Zanzibar: in pictures

Last Sunday I took a walking tour of Zanzibar with a wonderful tour guide. I think it was probably my favorite thing that I've done so far. We saw the touristy things, but the real joy was seeing all the back allies and roads that I never would have traveled to on my own. (It's a crazy maze in there!) Without further ado, my favorite pictures:


As you walk along the road closest to the water, there is this huge metal fence much taller than a person. It's the public garden, currently being rennovated and hopefully opening up "soon." After passing this fence several times, when I went to the wrap-around balcony on the top floor of the House of Wonders, I was shocked to see this absolutely pristine garden. It's a little gem hidden by an ugly shell. It being closed made for a much better picture, but I would like to walk around there when it opens.


Three women in the hidden garden. They were three of about maybe ten people who could access it. I'm not actually sure what they are doing, but I like this one because of the colors and serenity of the scene.


Down below in the House of Wonders courtyard, many small shops are set up. Here's a bird's-eye view of the wooden wares.


Came across this guy while on the walking tour. He's hand carving a headboard. You can see the one he's actually been carving on the ground.


"Zanzibar 4 Obama" is pretty self explanitory. I even saw a Kanga with his face and "Hero Barak Obama" printed on it. (A kanga is a cloth that you can wrap around and make a skirt with, a shawl, a head scarf, anything really.)


St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral - it was beautiful. I was able to listen to the choir practicing a bit too. They might just be visible in the front left pews.


I met this little girl as she was coming down the outside stairs. Not shy in the least, when she realized she was falling she grabbed my hand, so we walked down together. She and her sister were very happy with their oranges.


The red fruit that I saw EVERYWHERE - still don't know what it is. It's small, red, and spiky. White inside, I think.


This was in front of the open air market - craziness. This guy is bringing in fresh fish from a van.


Octopus. I tried grilled octopus at the food stands, not half bad. (Before anyone flips, it's not your typical group of food stands, and obviously I didn't die.)


Last but not least, my favorite picture! These kids are playing soccer (football) in front of a health clinic for children. The kids are super cute, and I love this action shot.