Beach Life, just chilling!

Nach der Zeit in der staubigen Maasai Steppe und dem quirligen Leben vom touristischen Arusha sehne ich mich nach einem ruhigen Strand. Ich fand ihn in der Nähe von Tanga. Ein Camp in der Zwischensaison verspricht Ruhe und Abgeschiedenheit. Mein Landy durfte ich direkt am Strand unter Schatten spendenden Bäume stellen. Strom bekam ich von einem nahen Unterstand und hatte somit meinen Kühlschrank versorgt. Nun folgt nur noch ein kurzes. erfrischendes Bad im Meer und dann in den bequemen Stuhl mit einem Buch in der einen, einem Getränk in der anderen Hand. Relaxing pur.

Das Personal der Lodge, zu dem dieser Camping gehört, lässt mir meine Ruhe. Nur das Wachpersonal hält sich in meiner Nähe auf. Neugierig beäugen sie jeden Schritt und jede Bewegung, die ich mache. Im Schatten sitzend sprechen sie untereinander in ihrer gutturaler Sprache. Englisch sprechen sie nur gebrochen, trotzdem versuche ich einiges aus ihrem Leben zu erfahren. Ob es an der Sprachbarriere liegt oder an ihrer Schüchternheit mag ich nicht richtig zu beurteilen, aber viel mehr als ein freundliches Lachen bringen sie mir nicht entgegen. Daher gehe ich zur Abwechslung an die leere Strandbar und halte einen Schwatz mit der Managerin aus Südafrika, die sich ebenfalls hier aufhält. Sie alle geniessen die ruhige Zeit, bevor wieder mehr Touristen sich in dieses paradiesisches Fleckchen verirren. Auch ich gehe zurück zu meinem ruhigen  Strandstuhl, beobachte die vorbeiziehenden Dau mit ihren dreieckigen Segeln oder Strandkrabben beim Höhlenbau. Dann versinken meine Gedanken wieder in mein Buch und meine nackten Füsse in den Sand.

Lynda At The Beach

Lynda was traveling Tanzania, as she heard about my lifestyle. To my surprise she changed her travel plans, checked out of her five-star-hotel and pitched her tiny tent next to my Land Rover which was south of Daressalam that time. She wanted know more about how i live and travel. However, i brought her to my „hideaway beach“, where we started spontaneously a photo shooting. Not having my full equipment with me, i tried to give my best, as Lynda did too. And she did well, didn’t she? 😀

Bagamoyo – Fishermen At Beach

It was quite late when i arrived my camp in Bagamoyo. I grabbed my Nikon and went to nearby beach. To my surprise it was pretty busy there. Teenager played football or jumped in acrobatic style in the sand, bicycles and tricycles went around, a young, blonde teenager climbed a palm tree and collected coconuts. The main activities were the returning fishermen, who sold their catch right at the beach. Surrounded by a crowd, the men sold the catch of the day in bundles to the best offer. Right at the beach, the fishes were cleaned and carried home for fresh dinner.

Beach Photo Shooting

It was on my camp at Mikadi Beach when i met those two young women. Talking about the beaches around here, i mentioned a lonely beach with crystal clear water where i was for a photo shooting before. The two friends wanted a photo shooting too. I’m delighted to bring them there and having a day out with lots of fun.

Four Models…

Small group of people with camera equipment were sitting around at my camp at the beach. While talking with the crew, photographer, assistants and models, they mentioned they want have a photo shooting with me too. Why not right now a spontaneous shooting, i replied. I got my Nikon and a flash. In a couple minutes we improvised for a few pictures.

Zanzibar – Jambiani Beach

At least one of these famous beaches of Zanzibar i have to explorer. I choose Jambiani at east coast of Zanzibar. Many kite-surfers had the same idea, as a school class and football players too. It became a lively spot, despite the low tide, when i arrived.

Turtles On Prison Island

The officially name is Chumbuu island, but everyone knows it as ‚Prison Island‘. Originally slaves were kept on that island, before they’re sold to Arabic destinations. The British forbidden the slavery. Although there was built a prison after that era, it was never used as such. Instead it became a quarantine island in times of yellow fever epidemic. From the buildings are not much to see anymore. A holiday resort with big nice pool opened and the main attractions is the turtle sanctuary with Aldabra Giant Turtles, brought from the Seychelles.

Arriving Zanzibar

Zanzibar! The island who draws many picturesque fantasies in our mind. For long time i refused to visit that pricey island, but gave in my curiosity. Stone Town, the first steps on the island, got me immediately. The mixture of culture and architecture, narrow alleys and open ocean, sea breeze and spicy scents, sunburned tourists and smiley locals.

Take a look on my first impressions…

making of: music clip with my travelcar

At first sight of the scenery i got confused. A girl was dancing on my dirty Land Rover and many spectators were watching her. As i noticed the film crew with all the equipment and the loud music from the back, i realized  my Land Rover gonna be part of their music clip. I didn’t find that clip on internet now, but desperately wanna see it when it’s published. And i’ll share it with you!

photo shooting with Lyster

On another fine day i drove south to discover new beaches. The menu at a beach bar offered masala tea, wich i chose over a thin coffee. The tasteless tea was rather disappointing, but at least i met a cute, young woman to talk with. She revealed her dreams of becoming a photo model. Her t-shirt said ‚be happy‘, confirming her sweet smile. There’s just a little chance for a real career, i told her honestly. However, i could offer a simple photo shooting, if she likes a few shots from herself. She agreed immediately and we had a funny time shooting at the beach…