ZANZIBAR

 I visited the Creative School Federation where Judi Palmer and her husband have begun a school based on Waldorf pedagogue.  It is situated on the highest place in Zanzibar - 8 acres of land to house the school and an orphanage. At present there are 4 classes in beautiful spacious, light and airy classrooms. The main lesson books are beautifully decorated with clear good hand-writing giving a feeling of right education.  The equipment and black-board drawings gave an ambience of Waldorf education.
As we left the property I was introduced to farmers on the the neighbouring piece of land -a  spice plantation where these farmers are practicing biodynamic farming and where 29 farmers in Zanzibar are under-going training using biodynamic principles.
I was taken on a spice tour where I was shown and tasted a great variety of spices. It was fascinating to see the plants in reality and sample the variety of flavours and fragrances. Thereafter I was seated to tea - one red drink - masala tea , and one green drink which was lemon grass.  A fresh young coconut was then brought and opened and while I drank the juice and ate the soft fresh coconut within - the consistency of a litchi -and so very delicious - a crown was being woven from the coconut leaves and placed on my head. WHAT A SPECIAL OCCASION and so wonderful to meet these special farmers.
ZANZIBAR - a most lovely island
And by the way, the school and the spice farm are situated on the highest point in Zanzibar.
The ferry trip back to Dar Es Salaam however was a nightmare - huge swells and I was sea-sick for the first time.

THE SCHOOL