Being a person with a soul predisposed to exploration, the world for me remains like a palette full of experiences, while each destination becomes another brushstroke in the masterpiece called our travel history.
Among the myriad of places that left an indelible mark on my soul, one African gem calls for a return; Zanzibar. Zanzibar, a Group of Tropical Islands Off the Coast of Tanzania, Abundant in Colorful Culture, Fragrant Spices, and Stunning Natural Beauty There Was Something Magical About My First Visit. Ancient streets at the heart of the town are not only part of a UNESCO World Heritage site but also narrate the story of the sultans and traders within the windings and bustling bazaars. The air carries the aroma of cloves and cinnamon; the oceans also wash near. Beyond history and sensory delights, it is the azure waters and pristine beaches that seem to stretch into the infiniteness.
The last time I visited, I spent an entire day sailing on one of these traditional dhows watching the coherent line of the horizon as it established one between sea and sky. So clear was the water that I could even see down to the colored fish dancing about from up high—a true testament to the rich marine life in the isle.
This warmth and generosity are what literally make the people of Zanzibar be the very pulse of the island. Their stories and laughter are just so welcoming, as would be the cool shade cast by the palm trees. I can bring to mind evenings of the rhythm of Taarab music—that local genre that outlines with perfection the multicultural history of the island. One of the major reasons that prompt these sentiments is because you will find Zanzibar a place where time slows down and one can enjoy most of life’s simple pleasures. It seems to be a place that deeply makes one feel the relationship of man and nature whenever you listen to the secrets of the deep that the oceans whisper.
So fellow explorers, I ask: What is that one place for you? That place which it seems is calling out your name with the wind, telling you to come back home? Share with us your own haven, the destination that feels like a piece of home no matter how far away you may be wandering. Let’s inspire each other with tales of the world’s wonders. Zanzibar awaits me, but what place in your heart is looking forward to seeing again?