Stonestown, Zanzibar

July 21/22, 2011

A lot of pictures = a lot of history and fun activities!


Stonestown on the island of Zanzibar - a UNESCO world heritage site. And a complete maze! Just try and not get lost!


The prison that never was on Prison Island. It was used as a quarantine station for incoming ships to Zanzibar instead.


Prison Island is also home to a tortoise refuge. This guy is 150 years old!


Watch your fingers . . . seriously! They LOVE their spinach.


Prison Island off the coast of Zanzibar.


Fresh fish, shark, octopi, chapati, and cassava dominated the Night Market in Stonestown. I ate a chapati but didn't trust the fried plantains not to be covered in fish juices.


This madness goes every night from dark until midnight - the Night Market.


Tracy and I and a beautiful Stonestown sunset.


And right next to our hotel!


The altar of this church is where the whipping tree used to be. Slaves were tied to the tree and whipped before an auction - those who didn't cry were considered brave and were sold for more money - a whole whopping 50 cents for the top paid slave.


A now active church, honoring Dr. Livingstone who argued against slavery, in the heart of the slave quarters.


A slave holding room - perfect for 50 men or 75 women and children. The middle window is the size of the original windows in this pen.


Stonestown is 99% Muslim. Us female folk kept our shoulders covered while walking around the city.


The old fort, now used for selling wares and dances.


A better picture of the old fort.


The House of Wonders (owned by the sultan) - the first house to have electricity in East Africa.


The birth place of Freddie Mercury. The band, Queen! Ahem.


Just one of the many intricate door frames found over Stonestown. All the door frames are either curved or square, depending on if they were built by Indians or Africans.


The beach view from our lunch restaurant, Archipelgo.


Stonestown, Zanzibar.


Clarissa, Lauren, and myself on the ferry to Zanzibar.


The hectic nature that is Dar Es Salaam. We only took this ferry 4 times in three days!


Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.