God's swimming pool in Zanzibar, Tanzania
God is the greatest magician and I believe everyone would agree with me. I get fascinated by nature every single moment of life: opening of buds, appearance of new leaves, the breeze, birds chirping, my babies growing...the list is endless! Nature is truly my beloved and hence I am so drawn to the outdoors. I am a complete water baby and take it as a compliment when people who know me call me a mermaid. Therefore, whenever we plan a vacation, it revolves around a waterbody/waterbodies. Either oceans or gulfs or Alpine lakes as in our babymoon; the great road trip across Europe.
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Our trip to Tanzania was an ambitious one, we had planned adventures that we hadn't done ever before. Our trip largely focused on the island of Zanzibar, where were spending 7 days. From feeding turtles to swimming with the dolphins, we had planned some epic adventures. However little did we know how immemorial those excursions would be.
After swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling, our guide was supposed to take us to 'God's swimming pool'. We had no idea what that meant. Only we were told that it's the ideal place to swim. We were already in the middle of nowhere in the Indian Ocean, and there was nothing but water around. Zanzibar is the land of high tides and low tides and this phenomenon dramatically changes the face of everything: the ocean, beach and the beachfront properties. Afternoon time is usually the period of high tide during that phase, it changes every 6 hours.
So all of a sudden our boat got stopped and we were asked to jump into the ocean by our guide. We were like 'What?' The guide tried explaining us that the water was very shallow and we could literally walk on the sea bed. Seeing us still bewildered, he jumped himself to show us. Ismail was a tall man, but the water level was below his knee. We three and our co adventurers (two German gentlemen), jumped into the water immediately. It was God's swimming pool indeed! The water was crystal clear so we could see the sea bed legibly where we were walking (which was absolutely pristine)
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We were reveling in the nature's wonder when Ismail startled us with a huge tray of freshly cut fruits. We literally had picnic in the ocean..in the middle of nowhere, knee deep in the calm water.
That fruit picnic was definitely one of the biggest highlights of our trip. On the way back, we held and caressed big and vibrant star fishes. They were so adorable! I had been watching them on the sea bed for years, but this was my first time holding them. They were like solid pieces of rocks.
For a water lover, this excursion was absolutely stellar. At what all instances have you felt that God is the greatest magician?
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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
22 comments
Your posts are great. Lovely pics and crisp and clear information.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fruit picnic in the sea bed. It look so beautiful, the crystal clear water and star fish. I love sea and seeing your post tempted to visit the beach.
ReplyDeleteWow, wouldn't i like to walk in the middle of the ocean and hold star fishes. It sounds like the perfect treat with having fruit and walking in the water. What a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good, I love swimming so I loved reading it.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see your Zanzibar pictures, I get some vicarious pleasure myself, being a beach lover myself. The water is just gorgeous here, so crystal clear, that was worth every penny I must say.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't take my eyes off the water pics, its so so clean. And yes from ur post that I have read before I know u r a water baby.
ReplyDeleteThe water is so crystal clear. I am enjoying reading about your trip to Zanzibar. It sure looks like a must visit.
ReplyDeleteBeach day everyday! I'm officially including Zanzibar to my long list of places I wish to visit. I might not be a swimmer but I love jumping through the waves with my daughters.-MommyWithAGoal
ReplyDeleteThis looks so much fun.. we love beach holidays and this place has so crystal clear water sure is a must visit place. Love to read your travel blog.
ReplyDeleteI am a beach baby and the waves are my emotions... take me for a vacation to any seaside area I will gladly accompany you. Look at the crystal clear water OMG I feel like diving right away and float like a mermaid. I loved the fruit picnic picks and its just amazing ... let the baby little big I will also plan for this trip... hope I will enjoy just like you.
ReplyDeleteWow, swimming, good food and fantastic pictures of you make your post a great read as always.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see your Zanzibar pictures, I fall for Zanzibar again and again. I am sure you had so much fun. Lucky to visited so many places this time let's plan somethin together , it's been ages we travel together.
ReplyDeleteHello Zanzibar, I'm coming next year! It sounds like an amazing destination for someone who loves the water and the beauty of nature. Enjoy every moment of your upcoming journey!
ReplyDeleteLiving in Oman has provided me the opportunity to explore numerous beaches, yet your post has inspired me to discover this pristine beach and this amazing place.
- Anjali
God's swimming pool is such an lovely name. The place looks perfect with crystal clear waters. Loved the pics and loving the series, Mandira.
ReplyDeleteWow Mandira, I would love to be dropped into the middle of a shallow ocean too... so serene n gorgeous the water looks. I'm sure you had a great time... your beautiful pics say it all. And what a wonderful treat from Ismail🤩. Is it safe to hold star fishes that way?😮
ReplyDeleteKaveri.
I am amazed to read your post of fruit picnic in nowhere of sea and This is a must visit for me now, I would like to experience the feel of being in God's Swimming pool. This is very exciting!
ReplyDeleteWow! So beautiful. You must have had a blast. Fruit party in water...that's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe sky, the water everything is so pure and beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou posts me inspiring to me try out smthing new like this..in the beach...enjoying life to the fullest. Fabulous 👌
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are so beautiful. Clear blue water
ReplyDeleteSeems like you had a loads of fun. The place indeed seems so cool.
ReplyDeleteIt looks absolutely amazing Mandira! Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteNoor