Spice tour adds zest to Zanzibar trip

Bruce and Kris Erway, Alameda Photo: Courtesy Kris Erway

Bruce and Kris Erway, Alameda
Why we went: It sounded exotic and we wanted a few days of relaxation on the beach after our safari.

Don't miss: The Spice Tour on a local farm where you can see cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, etc. growing; buy locally grown spices; and taste delicious fresh fruits.
Don't bother: Taking fancy or fussy clothing or shoes that you care about. We were glad to have waterproof footwear during a brief downpour.
Coolest souvenir: Accessories woven from banana leaves: crowns, necklaces and purses for the women; tall hats and neckties for the men. These were made by local youth and presented to us on the spice tour.
Worth a splurge: A room with a view of the Indian Ocean. We spent an entire day gazing at that blue, blue water from the porch of our cottage, from the beach bar, and from the on-site infinity pool.
Wish we had packed: Cooler clothing. It's hot and humid, although we generally enjoyed a nice breeze off the water.
Other comments: Zanzibar is 95 percent Muslim, and women need to be careful about how they dress outside of the hotels and resorts, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
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