Adjusting My Pace in Zanzibar

I was so busy with tying up all the loose ends in South Africa before I departed, I hadn’t had any time to slow down at all, to think about what lay ahead. All I knew was that when I arrived in Zanzibar that would provide me with a short holiday before the expedition in Kenya.

There is an expression commonly used in Africa. If you haven’t heard it prior to visiting the continent, upon arrival you soon will – ‘T.I.A.’ ...‘This is Africa’. It explains that Africa has its own pace and schedule for how long anything takes to happen. Whether it is waiting for your food to be served in a restaurant, to when you actually expect the local handyman to get around to paying you the visit you arranged six weeks ago. There is no point becoming frustrated, fighting and struggling against it, it is just part of the culture.

“Why is it taking so long? What is the hold up?”

“T.I.A.”, is the answer.

Now anyone who knows me well, knows that I often choose a particularly fast pace to my daily life, such that the front-runners of the caffeine-fuelled commuters in London would often be left behind. When I made the move from the UK to Cape Town, I was told that I would have to get used to a slower pace. Now heading into East Africa, dropping my pace further still has been raised as a potential challenge for me. So relaxing in Zanzibar for five days after having been working flat out, it provided a perfect lead in. And relax is exactly what I did.

Forming part of the Spice Islands of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar Island is a beautiful little spot off the mainland coast of Tanzania that is a coveted tourist destination. Encircling it there are numerous white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that could satisfy some of the most discerning ‘paradise island’ enthusiasts. It has a history and culture that has been heavily influenced by African, Arabic and Indian sources to provide it with a feel that is entirely its own. At the heart of it is Stone Town. Here the narrow, medieval style streets provide a maze of colours, shapes and smells that it is easy to get lost in, though you don’t in the least bit mind. When travelling, whenever I spend more than two days in the same place, I usually find a preferred little spot to base myself. In Zanzibar this was on the peaceful rooftop terrace of the hotel overlooking the Anglican Cathedral. When I decided to take a break from exploring, it is here that I passed my time.

Rest, reorganise my thoughts and concentrate my focus is what I did. Adjusting my pace I think has followed in tow. As a result, feeling much more prepared to take on any new challenges that could be thrown my way, travelling on to Kenya feels me with that adventurous anticipation that any traveller will understand. I’m truly excited now and I can’t wait to get started!

Damn. Maybe adjusting my pace still needs some more work...haha!