As is usual when on holiday, I had breakfast with the family then went to the gym to lose a few calories that I always seem to pick up when away from home. As I stopped off by the beach to look at the scenery before becoming hot and sweaty through some gentle physical exertions, Jomo (one of the pool attendants) came for a chat. After steering the conversation to my watch and then fruitlessly asking if he could have it, he then enquired as to what I did for a living. It was at that moment that I realised that it was the 1st of September, the official start of my retirement and I had no job! With moist dreamy eyes, I scanned the deep blue sky above, the azure sea in front with its fishing Dhows and white sails bobbing gently in a warm breeze and I felt so grateful to my financial advisor for persuading me to plan for early retirement, 18 years ago.

On Saturday, as planned, we met Charlotte, Suraj and Lucas at the airport. Their flight was only 10 mins late, and unlike ours, their journey had gone without a hitch. They looked very tired (even though Lucas slept most of the way). We spent around 20 minutes with them before they boarded the mini-bus transfer for an hour’s journey to their hotel in Ngwi to the north of the island. It was lovely to see them, and we were relieved that they had made it without any problems. After waving them goodbye, we went into Stone Town, managing to visit the three small museums the capital has, before having lunch in the Old Fort.

We have been on numerous short walks around the hotel and in Stone town, to see the sights, immerse ourselves in the culture and importantly discover places to eat. Up to last night, when we chose a Chinese restaurant, we have eaten in a different place on each occasion. One of the more memorable eateries was at a truly local establishment, a Zanzibarian 3-piece band play, especially for us (for a tip) and the seating, was on floor cushions, this was not an easy seating arrangement for me, my rugby-scarred knees complained bitterly throughout. In another unforgettable incident during lunch, as I was about to scoff a delicious-looking plateful of Kingfish fingers and salad, a crow sitting in the branch above our table (waiting for leftovers) pooped liberally onto my head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I (don’t know what he had been eating, but it was yellowish-green and stained). Zanzibar has a lot of crows, and they do the devil’s work! This morning, when I took my shorts off the balcony railing (left there to dry), there was more crow poo smeared deliberately on them! If I ever find a restaurant on this island with crow pie on the menu, I shall be ordering it in quantity.

 
As it is her birthday, Charlotte and her family will be coming to Stone Town tomorrow to visit us in our less grand hotel, we have told the staff the reason for our stay, and they are very keen to see our daughter. Since they arrived, we have talked several times on the phone with Charlotte, they are more than pleased with their accommodation, saying that it is a stunning hotel in an absolutely beautiful location. We shall see this coming Wednesday when we travel up for the wedding.