I have arrived back in the bush for another stint at Singita. It has been the longest break from here… 6 months! And it has felt like it, has felt like I have lost touch with my students here a little and have been sad to see one of them leave… but am so happy to see everyone else here again! Re-connecting with friends and the beautiful nature.
But let me firstly share some reflections from the past month in Zanzibar.
THE WORK
Eeek, it was a little tricky to get used to a new place, new people, new challenges, new everything! Not just from a work point of view, but also personally… I have no network or friends in Kendwa, so it was a little lonely at first. And from a work perspective, a resort is much different than a bush lodge, so I had to dig out all skills to adapt to this new situation.
But the work was super positive. The group of learners was much more diverse than I have had to deal with before… seven different nationalities (and the majority not Tanzanian) in the group of 16 managers, but they all had one thing in common, they were so happy to have an opportunity to learn something new. Here’s the resort if you’re a little curious to see where I have been working: https://www.zurizanzibar.com/
We worked on various management & leadership skills both in workshops and through coaching (am so happy about how much coaching I get to do and how much better I am at it after my certification btw) and we kicked of an initiative to define new company values – so exciting! Actually managed to do a lot in four weeks, but of course there’s plenty more to do, so have submitted a proposal for another contract in the new year – keep your fingers crossed for me!
TOURISM IN ZANZIBAR
Many people have been asking me about the number of tourists in Zanzibar etc. And I can say that I was quite surprised of the amount of tourists on the island. Not so many people out and about in Stone Town and on excursions perhaps, people might tend to prefer the perceived safety of the resort instead, but so many flights in and out every day – many more than I have ever experienced before. Many carriers are now flying direct to Zanzibar (they have opened a new airport terminal as well) including Air France who recently added the route. Plus there are all the charter flights, too.
I was also quite shocked of the amount of construction work and opening of new resorts that is happening… and there’s talks of a skyscraper and artificial islands as well… WTF?!? Seems they are looking to turn the beautiful island into a mini Dubai, it’s frightening to be honest.
This property is being built just a few hundred meters from Zuri… and is supposed to be able to have 1,000 guests (I have not checked this fact, but Booooo anyway!)
Of course, I understand the financial motivation and there are many considerations to make, but I just think it will ruin the magic of Zanzibar and it’s rather heart-breaking… because it really is such a lovely place, I have always felt so grateful for my times there – it is a real place of solace for me…
But now it’s back to bush life… and of course that is also super magical, said hi to a few giraffes & zebras this morning and enjoyed a dramatic storm yesterday afternoon. I will be spending Christmas here in the bush – my first TZ Christmas and am very excited for that… And feeling very lucky indeed.
BETINA IN AFRICA 