Swahili Cooking Class in Stone Town – Thank You KV tours!

Zanzibar is interlaced with so many fascinating things.  But as with much of Tanzania finding a locally owned and operated tour company can be a bit challenging.  However, with a bit of research and a bit of patience I promise you they are there. 

One such company/foundation is KV tours! I fully support their efforts.  If your in Stone Town you cannot miss hitting these guys up.  They provide unique tours that benefit the community.

Our journey included a Swahili cooking class at a local Zanzibar home.  The owner of the company, Sima was our guide.  He was an excellent source of knowledge and was fully versed in the history of the community. 

Futhermore,  his dedication to his community was so inspirational.  One of his major efforts include teaching English to young kids and adults in this community.  This provides them with a greater chance at finding employment.  He has worked with two western individuals to establish the KV Foundation.

Mendoza - Every Wino's Dream Come True

Mendoza could quite possibly been any wino’s dream, including mine!  Many people I had spoken with had said it reminded them of Napa Valley in the 70’s but since I wasn’t born then I cannot compare it, but I can tell you that it is not to miss.

I remember the first time I tried Malbec, curiosity got the best of me, I wanted to know more about how this lovely tasting concoction was made.  Some years following, I went on my first trip Argentina, I fell in love the country but I wasn’t able to visit Mendoza. So I vowed I would not miss it on my next adventure.

Mendoza is beautiful and it was a nice break from Buenos Aires.  The town itself is super cute, lined with cafes serving great food.  The city is surrounded by mountains and the terrain is dry and dusty.  The people are laid back, reminding me a bit of some of the mountains in Colorado. My preferred breakfast was a café latte with a medialuna (pastry like thing brushed in sugar). 

We happend to arrive just before the Miss Mendoza pageant was beginning.  In front of the venue for the entire week you can find cut outs of the beauty queens for all the public to see. 

TRAVEL TIP:  You can either opt to take a bus or fly.  I opted for flying in an effort to avoid suffering from motion sickness.