*clicking my heals* There's no place like Africa...

If someone asked me right now if i wanted to go to Hawaii or Zanzibar, Africa, i would choose Zanzibar in a heart beat. I've never been to Hawaii before, but i am convinced there is no other place in the world more beautiful than Zanzibar. I visited there back in October of 2009 for only 2 weeks. Some say that was a long time to be in Africa but i protest that it wasn't long enough. While i missed my daughter and my loved ones dearly, i was in paradise...in the motherland, which felt nothing shy of home to me. My people there were amazing. So welcoming, so generous, so humble.

I often mind travel back to Zanzibar. It amazes me of how much we seem to take for granted. I can't believe how spoiled i have been as an American all these years. I complain about the little things and when i go to this place stricken with poverty, they are so happy. They don't have a lot of the material things we cherish here, but what they do have is each other, love and God and they cherish that beyond anything. It was the most humbling, life altering and profound experience that i still find hard to put into words. I made friends there that is now considered to be family that i pray to stay in touch with for years to come. Not only did i have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the African Diaspora and the people of Tanzania and Zanzibar, i also learned the one language that i had been wanting to learn for years...Swahili. Now, i'm not in anyway a translator, but i keep the handy book in my handbag and try to keep it fresh in my memory.

In this beautiful serene place, i found solace and freedom. While going for a long walk on the white sand beach on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, brushing my feet through the clear blue water picking up sea shells along the way, i found peace. people watching....noticing some of the natives in their beautiful bright traditional garments selling their beautiful creations of jewelry, clothing, shoes and handmade bags; some selling spices like cardamon and ginger from a local spice farm trying to make a living the best way they know how. I also came upon a native walking his pet monkey. I was in such amazement and shock, i couldnt help but stop and inquire. the little monkey was held by a leash but approached me slowly in search of food. He gently opened my hand and looked around it as if i was hiding food. he was adorable but i quickly came back to reality and realized i am too far from a hospital to get treated from a bite or scratch from this animal. I bid the native a farewell and headed back to my resort. Yes, i did stay at a resort but i did frequent the locals homes and communities for the entirety of the days i was there. When i arrived back to my suite, i realized it was only 7pm and the sun was soon to set. This night, i didnt want a crowd. Instead, i went straight to my overly large bathroom where an old fashioned tub sits above ground and behind it is a shower that is literally outside. There are walls high enough to where your neighbors cant see you shower, but directly above head is the clear blue sky. I stepped upon the smooth black stones and sat down on the teak wood bench before saying a quiet prayer. After my shower, i threw on my long japanese kimono, headed to my balcony and relaxed with a glass of mango juice in hand. God released a breeze that slightly exposed my naked freshly oiled body. it was refreshing and absolutely amazing to say the least. It was freedom!

I find myself traveling back to that place to have the same peace i felt when i was there. i find myself....