HealthyBea

Adapting in Zanzibar

I am sure everyone who read my last post has been itching to learn more, just dying to make it through the week to see if I upheld my promise to actively engage in the Zanzibari culture while on my honeymoon. Lucky for you, the wait is over! Kick up your feet and relax as I reveal the (numerous 😉 ) ways in which I have proven to be oh so malleable. 

Before we jump in, though, please expect next week’s post to be a more serious analysis and explanation of Zanzibar and our experience here. I do think it’s an important one for those unfamiliar with the island. But until then, let’s dive into how I have adapted from both a circumstantial and cultural perspective, beginning with movement.

Movement

In my everyday life, I typically jump (well, more like drag myself) out of bed at 5:30am for a heart pumping, calorie burning workout before heading off to work. I read a few news briefs during my commute and throughout the day, I attempt to contribute to my step count as much as possible. If time permits, this includes a quick lunch walk and post work stroll before jumping on the tube. I tend to end my days contributing to one of my few side projects.

While on holiday this past week, the earliest I set my alarm was 7:30am and my workouts were not only slightly different (i.e. swimming laps in the pool), but also a fraction of their usual length. I still read the news, but only sporadically throughout the day when I could fit it in between reading on the beach and embarking on water and city adventures. I found comfort in a reduced step count because my days were spent in other satisfying ways, including snorkeling, walking on the reef, playing tennis, relaxing at the spa, writing, and reading by the water. Plus, who wants to get sweaty 5 times a day from walks in the heat? 

Coffee & Beverages

I am normally very specific about the drinks I consume in an attempt to monitor my sugar intake and reduce staining my teeth. Though we limited alcohol (not even one glass a day), we allowed ourselves as much coffee as our hearts desired. Luckily, caffeine doesn’t affect either of us, and luckily the coffee here (grown in Tanzania) was delicious. It was intense and bitter, but not in the artsy, hipster big city type of way with many different notes of fruit, chocolate, nuts, etc. (which I also love, don’t be mistaken). But this was simply delicious coffee. 

Additionally, because spices (such as cloves and cumin) are largely produced in Zanzibar, I decided to explore the spiced coffee while out in town one day. As expected, it wasn’t my favourite take on black coffee, but I was so happy I tried! And after rejecting the traditional Qatari drink on our flight, I made sure to take our concierge up on her ginger lemon juice offer upon check in at our hotel. It was zesty and refreshing! 

As coconut is also widely available here, I asked the bartender to make me a refreshing mocktail using water from the fruit to accompany my dinner one night. He presented me with a light minty coconut spritzer, perfect to sip on in the heat. Aside from a sample of an espresso martini at our rehearsal dinner last month (and only because the bartender insisted), I can’t remember the last time I chose to enjoy a cocktail over wine. However, since Zanzibar produces a sugar cane liquor called Konyagi, I couldn’t leave without tasting it in a traditional cocktail with ginger and honey. It’s compared to gin, but within this flavourful concoction, it just added a slight bitterness to the bite of the ginger and subtle sweetness of the honey.

Food

Obviously, a sure way to experience a new culture is through its cuisine. I do have to acknowledge, though, that the food at our villa was much more elevated than what locals get to enjoy. However, we were still able to get a feel for their food through local produce. During daily lunch buffets and (simple) multiple course dinners, we tasted dishes cooked in coconut milk, such as spinach, red beans, dal, and curries. We sought out octopus as often as possible, in addition to the occasional tuna and prawns. Tropical fruit was plentiful, so I made sure to indulge in the daily spread of papaya, jackfruit, watermelon, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit. I was very pleased with the amount of tasty, rejuvenating, and healthy dishes.

Weather & Insects

Two less appealing aspects of the trip were wind and bugs. While laying on the beach, we experienced a constant flow of intense wind, enough to blow the froth off of the top of our lattes (I know, I know – life is SO hard). My normal reaction would be to run to a less disruptive location to shelter from the elements, but my goal was adaptability! I couldn’t be so weak. I couldn’t leave my husband to his own devices – this was our honeymoon after all! So, I made the most of it. I secured my belongings, tied my hair back, and protected the pages of my book from ripping. 

As for the bugs, my legs and feet were destroyed from mosquitos. My diet and blood type must have made for the perfect snack equation. I gave up on counting the number of bites after one day totalled 30 small welts. I wouldn’t be surprised if it reached 50 by the time I left the island. Instead of avoiding the outdoors throughout the day and our coffee nightcap in the exposed bar after dinner, I sucked it up and allowed those pesky little guys to feast on my nutrients. Good thing I typically stick to trousers at work, otherwise I don’t think my colleagues would be comfortable standing next to me for fear of catching whatever I’d picked up on holiday.

Conclusion

All that to say, I absolutely could have done more to adapt. I could have eaten pilau rice and curry for lunch every day. I could have spoken more Swahili than “Asante” (thank you), “Hakuna Matata” (no worries), “Jambo” (how are you?), and “Polepole” (slowly-slowly), but I tried. I did what I could to relate just a little more to the local people, culture, and lifestyle. I do feel a stronger connection to the wonderful staff and Zanzibari people, but we can always do better to understand others. 

Luckily, every new experience feels a little bit more comfortable. Interacting with different people in different languages within different environments isn’t simple. But the more we try, the better we become. Hopefully a little bit of muscle memory will support me on my next foreign adventure. Until then, I admit that I will enjoy the peace and comfort of returning to my normal routine. I am a creature of habit after all (in case you hadn’t noticed)!

Much love,

Bea