I always wanted to visit Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and re-visit Momabasa. I must admit on this trip I could not remember anything about Mombasa except vague recollections of the old post office at Makadara Street, Fort Jesus and the tusks at Moi Avenue. I could recognize nothing about Malindi.

I felt Dar es Salaam was much smaller (and too run down) than what I had imagined the capital city of Tanzania would be. My four hours walk about in Stone City, Unguja, Zanzibar was not sufficient for me to get a proper feel of Zanzibar life. Although, it looked like a run-down version of Mdina in Malta (the Arab capital when they ruled there around the 13th Century, 700 years ago) with narrow streets and houses around courtyards.

During my five weeks trip, I had a great time eating the lovely fruits, admiring that tree with red flowers in full bloom, spotting the occasional baobab trees, nice weather although a bit too humid at times, the strong sunshine and the banter in Kiswahili. They could tell I was not local because they said I look "pale" and when I opened my mouth the accent and limited vocabulary gave me away. The people in Mombasa were so hospitable, lively and energetic. Dar es Salaam people were hospitable, gracious and easygoing.

Those anti-malaria tablets gave me such side effects that I gave them up after a week. Although I was bitten a couple of times, I did not get any malaria since I took care to wear long-sleeves in the evening and apply eucalyptus and lemon natural oils on exposed skin.

Overall, it was a lovely travel experience. The East Africa coast is a great place to visit for those who have spent some time out there in their past life. I want to be there in the end and beginning of the year again and again. Meet me there.