Zanzibar - Dongwe Ocean View

Zanzibar-Dongwe Ocean View

March 15 -20

We woke up early and packed quickly. After writing a little on the blog and completing some emails, breakfast was ready and we enjoyed every bite. We walked around the grounds a little and then brought our packs to the front. Hamis picked us up by 11:30 and drove us to the Arusha airport. After checking our bags we wandered around some of the curio shops and then waited for our flight. By 2”50 we were on our way, flying over Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, and then the Indian Ocean in the prop plane with about 75 passengers. We landed in Stone Town, waited for our bags to emerge and then out we went to see if we could find our transfer. Signs were waving and in no time we spotted the one that said “Edward and Lyn-Anne Dertinger” We hurried into the air conditioned mini van and one hour later we were greeted by Samson, the manager of Dongwe Ocean View.

After a tour and listening to Samson we immediately felt welcome and grateful to be here. We have the honeymoon suite overlooking the ocean. Its a small, very comfortable place with about 30 staff. They are all very cheerful people and we enjoy them very much. We set up a time to go snorkeling with an outfit called One Ocean. It meant a one hour transfer there and back, but it was the only way to see the reef off Mnemba Atoll Island, so we went with. it. We enjoyed the day and saw many fish, including dolphins. It was a good day and we were back in time for a swim and a light dinner.

The remaining two days we enjoyed finishing our books, getting caught up on the blog, beach walks and delicious dinner buffets here at Dongwe Ocean View. Samson sat down to talk with us after dinner last night to see if we have enjoyed our time here and we assured him that we have. Tomorrow we pack up and start the 24 hour journey home.

The past nine weeks have been packed full of adventure, to say the least. I find myself thanking Ed for pushing me to find the courage to come on this journey. I can honestly say I had some fears about it! Stepping out of comfort zone into a different world isn't always easy. We have met some wonderful, fun people along the way, to complete the journey. Cell phone networks are well connected here and I have been able to maintain frequent contact with home throughout our stay here in Africa. We have collected memories of a lifetime and look forward to reliving the adventure by sorting out our hundreds of photographs once we arrive home.

                                                      Dongwe Ocean View