Stories for my Children

  Monday, March 31st, 2025 11:38 AM Konokono Resort, Michamvi, Zanzibar Saturday night, Kenny and I ate at the resort again, and we were treated to a buffet style Swahili dinner. On the grill was kingfish, lamb, and chicken. There was pilau, chicken curry, okra curry, fresh fruit, hibiscus drinks -- a full feast. At some point, I hear a noise -- the noise that many Zanzibari make when they see a monkey. They come up from the beach in a line, ready to give us a show. An MC in a polo shirt explained that the men typically wear red, but they can wear any color and keep their hair long, but women must keep their hair short and wear only blue or blue-purple. There is always  an exchange of cows for an engagement, but the more attractive a woman, the more cows she is worth. Meal with the hibiscus drink. I don't know if the cow thing is still legit, but it was all part of the show. Then followed the coolest performance. They did a deep humming thing and then would jump one at a time ...

  Saturday, March 29th, 2025 6:13 PM Konokono Resort, Michamvi, Zanzibar Dinner last night was delicious and very romantic. The hotel provides a honeymoon special for honeymooners -- candlelit dinner on the beach with the same menu as everyone else. The octopus I had was outstanding, and Kenny loved his chicken. It was very sweet. Today, we slept in a bit, and then Haji picked us up and we headed to Maalum. Maalum is a cool little natural pool in a cave, but they've turned it into a whole afternoon trip for people. When they checked us in, the hosts were extremely gracious. "Jambo," I greeted. "Mambo!" the man at the front desk responded. "You say mambo , it is like jambo  but better. More familiar. People will think you are a local." "I don't think that's going to happen," I replied, motioning to my, uh, skin tone. We started with a visit to the "jungle spa," where we were given a foot rub with Ylang Ylang scented water. We...