Pictures from August 19, 2000. Click on any small image to see it full size.


Interior of the old fortress:


The view over the wall of the fortress. Next time you're in Zanzibar, try taking this picture yourself. Searching for a spot where you can see over the wall will probably take you through the entire structure (hint: go up the stairs in the art gallery).

Paul storms the fortress as Abdul, our guide, confidently defends.

David at the Sultan's Palace.

Paul and Abdul at the Dispensary, also known as the House of Wonders, which now houses a fancy French restaurant, offices, and shops.

Plaque explaining the House of Wonders.

Abdul guides Paul though the narrow streets of Stone Town.

Even the narrowest of streets may lead you to the Internet!

David outside St. Monica's Episcopal cathedral, built on the site of the old slave market, with the resident guide, introduced to us only as "Mama."

The dark and twisting corridor that leads to the underground slave quarters.

There's not much to see down here, just some low ceilings and a few small windows to let in enough air to keep the slaves from suffocating before they were sold.

Mama explains the typical crowded conditions in which slaves awaited auction. This picture is lit with electric lights; the slaves would have been in nearly total darkness.

A close-up of the door of St. Monica's. Stone Town is full of carved doors, although few as ornate as the church's; however, most streets are too narrow for me to get a good picture of them with my 3:1 zoom lens.

Interior of St. Monica's.

Mama explains the light circle on the floor. It marks the exact location of the post where slaves were shackled and flogged. This photo has been digitally lightened to show the floor detail.

The English-made Willis organ, shipped in pieces, assembled on site, and in continuous use for over 100 years.

The famous explorer David Livingstone spoke out against the slave trade and was influential in its abolition in Zanzibar. This crucifix is made from the tree under which his heart is buried.

The Slave Memorial behind St. Monica's.

The plaque beside the memorial.