Christmas on Zanzibar

After enjoying the rainforest of Amani, I traveled with friends to the island of Zanzibar for Christmas.  Although not known as a place to spend a white Christmas, its spices, Islamic architecture, white beaches, and teal water make a memorable Christmas location. 




These small alleys were the streets of Stone Town.  It is not without reason that Stone Town is often refered to as an African Venice.




Tucked in hidden corners and alleyways were found many carved wooden doors in the Islamic style.  The island of Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim.  This was seen not only in the architecture, but also in the long black veils of many of the women that lived there. 



The House of Wonders was one of the palaces built by the Sultan of Zanzibar.  It was thus called because it held many novelties for its time including the only elevator on the island.  Located on the waterfront, its white tower could be seen from the square below where a nightly food market took place.  Stalls would appear selling skewers of sea food, mango and nutella crepes, and sugar cane juice.




Outside of Stone Town and its winding streets, the ocean was teal and inviting.  Canoes were plentiful and an ideal way of traveling through the more shallow coral covered waters.



Sailing vessels and dhows were also plentiful, lining the shores of the city.



On our own dhow on boxing day, we took a trip to a sandbar near Stone Town where we went snorkelling and swimming.



I have never swum in ocean water as warm as on Zanzibar.  It felt like bath water.  Can you believe the colour of the water?



After a relaxing day on the water or exploring the town, the most popular place to spend the evening was at the Africa House.  The old English Club during the British rule, this club has the best sunset views and is a popular place to watch the sun sink below the horizon, bathing the sailing vessels and dhows in its golden light.



Sunset at the Africa House.