30th December 2009 - 4 days to go

I have still not packed or bought any items that I do not have and need for the trip but there are still a few days left. Plenty of time. I have though sorted out some accommodation in Stone Town for the first night. A rather attractive city centre hotel called the Zanzibar Palace Hotel, which seems to be quite comfortable and located in the centre of Town. This should set me up nicely before I meet the representative from Action Africa who will take me on to Jambiani on the 5th.
My only worry is my back which has been playing up recently and could cause quite a lot of bother travelling and in the building work. However I am confident that this should be sorted in time as I have arranged for some intensive sport massage before I leave.

29th December 2008 - 5 days to go

All systems are go. Passport in order, ticket purchased, vaccinations completed, dollars packed.
A few final preparations required; start packing, buy a few items that are not in wardrobe and make final arrangements for the ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar and book hotel in Stone Town for first night.
Sally has kindly provided, care of Santa, books on Tanzania and Zanzibar and a Swahili phrase book. Hope I don't have to rely on them too much.
One point of note today was the instructions on the malaria tablets that said avoid direct sunlight which seemed a bit strange considering I am going to the equatorial part of Africa and thought the nurse who wrote the prescription would have thought of that. However am subsequently advised that this only effects a few unlucky souls so fingers crossed should be OK.