Zanzibar Papasis

The fourth day of our “vacation” started with a ferry to Zanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania. Though an official part of the country, it has its own government – including its own president.

The Lonely Planet Guide to East Africa says this place never fails to retain an exotic edge, and I can see what it means. With its mix of African, Indian, Arabic, and Western cultures, there’s always an element of the exotic and unfamiliar.

The island has been flourishing since the beginning of the first millennium as a trade post for Arab and Persian merchants. However, with the advent of the Omani Arabs, Portuguese, and the English, the island has experience several cultural and economic transformations.

One interesting unfamiliar part of Zanzibar is the street touts, known in Swahili as papasi (literally means “ticks”). From the moment we stepped foot on the island, they bombarded us with offers to sell paintings, shirts, goods. Some became our unofficial tour guides without permission, only to ask for a hefty tip in the end. It can be very frustrating, especially when we desired to just walk around and enjoy the city in peace. Even if you say, “no, I’m not interested.” It’s just an invitation for these men to work even harder for the sale – at as high a price as possible.

Fortunately, it gave me a chance to practice my remedial Swahili. I learned how to say, “Hapana, bwana” (No, sir); “Hapana, lakini asante” (No, but thank you); and “Niache tafadali!” (Leave me alone, please!).

Dispite the pushy papasi, I really enjoyed our hotel, looking around Stone Town, and enjoying a cup a Chai at the Stone Town Café. We even watched the US v. Ghana soccer game at a local sports bar, but not before enjoying the sunset at Forodhani Gardens.

I can get used to this place.