This thread evokes memories of me as a young buck living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, West of the islands of Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam where I was born means either "Port of Welcome" or "Haven of Peace". I still remember the tune "West of Zanzibar" though my memory of the movie is a little hazy. Did it star Bob Hope and Bing Crosby ?
Zanzibar or "Unguja" as the locals refered to it in Kiswahili, was a magical place for us. We looked forward to annual Sports visits between the Goan Institutes of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. There were Sports visits exchanged between the Goan Institutes of Dar es Salaam and Tanga, Mombasa, Nairobi and Kampala as well, but the visit of the Zanzibaris was always special. There was friendly competition in Football, Hockey (Men and women), Cricket, Tennis, Billiards and even Darts. The games were followed by a Grand dance when we young men made a beeline on the dance floor for the beautiful young lasses of Zanzibar. Quite a few Dar boys got married to girls from Zanzibar. The last Sports visit to Zanzibar took place in August 1963, which I attended as the General Secretary of the Dar Goan Institute. I still have vivid memories of my first plane ride, which was in a Dornier bi-wing prop plane. The flight took all of 20 minutes from take off to landing. The Zanzibari Goans were great hosts. Walking through the narrow lanes of Stone town in Zanzibar with Arab architecture, huge carved and studded doors and balconies where one could almost reach over and shake hands with the neighbors across the street, was like being in some medieval town in Arabia. Unfortunately the revolution that took place in Zanzibar just 4 months later put an end to this idyllic annual visits. Two Goans died in the crossfire during the conflict. I visited Zanzibar last year. The island is 98 per cent Muslim, with a handful of Goans. The people are still very friendly especially if you speak their language (Kiswahili), the surrounding sea is clear blue green with brilliant white sandy shores and and the fragrant smell of cloves and other spices hangs in the air. I spoke to at least one Goan during my visit and he said that he and the other Goans had no plans of ever forsaking the island. They are completely at home. Thanks for reviving the happy memories of Zanzibar...................
