We have been informed that Stone Town is a great place to purchase Tanzanite, a perfect souvenir to commemorate our Kilimanjaro climb. Tanzanite is a beautiful gemstone. Its colour changes from blue to violet in different light. It was discovered in Northern Tanzania in 1967 by the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. It was named by Tiffany and Company in 2002 for Tanzania where it originated.
We wake early to peruse the many shops selling this stone. In Canada and Hawaii I have seen a few examples of the stone, though here in Stone Town the options are more plentiful, the deep colours more prevalent. John remarks that they aren’t giving them away and the price is dear. We are worried about what we are buying as we have been told to purchase from the government where we can be certain of the quality. It is a gamble and we decide we aren’t Gamblers.
We walk down to the water and see a group of cats waiting patiently. They are waiting for the Fishermen to bring their breakfast. Its comical to watch them, their fear of water overriding their hunger. There are many cats in Stone town roaming the streets. I suspect they keep the vermin under control and are fed collectively for their efforts by the people of Stone Town as they are not scraggly or thin. Still, they look more street wise than our pampered cats in Canada.
We stop at our favourite coffee shop for our final latte. There are no chain coffee shops here and we are thankful for the reprieve. This shop is located in a bookstore, adding to its ambience. We peruse the dusty tomes and over priced bric-a-brac and settle into the comfortable chairs and enjoy a most excellent latte.
Too soon its time to gather our too many bags and haul them down the too many stairs. We have enjoyed our time in Stone Town a great deal. We wish we had more time in this magical place. We cast a look behind, hoping to return this way another day, then set our sights on what comes next.
whatsrightintheworldtoday 