Back to Bongoyo

Last weekend was the start to many final moments of my time here in Tanzania – well, for this visit, at least. A quartet of ladies (Caris, Kelly, Sara and I) boarded the ferry out to the island (yes, Dad, there were life jackets) of paradise: Bongoyo.

My first trip was during my first weekend, so it seemed fitting to return towards the end of my adventures here. While in May it was a smaller, quieter crowd, you can tell that the northern-hemisphere-summer-tourism has arrived to Dar. More crying babies, stronger European accents, and general “whiteness” accompanied us to the beach this time around. As usual, the water was gorgeous and clear.


Amazing, great day at the beach!

The fresh grilled fish is another highlight to the Bongoyo food options, as it was likely caught on the backside of the island and grilled near the tourist beach area. I’m not sure it gets fresher than this, even though it’s a pretty skinny fish!


The grill really showed no mercy on this one.

We returned home for a delicious dinner where I contributed by drinking / pouring wine and setting the table while Kelly and Sara dominated the kitchen with grilled eggplant, fresh cabbage salad, cucumber / goat cheese combo, and delicious bread with cheese. Caris made the incredible Betty Crocker cake. You could say we all played to our strengths. :)


Pretty classy at our house-sitting venue - yes, we were even a little impressed ourselves :)

More than anything, I’ve been here long enough to notice changes like the types of tourists -- those en route to safari versus those long-term visitors, the slight change in mix of seasons for some vegetables, and how it is cooler at night – since we are at the height of winter…and it’s in the 70s at night.