Bwejuu Beach, Zanzibar

Last night. We took a stroll on the beach at sunset. As this is a public beach,  a policy with which I agree, we were accosted by young tauts trying to drum up business for particular beach restaurants. In the past, much of the Zanzibarean coast was purchased cheaply by foreigners, who privatised many of the beaches.

We walked up as far as Indigo,where we stayed on the first night. Looking at the bungalows from the seaside, they appeared  incongruous; too modern as set against the African landscape. The interior however did reflect the location. 

On our return journey, we fell into conversation with a gentleman. He is a teacher in the local primary school comprising c. 700 pupils. Education is free in Zanzibar. He said he had recently been to Swansea (Wales), as his school is twinned with a school there. 

Dinner followed - a fish feast - although the teacher told us that the best catch is around Christmas - the high season - when the dhows can sail to the reef. Now however, as the sea is being whipped up by the winds, very welcome to us, it is too dangerous for the dhows to venture out to the reef. Dhows, he informed us are made from mango trees. They are not  dissimilar to curraghs. 

At this time of year, some fish are washed up on the shore and the women put down nets on the shallow waters and catch the fifth for the family.

The population of Zanzibar is two million at present and growing - the average family size is 7 - five children. 

This morning, I am here swinging on a hammock, looking out at the multiple shades of blue of the Indian Ocean. 

The Germans are here and have hogged the beach chairs early. Thankfully, there are plenty to go around! In Spain, many beaches are confiscating unattended beach accoutrements and the culprits must pay a fine or they will be sold for charity. In the article, I read surprise, surprise that the main culprits were German. It reminded me of a holiday in Kenya in 1983, when we endured such conduct and more at German hands.....

I hear the children from the local school at play. The children are in Muslim dress.  While Tasmania is Christian, 95% of Zanzibar is Muslim, though there is a growing Muslim population on the mainland!

We are leaving tomorrow for the capital, Stone Town - a brief glance at Stonetown as we journeyed to Bwejuu, didn't inspire! We must take the return ferry to Dar on Friday morning and then battle the horrendous traffic jams to arrive at the airport for our late evening flight.

Dusk fell and  after a relaxing day reading, we once again returned to our room to pack.  

What a surprise, they must think we're on honeymoon.!!!