AHS teacher accepted into African study tour

Paige Cole, an Apalachee High School history teacher and former Teacher of the Year, has been selected for the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad and will spend several weeks this summer in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Also accepted into the GPA was her husband Toby Cole, an art teacher at Brenau University.

The GPA is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and coordinated by the African Studies Institute at the University of Georgia. The Coles were accepted in January, and have since
taken part in monthly meetings at UGA to prepare for the language and culture they’ll experience in east Africa.

"We [will] get a lot of exposure to the culture, the language...and learn how they do things with education," Cole said.

In Africa, the GPA group will tour the Ministries of Education of both Tanzania and Zanzibar, see how American aid money is distributed for programs like malaria prevention, visit two African orphanages, and collaborate with rural teachers.


BCN

Zenj yaambulia dola million moja...

Dar es Salaam, May 27: Vowing to jointly combat the twin scourge of terrorism and piracy, India Friday unveiled a gift package for Tanzania, East Africa's largest country, that included $191 million in lines of credit and grants for a slew of development projects and a 300-bed hospital to be set up by Apollo Hospitals.

More, read here

8 Tips for Visiting Zanzibar: Africa's Spice Island

If you’re keen on tacking on some R&R after your oh-so-stressful Safari, consider Zanzibar. The "zan" in Tanzania is just an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from the mainland in the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect tropical spot to kick back and relax. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip.

1. Remember your visa. Visitors from the United States and Europe require visas to enter Tanzania. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, so you don't need a separate visa to visit, but you do need to show your passport.

2. Travel June through October. This is the best time to visit Zanzibar because the temperature averages 26°C (79°F).

3. Plan your trip around the holy month of Ramadan. Zanzibar observes Ramadan for a month every year. During this period Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Although hotels catering to tourists are not affected, many small shops and restaurants are closed during the day. If you plan to arrive during Ramadan, aim for the end, when a huge feast called the Eid al-Fitr (which means "end of the fast") brings everyone out to the streets.

4. Rent bikes. Bikes can be rented from shops near Darajani Market. Mopeds and motorcycles are another great way to get about the island.

5. Take the ferry. Not a big fan of flying in the small planes? Several hydrofoil ferries travel between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. The fastest trips, lasting about 75 minutes, are on hydrofoils operated by Sea Express and Azam Marine. Tickets can be purchased on the spot or in advance from the row of offices next to the port in Dar es Saalam. Timetables and prices are displayed on boards outside each office. Tickets for nonresidents range from $40 for first class (Tsh 65,000) to $35 (Tsh 60,000) for second class. The harbor is quite busy so keep an eye on your possessions and if you don't want help from a porter, be firm.

6. Take a deep breath when flying. Remember to exercise patience with all the local airlines because schedules are flexible and very often flights are delayed.

7. Be wary of taxi drivers. Whether you arrive by plane or ferry, you will be approached by taxi drivers. Be sure to agree on a price before getting in, as taxis do not have meters. The fare to Stone Town should be around Tsh 11,000 (around $10–$15). Your driver may let you out several blocks before you reach your hotel because the streets are too narrow. Ask the driver to walk you to the hotel. Be sure to tip him if he carries your luggage.

8. Be very careful when using ATMs. Make sure you use one that is on a reputable bank’s premises and that the bank is open—cards get swallowed all the time. Beware the airport ATM—it is omnivorous.



Fodor's

Sol Melia To Expand Into Tanzania

PALMA DE MALLORCA—In keeping with its strategy to expand into new markets, Sol Melia will open a new hotel on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Melia Zanzibar will be a five-star holiday resort and bolsters the company's presence in Africa following the inauguration of its first hotel in Cabo Verde. Previously operated by the Kempinski chain (Zamani Kempinski), the hotel will reopen next August under the Spanish company's most international brand, Melia Hotels & Resorts, joining the portfolio through a management contract.

Hotel Business