Zanzibar - Travel Log from October 21st

Within minutes of landing in the exotic land and beach of Zanzibar (Nungwi), I could not let a minute pass before the heat, crystal water and sound of children drew me to the ocean.

The beach sands are as white and soft as sugar, the fisherman's sails are of an older age with their wooden base and their white sails blowing and the palm trees blow a soft breeze along the shores and the ocean is the so crystal that even the postcards have a hard time of giving it justice.

It is not hard to see where the sound of children are coming from on this Friday ( their day off from school). There are at least 20 of them in the water, fully clothed in old, torn but bright colored clithing and they are all and singing at the top of their lungs.

For a moment I watch as the older girls try to wade in deeper with their long dresses on, hair covered and wonder if the clothes cumbers their enjoyment. The strong sun blinds me from seeing their faces as only a dark reflection and spots of bright colors is evident from this angle, so I go closer.

Within seconds, I am seized by young children and old children trying to gain their balance in the ocean. As a small wave comes, they are overcome with laughter, screaming and the need to hold on to my back, leg, arm, everything that is visible.

Their curiosity of my skin is evident as they touch my face, hands and belly button and I cannot help but to giggle and laugh with them. A small hand reaches into mine and I notice big eyes looking up from a deep purple dress. A teenager touches my hair and giggles as it is left to go free in the water and the air of Zanzibar. Another wave comes and screams erupt as they scurry looking for shelter.

They leave me as quickly as they came..my crystal specs of sunshine in the clear waters of Zanzibar!