Day 43: October 17: Rats.

This morning after breakfast we went to the port to buy ferry tickets for Zanzibar. As with most things here, it was quite a process involving two ferry companies and two different currencies. But we procured the tickets, and that's all that counts.

After a couple more errands, we wound up at the Njia Health Center, then walked over to school. We taught only 6th grade today, as we got there a little later this morning, but we had two very good classes. As with yesterday, we were much better at explaining ourselves to the second class! Also of note - in the second class as I was explaining something, I looked up and saw a rat crossing a ceiling beam! Luckily I held in my exclamation of surprise because I think the kids really would have laughed at me otherwise.

After class, we had another PB and J lunch in the storeroom with Hellen before going on more errands. This time we ended up going to a fabric store to get materials for Hellen to make sheets for the beds in the hospital. Karla and I found materials that we liked too and bought some to have dresses made this week! We're so excited! This will really expand our wardrobe.

After this errand, Hellen dropped us off at a park where we waited to board the ferry. The ferry ride itself was largely uneventful, but it was quite pretty. We couldn't believe we've already made it to the Indian Ocean!

Once on the island, we found a cab to take us to our hotel just as the sun was setting. We checked in, then began our search for dinner. We wandered all around the town, first walking through the night market, then meandering towards the water, but we couldn't find anything in our price range, or not *too* local. Finally, just as we were getting to the point of being grouchy with no return, we found the perfect place, called Monsoon. Not only was dinner delicious, but we also capped off our meal with Tanzanian tea brewed with local spices! If only we had found the place an hour earlier...it wasn't until our walk the next morning that we realized how close it was the water. Its amazing how darkness can disorient you (mostly Karla) when you are unfamilar with the area.

We then returned to our hotel safe and sound (and pleasantly full!). Our rooms are pretty great. Spacious and clean, with even a sink in the room!! Its also a pretty large hostel and seems very safe. We have a full day planned out (sort of) for tomorrow.
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