Africa

So it's the National Holidays this week in China, and instead of heading home, I decided to set a new continent in my travel map.

Tanzania, Africa - 7 nights. Way too short, but that's all I have.

My first few night was at the Sealous Game Reserve: best experience I've ever had. I loved everything about it. The simplicity, the quiet, the nature, the space, the blue skies, the animals, the sounds. We stayed in a mudhut that that was very well set up, very cosy... I place i could instantly call home really. Waking up at 6am and listening to the birds (and the occasional growl of the hippos) and heading out to the safari for a drive is the best experience. I love it and I want more of it. Bahati, our guide, was a quiet guy who sincerely loved his job and ensuring that we were comfortable. I can't thank him more enough for sharing this with us. I can't wait to head back soon, and ideally with my other half, as it's the most romantic place. And for my preparation, i bought a book on African animals at the airport! 

Unfortunately, that was a very short few nights and my last 4 nights were at Zanzibar, a couple of islands that is part of Tanzania. The disparity in the standard of living, the people, the culture was a shock to me. That these two places from the same country could be so different! Our driver from the airport was the first indication of this difference. he spoke really fast, sped, picked up a police official (2 star) who hitched a ride on our car, complained about being poor, complained about the government (says Zanzibar is safe except during elections, which 2 people were killed the previous week) etc. People here really hate being photographed. Those on mainland would only be shy and turn away; the kids would just laugh at and run off. At Zanzibar, both the women and children would turn hostile if they see you with a camera and just shout "no picture!" The kids who allow pictures will ask for money in return. I'm not too sure why (have my guesses though), but this really bothered me as it's the first time I've actually come to a place where the people are genuinely hostile. On route back to the airport, we even spotted a group of men hitting one guy with sticks and what not by the road side.

In general, the island is surprising very similar to Malaysia. Same birds, trees, spices, fruits (mango, papaya, banana and even durian trees were spotted!), religion etc. Just poorer, messier, a lot more children and more congested. Trash was everywhere! A contrast to mainland: that though it was simple, the place was neat, hygienic and cordial. The children in the villages will wave as we drive by and were all playing with each other. As we approach the resort area, things grew neater and the usual resort facilities were there. White sands, beautiful sea... but knowing what was just out there, I honestly had difficulty in enjoying my holiday wholeheartedly.

As a whole, i grew to get comfortable with the people along Ngungwi beach. The local 'beach boys' who patrol the beaches to talk to tourists for tours genuinely do want to speak to the tourists. perhaps to learn more, perhaps just to interact with different people. Their English is good, and many even take on other languages like French, German and Italian. Most greeted me a with "Konichiwa", so I can only conclude that the Chinese have yet to invade this island despite the many developments (buildings, schools, courts, roads) they provide to the the locals . A couple of beach boys honestly irritated me with their incestant pestering and lack of knowledge of private space, but I think after 4 days, I grew to understand their mentality and accept it. Over the 4 days, I have come to friendly terms with a number of them, some beach boys, the dive shop boys & owner, our hotel owner and also the restaurant boys. Zanzibar will never be a destination I will head back again as we honestly have better waters in South East Asia and the Safaris have a lot more to offer in comparison, but I do wish those I met well. 

For now, I'm missing my fresh seafood, clear blue skies and warm sun as Shanghai is all grey and chilly now. I can't wait to run through my book of animals and photos from the trip, perhaps it will help to keep that warmth in me a tad longer :) Good night! i'm beat.