Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari-B is for: Beautiful Animals, Resorts, and Restaurants (12/6)

[Steppesister]

Why was there a tray of cloves there?

I think just a statement to remind folks that this is the original Spice Island.

Zanzibar is called the "Spice Island" because its fertile soil and strategic Indian Ocean location made it a global hub for spice cultivation and trade for centuries, growing and exporting valuable spices like cloves (once dominating world production), nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and pepper, which shaped its economy, culture, and history. Visitors can still tour spice farms, experiencing the sights, smells, and tastes of this rich agricultural heritage, though its history is also tied to colonialism and the slave trade.

And I thought you were safe when they weren't on your diving trip.

I had a short reprieve. I guess it's just going to be everywhere you go now. Blech.

That is really blue!

I've never seen a restaurant on a rock before. It looks like a nice place to eat.

Certainly unique to be sure! Very picture worthy!

 

[Steppesister]

The way into her parlour is up a winding stair

In case you weren't aware, I am directly quoting the poem these last two posts.

Okay, I don't think I know this one. I'll have to look it up.

Pass. I'll be happy to go out of my way a bit for genuine local crafts.
HOWEVER! I won't buy genuine either if it's a. Not appealing or b. Poorly made.

Agreed. Gotta be a bit discerning with local handcrafts.

Did not know that. Do know that if that first aid isn't swift... well... you're gonna die.

That I'll certainly give you. Mind you, I saw it, took a quick peek and swam way with haste.

So bananas a personal fave?

 

[Steppesister]

What a beautiful day...sans beach porno. I love the pictures of the night sky especially. Even if they weren't exactly what you were hoping for, they're stunning!

Thanks, Jackie! It was such a beautiful night and the sky was so pretty!

 

[Steppesister]

I don't generally think 'pretty' when I think of monkeys, but have to agree!

I think some are more handsome than others. Like the Blues are "pretty" to me, but the Colobus are more... cute or comical looking.

I've never heard of it... is it a common term in the US?

That's what made it so hilarious. It's NOT common here, and I'm not even sure how many people would even know what it refers to. Here's some history:

"Bunga bunga" refers to alleged sexually explicit parties hosted by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, stemming from testimony by dancer Karima El Mahroug (Ruby the Heartstealer) in 2010-2011, becoming a global scandal symbolizing corruption, political decay, and a debased culture, originating from old racist jokes or nicknames. The phrase, meaning a supposed ritual of stripping and sex, also appears in pop culture, like in the James Bond film No Time to Die and songs.

Origin & Scandal

• Karima El Mahroug: The term gained fame from Moroccan dancer Ruby, who claimed to have attended "bunga bunga" parties at Berlusconi's villa in Milan, involving young women and sexual acts, leading to a major legal case.
• Symbolism: It became synonymous with Berlusconi's lavish lifestyle, alleged immorality, and Italy's political decline, sparking protests and international ridicule.
• Roots: While popularized by Ruby, the phrase itself comes from older racist jokes or nicknames, including one from a 1910 British hoax involving dressing as an African prince, says NPR.

Usage & Legacy

• Political Slang: "Bunga Bunga" entered the political lexicon to describe the perceived moral rot and commodification in Italian society under Berlusconi's influence, notes The Atlantic and Reuters.
• Cultural References: The term appears in media, such as the Bond film No Time to Die (2021) and songs by bands like The Smile, as shown on Wikipedia.

What made it so funny, was this random guy in Africa knows the term and uses it correctly probably without any of the origins backstory. It came out of nowhere and in such a random place!

Glad you got the chance for a lovely introspective experience before the obnoxious lot turned up. I think it's fascinating that they still have the white, just with the red kind of over the top.

Absolutely. Wiki goes into some great detail about how they are different with diet and their calls as well. Fascinating stuff.

Totally agree. People suck.

Yes, for sure.

So about on par with a WDW deluxe hotel then

Yes, price-wise, but even the Flo couldn't hold a candle to the luxury or elegance of this place.

Ooh, padded seating! How cushy! Love the floral pattern on the roof too.

See?!

I'm afraid none of your snorkelling excursions have made me want to jump in the water... I'll be quite happy to stick to land! I would have quite happily spent all day in that forest.

Well, unfortunately, you can't. You HAVE to have a guide with you all the time and your fee only pays for about 2 hours.
So you'd have to sort of stick to the parking lot or your car.

How cool is that!

VERY!

Yeah, I don't get it either. I understand wanting to get a selfie, and I even understanding wanting it to be a flattering selfie that you're not going to be too ashamed to put up on social media. But the ever increasingly obscene full photo shoots... just why?

That's just it. I know it's shocking, but like, Lady, you're not the center of the universe.

Maybe I'm being judgy, but I wouldn't expect anyone who had just done a full half hour photo shoot to be friendly, polite and down to earth. I'd much rather have your experience of a nice quiet table on the rail.

No, not judgy, just observant. Her behavior spoke for itself.

It does sound like it's mostly about the novelty factor and insta opportunities. But cool nonetheless. I definitely would have been tempted!

I agree. The food was pretty good and I think part of the draw is that it's SUPER tough to get into during high season as well. But as you say, pretty novel- I don't know of too many other restaurants you have to take a boat to get to.

Sad that your trip is coming to an end. But definitely looking forward to the next one!

Lots and LOTS of planning to get done before May! :yes: (And need to replenish the cash after my car purchase splurge.)

 

[zanzibar138]

Colobus are more... cute or comical looking.

Yes, that is more my general feeling towards monkeys

That's what made it so hilarious. It's NOT common here, and I'm not even sure how many people would even know what it refers to. Here's some history:

Oh, that explains it then. Thanks for the additional context.

Yes, price-wise, but even the Flo couldn't hold a candle to the luxury or elegance of this place.

Yeah, as much as I enjoyed the Poly, I've definitely stayed in more luxurious accommodations for far less!

Well, unfortunately, you can't. You HAVE to have a guide with you all the time and your fee only pays for about 2 hours.

Oh, well that's disappointing. Nonetheless, I would have sought out something else land-based to fill my time

Lady, you're not the center of the universe.

I feel these days there are many centres of the universe At least in their own eyes. That one we had at our KL Tower lunch was a doozy too!

Lots and LOTS of planning to get done before May! :yes: (And need to replenish the cash after my car purchase splurge.)

I feel your pain. I would have liked at least another year to recover from the wedding/honeymoon planning and spend before going on another big trip, but with Grandma coming along and her being 90 now, it just couldn't wait.