We had an early start, much to the disgust of the kids, as we were taking a boat trip to Mnenba Island, to snorkel on their reefs. Tropical breakfast at 7:30 and we were waiting at reception for our lift at 8:00. Then Karim, our smooth tour operator on the island, phoned to say he would not be picking us up by taxi but the boat would fetch us from our beach at 9:30 – so Gareth went back to bed and the girls hit the hammocks.
Our sail boat arrived at 9:30; it was locally made from wood, with an outboard motor. We waded through the water with our towels and snorkelling kit and climbed aboard. Then I was in heaven for the next hour as the boat gently cruised over the water; I think Robs and I should become sailors, or fishes. The water was amazing and we must have passed over every colour of blue God created, from pale baby blue, to turquoise, to teal, to deep dark navy blue.
Mnenba Island is small and forested, with a fairly shallow reef. It was amazing to be back under water; the crackling of the coral reef, the amazing fish of all colours and sizes as they meander through or over the coral. B.C. (before children), Gray and I spent most weekends and all our holidays under water, scuba diving. With 3 toddlers running around top side it was not P.C. (parentally correct) to head down under. Gareth & Kirsty are also qualified divers and Rob’s needs to find some time between polo and springboard diving one summer to do a scuba course. I really want to get back into it.
After a few hours in the water, we returned to the boat, our family was the last back on board. We shared the boat with tourists from Brazil, Israel, Turkey, Russia and of course the local Zanzibarian skipper, cook and helper. There were a lot of smiles and nodding, smatterings of English being the only common language amongst us.
Once settled, we set off for the mainland and lunch. Lunch was freshly caught Barracuda, braaied with garlic, ginger and local spices, rice and a local tomato sauce with fruit – it was delicious. After lunch we sat on the beach and watched the local children doing gymnastics (Lina Woodard would have had them all on the diving board before we could blink).
Back on the boat and the wind had come up a little, so the sail was hoisted and we gently lulled our way back home. All aboard, except the skipper (I hope) were lulled asleep. Too soon we were back at Sizani and wading back to the beach. Robs and I went back into the water for a nice long swim. Kirst and Gray headed to the beach bar and Gareth into the kitchen. Sizani had just built a pizza oven asked Ga to help their local chef with their first pizza evening.
Kirst and I tested some new fruit cocktails, the fruit being juiced in front of us, so I guess it was pretty fresh, while Ga slaved away in the kitchen. It was worth it as the pizzas were pretty good.
Chefs at work
No comments:
Post a Comment