Zanzibar conjures up images of Mr. J. Peterman (Elaine's adventurous boss on Seinfeld) telling dramatic travel stories to his employees: "I finally caught a glimpse of a rare African Stonebill when I heard a strange clicking noise only to turn and discover an angry--and hungry--band of Maasai warriors, spears pointed in my direction."

The view from my bungalow on Kendwa Beach View image

OK, Zanzibar has the ring of romanticism a la Timbuktu, but it's actually quite touristy nowadays. A mix of African and Arabic cultures with travelers thrown into the mix. But everybody seems to get along fine.

I took the Seabus--a pleasant cruise--from Dar Es Salaam and arrived in less than 2 hours. After spending the night in Stonetown I headed north to Kendwa Beach.

I'm not much of a diver or snorkeler but the water was excellent--the first time I think I've been able to see my feet in water up to my neck (not in a pool of course). Three days to relax with a sparse, post-New Years crowd of mostly European tourists before flying to Bangkok. A good way to spend my last few days of almost 2 1/2 years in Africa.