Beach Bumming

I had just about had it with Africa. The hassle, touts, and the 'hakuna matata / no problem' attitude was grating on me. We were seething by the third hour of our 'Only one hour Miss. Hakuna Matata' ride from Stone Town to Jambiani. Plus, if one more person appoached me saying:\r

'JAMBO! Hallo! You want to buy ..... beads / bracelet / necklace / mask / statue / shelled peanuts / newspaper / dolphin trip / spice tour / snorkeling trip / sailing trip / dinner / lunch / drink / henna / massage / braiding ?'\r

I was going to start popping blood vessels. Luckily, we pulled into our place soon after. The sign read: 'Red Monkey Bungalows - You are welcome - Its realy paradise here.' Well, the language mechanics were off, but it WAS a bit of paradise. We spent six days lounging on a secluded beachfront watching the tide go in and out. The food was fresh and cooked on the spot by our hosts. ('You want fish for dinner? I buy it from that man' he said pointing to a boat at sea.) Jim befriended a few local kids who came by every evening to play beach soccer. We also met up with some Australians from our Kenya safari. Sharon and Craig offered a great chance to talk politics, film, and travel. Plus, they gave us a chance to talk to people OTHER than Jim and Tera. :-)\r

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Happy New Year Everyone!!!