Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Stone Town - view along the harbor. The only city of any size on the island, Stone Town dates from the time of the Arab (Omani) invasion in the 10C.  It is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural significance.

Stone Town.  This building along the waterfront is characteristic of the Omani Arab style, dating probably from the 18 or 19C.

Stone Town - the House of Wonders. Built by Zanzibar's greatest ruler Seyyid Bargash bin Said (1870-88), this building was used for ceremonial purposes. Today it houses a museum and cultural center.

Stone Town - a  typical Omani Arab-influenced building along the waterfront.

Stone Town - Ithna'sheri Dispensary, built by an Indian merchant during the reign of Seyyid Bargash (1870-88). Now houses restaurants, shops, and a museum.

A typical scene in one of Stonetown's bustling streets.

Stone Town - characteristic buildings. Note the fine wooden balcony on the buidling at left.

Stone Town - a favorite pasttime of local youth in this tropical climate.

A view of Stonetown's main market.

Another market scene. A cacaphony of fascinating sight, sounds and smells!

A view of Stone Town, looking west toward the House of Wonders.

A view past the columns of the main Hindu temple.

Nothing like a Zanzibar sunset to compensate for the long journey there!

This craft was brought by Arab traders from the 10C, and is typical of the Swahili coast of much of East Africa.

For those who prefer luxury, Zanzibar has it all.

These Stalinist "box" housing projects on the outskirts of Stone Town were built under Cuban supervision during Tanzania's socialist period in the 1960's and 70's.

This gregarious young man found me a car to rent, but in a quintissentially African transaction, five people had their palms "greased" before I was able to get behind the wheel and drive away!

A common tree on Zanzibar, and spectacular in bloom.

Typical scenery in those parts of the island not given over to clove plantations.

A village scene in the island's inetrior.

Typical houses in the countryside - roomy and practical for this climate with palm-thatched roofs.

This is the Zanzibar of tourist brochures - dazzling white sand, a turqouise sea, and soft warm breezes.

Can I retire here (right now)?

Dar es Salaam - astreet scene in Tanzania's capital city, a one hour hydrofoil ride from Zanzibar (Stonetown).

Another street scene in central Dar es Salaam.  This particular neighborhood was populated by many Chinese immigrants.

Dar es Salaam - this house is typical of many built by the British during the colonial era.