This was the first year that Zanzibar had held a fashion week. First night we landed was the welcoming party at a very very trendy bar; six degrees south. Moet and cocktails on arrival, canapes, VIP entrance, media wall, fashion parade, DJ, goodie bags.. I had to pinch myself and remember that I was in fact in Africa. Not sure who I was mingling with but met some interesting characters of the African world; fashion editor from a magazine, hotel owners, models, TV personalities. All were really lovely people and we danced our hearts out till 2am. Fashion parade was interesting.. Coordinated by an exuberant gay man, the models were about 14 and excruciatingly thin. I wanted to get my samosa and shove it in their face... it was sad. Zanzibar is 99% Muslim and therefore I dressed respective of their culture..I wish I hadn't. All girls were in pretty much close to nothing. Tight dresses, the highest heels! I felt like an old grandma next to these strikingly beautiful (but thin) African goddesses. I even had the privilege of meeting Miss Kenya! Rubbing shoulders with African's A listers! ha
First time hungover since I arrived in Tanzania was not enjoyable and reinforced my desire to stay off the booze. Lazy day in Stonetown in preparation for the big parade out at Mtuni Ruins that evening. The event itself in terms of exposure for SEW was a disaster. The venue had huge potential but they had positioned all stands on the outside of the event, with no lights and completely out of the way of incoming traffic. There was no need for people to come and visit the stall. Everyone entered the event and never came out. I sold 1 bag.. It was a disappointment for SEW. The local fashionistas were also hard to deal with due to the pace they moved at and there disregard for their sponsors. However the venue was phenomenal, the organisers had done an incredible job but I hate to say it, lacked the efficiency, attention to detail and final touches. I wouldn't advise SEW to head back there.
Day 3. James, Blake and I piled into our 4WD Suzuki and drove up the coast to the beaches. A paradise away from the hustle and bustle of Stonetown. Stonetown mind you, is beautiful. Cobbled streets, laneways, small shops.. it would take ages to walk down every laneway. It was extremely easy to get lost. Arriving in Nungwi, was the first time since being in Africa that I finally felt like I could relax. The beaches were everything that I had imagined. Blue water, white sand, peace! I immediately was escorted to my little hut which, no exageration was 5 steps from the water. My hut was everything I needed, a bed, fly net, bathroom. For $30USD a night, extremely cheap in Zanzibar, I was happy. Sazani, the hotel, was run by a gorgeous man named David! The staff were absolutely fantastic! I had everything at my disposable. Becca organised my buffet breakfast every morning and assisted with organising massages, paddle boarding & day snorkeling trips. Drinks were had every night at 7.30pm at the little bar that looked over the water and a buffet dinner of fish, octopus, calamari, salad and rice was served at 8.00pm. In bed no later than 10.00pm.. I was in heaven!
Day 5. James, Blake and I jumped back in the 4WD Suzuki and headed to Matemwe, an hours drive from Nungwi. We had organised two dives at 9.00am at two spots just off Mnemba Island. If you're not familiar with it..google it! It's absolute paradise. Whilst we weren't allowed to step onto the island, it was just as incredible to look at. Again white white sand and the bluest water I've ever seen. There are only 8 huts on the beach and it is $1500USD per night to stay there... one day! From here James and Blake left back to Arusha and I stayed on in Myuni for 3 nights by myself. Lots of reading, sleeping, eating, sunbaking and relaxing. It was so nice to have some time by myself however come day 3, I'd done too much thinking, gone through some solid ups and downs and was ready to get back to Arusha to talk to people and get the thoughts out of my head. Anyone that knows me well, knows I'm an intense thinker!
I'm back in Arusha now tying up loose ends with SEW and preparing to climb Mt Kilimanjaro on Thursday! Headed to Moshi yesterday to get all my gear. I found out that I'll be doing the hike with 4 other girls which is awesome. I'll hike with them for 4 days and then the last 3 days I'll do by myself.
Lots of love back home! SEE YOU ALL SOON!
xxxxx
Ps. Photos attached
Yep that's me in a wetsuit snorkeling haha
Photos of my hotel in Matemwe, ZFW and Sazani in Nungwi
