SPICES OF ZANZIBAR AND OUR VIRTUOSO VOYAGER CLUB SHORE EVENT
Morning's first clue of our Zanzibar arrival was a lone "dhow", a traditional Arab sailing vessel, on our starboard bow. This was our first visit to this island of ancient spice traders and without delay, our Voyager Club group was greeted by four minivans and taken for a walkthrough of the fragrant marketplace.
The narrow alleyways had busy shops on both sides with wonderful contrasts. As we rounded corners, we thought we were on a movie set. Upon arrival at our destination for lunch, the unique Hotel Serena Inn, we were greeted by hotel staff (Pictured left to right: Judy Robertson, Voyager Club Host and Melody Neff from Virtuoso Executive Headquarters in Ft. Worth).
During lunch, we were entertained by four Zanzibar musicians who set the tone for fabulous luncheon by the sea with the Crystal Serenity in the background.
What a setting! With Virtuoso gifts in hand, we couldn't depart without evidence of our presence at this little oasis in Zanzibar.
We continued to the "House of Wonders" for our last stop - a fitting last look at Zanzibar with the first building to have modern conveniences in the old world and given the appropriate name. Even with modern conveniences such as electricity, the House of Wonders had tradional doors with brass spikes to deter elephants from raming them. Our guide, Rashid, was most gracious and invited us to return to Zanzibar some day soon. We will! This was one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call to date and only wish we had more time here to explore and get lost in this land of spice and mystery. We loved Zanzibar!
OUR THOUGHT FOR THE DAY....
"If you are not getting as much from life as you want to, then examine the state of your enthusiasm". - Norman Vincent Peale
Wonderful pictures.
Due to Zanzibar Islands geographical location,it was for hundreds of years the centre of commerce between Alexandria and the Cape of Good Hope.
Posted by: Zanzibar Island | March 03, 2010 at 01:51 AM