zanzibar..... even the name promises mystery ... and wonder...
in its heyday, it was the 6th wealthiest country in the world. due to spices.
separated by a sliver of intense, blue ocean from the continent of africa, the quaint island is in no hurry to catch up with the rest of the world, remaining unhurried, sublime and lost in blissful dreams.
sleepy villages with mud brick houses complacently dot the coconut groves. cassava followed delicious spicy pilaf rice on dinner tables.
the spice trade brought merchants from near and far. most mansions built by rich traders have arabian, indian, european characteristics. the most notable are the highly crafted carved timber front doors, a sign of the immense wealth of the owners. intricate, beautiful, the huge doors stand proud till today...
and... a jovial coconut tree climber called mr. butterfly because of his prowess, sings while he climbs. his lovely resonant vocals ring out through the palm leaves, among the lyrics some strangely familiar words, ' hey....... aku nama maca-maca... welcome to zanzibar...'
pristine white shores circle zanzibar....while the local men, women and children dreamed of the ancient past....
No comments:
Post a Comment