Scuba adventures in Zanzibar

Friday after work Joyce (my friend from Cali with the Tanzanian (TZ going forward) Nursing Initiative) jumped on board the Azam SeaBus for the 1.5hr ride to Zbar. It was a bumpy ride, not for the faint of heart (seasick), but we got some lovely seats where we could sprawl out on the top deck, where we could enjoy the breeze. Basically it was the thickly carpeted floor. Could hardly walk on the ship, tourists (like us) were covering every available space. Hmmm could they be filling the boats beyond capacity and not declaring the additional passengers for tax purposes? I was happy only paying the locals rate of 20k ($14) each way, vs $35 USD. As expected the port (both ways) was hectic and we were mobbed by taxi drivers wanting to have us as their next victims (always walk out of the crazy area to get a fare priced cab). We stayed at Warere Guest House, not ideal on the port side, but only 20mins from Stonetown. On Friday night we checked out some films (Motherland, by a Jamaican Brit), and Ndoto Za Elibidi (stories of love and HIV from Nairobi slums). Saturday we wondered the endless alley's of Zanzibar and took a dala dala (sorry no pics) for 20mins up to Mtomi Marine (a beach) where we made some friends. On the way back we stopped at Darjiani (locals food market) where we had some catchori, bajia, corn, etc from street stalls. We later hung out at Livingstone's where we met Pweza (means octupus, which is what he goes by). Went to a locals pub briefly, to celebrate my bday. Everyone was tired, so I wandered on my own, to the film fest afterparty, then wandered by Bwawani disco. Sunday we had Scuba from 9-2 (I decided to spoil myself for my bday, espcially since in Powell River 2005 and Egypt 2006 I missed the chance). Then caught the 4pm ferry. Will never forget the dive and journey there...stay tuned for details!