Spent the morning trying to fix my H/PC. Used dental floss, an old pen, toothbrush, and even a big knife but nothing was more than a temporary fix. Went to the internet cafe (the very slow but almost reasonable one) and got what was on my H/PC off and into my journal - from now on it's going to be typing at the internet cafe. So until I get a replacement (late August) the entries are going to be a little briefe and maybe few and far between.
Spent the afternoon wandering around old Stonetown. Found the fort and checked out Jamituri Gardens (right in front of the fort on the water). The gardens are supposed to be the best place in Zanzibar for cheap street food, but I was disappointed - no one there except a couple kiosk type cafes. Wandered down to the port and enjoyed the hassels - as I needed no ferry tickets or spice tours. Took care of a few details (mainly finding a somewhat reasonable forex) and then found the tourist office. The tourist office was a bit useless - they had maps, but the cheapest one wasn't any better than the guidebooks, and cost more than $2! Walked the rest of the way around Stonetown back to the fort and explored the inside. not much in the fort except a few overprices curio stores and a small cafe. Aparently at night they make use of the Amphitheater with a cultural show (dancing and the like) - think I'll be skipping it.
Went back to the travel agent to finalize my tickets through to Morocco. It was obviously quite a challenge, I had all four travel agents on the phone and busseling to get it done. Granted it was not a simple ticket: Zanzibar - Nairobi - Entebbe (Kampala) - Addis Abu - Cairo - Casablanca, but it was quite funny. The agents were all traditionally dressed Muslim women and they were very cute in a flustered kind of way. Spent an hour (and a lot of money) there, then left with the understanding that I'd pick up my ticket tomorrow.
Aretha and I went to meet Terry at the Africa House Hotel - the old English club from the protectorate days. We were about 20 minutes late (due to the travel agency) but Terry was no place to be seen. Sat there for an hour and a half and watched the sun go down - very pleasant setting - but still no Terry.
For diner decided to go past the gardens again on the way to a restaurant. Things have changed! Jamituri Gardens is a regular carnival once the sun goes down. There were maybe twenty tables selling all kinds of sea food (octopus, squid, fish, shrimp, and lobster), meats (chicken and beef), and a variety of vegitarian foods - all incredibly cheap - and from what I sampled very tasty. Stuffed myself for $2 - should have come here last night, but I definitely know where I'm having diner tomorrow. Played a few games of Bawo then luxuriated in watching some CNN before going to bed.
