I first visited Stone Town in 2010
and was very moved by my visit to this
tourist “attraction”.
I find the tag line, “Enjoy your tour”
to be somewhat ironic…
can one really enjoy a tour that shows the inhuman way that slaves
of both sexes and all ages were treated?
This is a monument to those who died here
or in service.
Although the statues are recently made that chains are said to be original
Inside these underground vaults, the arriving captives were housed.
The men and women were separated and this is part of the male section
Here they were chained for up to three days at a time,
before being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
If they were NOT sold, they were returned here
to await the next auction.
On my last visit I was able to enter the church.
Currently it is undergoing a massive refurbishment,
both inside and out.
A juxtaposition of religions…
Aside from the two-wheeled traffic,
pedestrians have to contend with the four-wheeled variety as well.
I bet that Land Rover will be glad to see this!
A snoozing cat…
Inside the Market
Loaves…
and fishes.
And many spices that I have never heard of before
This is a major meeting point for both locals and tourists alike
This young fellow was waiting for a fresh coconut to be served up
I though that playing with guns was outdated.
Obviously not, judging by these two.
Note the yellow sunglasses…
I wonder who their role models are?
The little guy was the only one who spotted me.
Part of Stone Town.
Lots of colourful cloth on sale
It was lunchtime prayers,
hence the streets being less busy.
I bought a couple of scarves from this vendor.
Haggling is part of the sales “culture”
and is almost expected.
I finish off my visit by taking a photo of a photographer
taking a picture.
Stone Town in a wonderful place to spend a morning/ afternoon
or even a full day.
Our poor guide did try to control the number of shopping stops.
Mostly in vain…
My suggestion if you are going to use a guide,
ask him to take you to the Anglican Church FIRST,
and then base the rest of your time on the shopping etc.
Less stressful for both the guide and guests.
     
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