Wednesday, March 9, 2022 – Photo of the Day – Zanzibar, Tanzania
WEDNESDAY, 9 MARCH 2022 ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA Arrival: 9:00AM Overnight stay
TODAY’S WEATHER Partly Cloudy High: 87°F 31°C Low: 80°F 27°C ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
DRESS CODE: CASUAL
For Ladies: DRESSES OR BLOUSES AND PANTS
For Gentlemen: SPORT SHIRTS AND SLACKS
No shorts or flip flop type footwear after 6:00 PM in indoor venues
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA – A MELTING POT OF ARABIC, AFRICAN AND EUROPEAN HISTORY
A tropical paradise, with swathes of long white sand and flanked by tall, skinny, palm trees, Zanzibar sits in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, the island – also confusingly called Zanzibar – is found just 22 miles from
mainland Tanzania.
Considered today as a honeymooners’ paradise, visitors will find vestiges of both Arabic and Portuguese colonialism (the island was Portuguese until 1698 when it was seized by the Sultanate of Oman), amid the picture-perfect landscape.
But there is much more to Zanzibar than meets the eye. With just one step off the ship, you are already breathing the heady scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. Rightfully known as the Spice Isle, Zanzibar was once a trading hotspot on the trading route from Arabia to Africa. At the time, the island enjoyed an influx of wealth and European bourgeoisie, with
spices being traded at astronomical prices.
The influences of the various colonies are glamorously reflected in the main city’s architecture. But sensual smells and beautiful beaches aside, Zanzibar has the vestiges of sinister history. The island was a capital for the slave trade in the 19th century, with an estimated 50,000 slaves passing through the Zanzibar slave market each year, with many more dying en route. The epicenter for trade was in the Market Square, in the heart of Stone Town, a melting pot of Arabic, African and European history that today is one of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
MARUHUBI PALACE RUINS
The Maruhubi Palace, located on the coast, about 4km north of Stone Town Zanzibar, was built in 1882 for Sultan Said Barghash as a harem to accommodate his concubines while he lived at the palace in Zanzibar Town. In 1899 the Maruhubi Palace was destroyed by a fire, leaving only a few remains, including some massive stone columns which supported a large wooden balcony that surrounded the upper floor.
SIGHTS
• Anglican Church
• The Sultan Palace Museum
• Roman Catholic Church
• Jozani Forest Nature Reserve
• Waterfront Forodhani Gardens
• Maruhubi Palace Ruins
• Freddie Mercury Museum
Today’s Schedule
9:00 Silver Whisper is scheduled to dock in Zanzibar, Tanzania
9:15 Big Screen Movie: “House of Gucci”
Director: Ridley Scott; Stars: Lady Gaga; Adam Driver; Jared Leto; Jeremy Irons; Salma Hayek; Al Pacino
9:45 NAME THAT TUNE: Fun Musical Quiz with The Voices of Silversea
followed by Disco Night with our resident DJ Gabor
Today’s Excursion Stone Town – A UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
Discover the highlights of Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zanzibar’s major port, and town. Our introduction began with a visit to the city Market where we experienced the hustle and bustle of morning activities. We saw and smelled the tropical fruits piled high and the freshly ground spices neatly packed for sale.
We proceeded to the Anglican Church built in 1874 by Bishop Steer on the site of the Great Slave Market, once the hub of the slave trade for the whole of East Africa. At its peak, up to 60,000 slaves passed through the market each year. We visited the underground chambers where the slaves were held before being taken to the market. It showed the horrible conditions used during this time.
We proceeded to the Sultan Palace Museum which was the Sultan’s residence. During our visit, we viewed a collection of portraits of past sultans and relics of early explorers, including Dr. Livingstone’s medicine chest.
The Old Fort overlooked a small square and the ocean. The fort was established by the Portuguese as a trading depot in the 16th century. It has been recently restored and now houses a number of craft and souvenir shops around the inner courtyard. From the fort, our guide leads us on a short walking tour through the narrow alleys that lead to the heart of Stone Town, passing the Roman Catholic Church, some extraordinary Zanzibar doors, and glimpses of typical Zanzibar life. One of the highlights was to Freddie Mercury House.
Dinner at The Restaurant
BALLY THE BOUTIQUE
Innovation. Functionality. Elegance. Since 1851, these three principles symbolize the enduring pioneer spirit of founder Carl Franz Bally – an ethos that continues to imbue this uniquely Swiss brand with its visionary commitment to cutting-edge techniques and world-class craftsmanship.
Every product is a testament to Bally’s passion for perfection: the punctuation of a brogue; the soft touch of a bag’s leather; the classic silhouette of a sartorial jacket; the elegant contour of a Bally heel.