TANZANIA

I have been busy enjoying ZIFF, (Zanzibar International Film Festival). Between the day and night screenings, there is live music in the Fort. The day screenings are held in Beit al Ajaib, more famously known as the House of Wonders seeing as it was the first building in East Africa to have electricty and a lift. Right next to the Palace is the Fort which is split into two. One side is an outdoor ampatheatre where the evening programs are shown on the big screen. The other side is where the live music is preformed, during the daytime intermission as well as after the evening screenings.

I have seen many films and documentries. I think the Danes have something going on here because there were LOTS of Danish films shown. Mind you they had some of the best films in the festival. Many of the African films were based on social issues, especially focused on a women's place in society. Watching these programs in the outdoor ampathertre was really something. The locals, (especially the men), would shout out and cheer for the womens rights. They were especially loud during a film about women footballers in Zanzibar. Watching these films really gave me a deeper understanding of East African, especially Zanzibarian culture.

I am still here in Stone Town. I do not know when I will leave. I have booked a spice tour for tomorrow which includes a stop at the 'slave caves'.