turtles were fed, we were hungry so we walked down to the gorgeous, almost-private beach
to enjoy our gourmet picnice of homemade hummus and fresh veggies in lime juice, served on homemade tortillas. Thank you, Roxanne, for such a yummy meal!
Jason and Annikah found a huge starfish who nicely cooperated for a picture before being put back into the water. The rest of the afternoon the girls relaxed on the beach and hunted shells, while Jim and Jason went out for a good hour or more of snorkeling.
We were not lacking for local entertainment while we relaxed on the beach. One interesting sight was this boat that went by - hmmm . . . 
just how many people do you think one small boat can hold and still stay afloat?? Another fun sight was when a boat of tourists docked near us on the beach. The tourists were all wearing bikinis (girls) and Euro trunks (guys - you know those really skimpy ones?); but the African boat driver was wearing a quilted ski-jacket type coat! I realize that July is their winter, but what??? We thought it was wonderful warm beach weather. I regret that I didn't have my camera ready for that one.
Little Miss Annikah even allowed Babu to be her "best friend" for awhile as they played together in the water. She can really turn on the charm . . . look at this little doll. Who could resist that little face? 
On the boat ride back to Zanzibar, Annikah showed us how the African ladies dress. 
Back home we enjoyed pumpkin soup (made from a pumpkin grown in the backyard!) and spent the evening packing to be on our way to Dar in the morning to begin our road trip to Arusha.
4 comments:
I love the pics of the turtles, I cannot believe how big they are! I'm so glad you're blogging about your trip, it's so interesting and fun to read!
The only tourists we saw on Prison island were men and women that were totally covered, while we were enjoying the beach. How sad not to be able to swim and enjoy the beauty of the islands. They would come to see the tortoises, and then leave again.
Annika is beautiful. What fun to spend time relaxing together. The turtles pictures are great! You had so many adventures! I am so glad that you could visit.
Sorry for the misspelled name! Annikah
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