Happy Friday! It’s been a few days and I’ve almost recovered from my two weeks in Tanzania, minus the giant piles of mail and laundry that I’m purposely ignoring. One of the great places we were able to visit while we were away was Zanzibar. Who knew that the island was only a cheap 20 minute flight away?! Clearly I need a geography refresher! We were only able to squeeze in one day, but oh what a day!
From our little “puddle jumper” window we were able to see the coral reefs that surround the island and the tin roofs of the poor and crowded streets. Zanzibar is known for its sandy white beaches and exotic spices, but it also has an ancient city that we decided to spend our day exploring. We hired a guide for the day to take us through the city and explain the island’s past. He was very helpful and we would surely have been lost without him. Known as Stone Town, this main island hub is a maze of winding streets and alley ways that date as far back as 300 years old. Around every corner we found a new surprise, whether it was children playing ball in the street, or women on their way to pray. Our tour took a turn to the emotional when we visited slave chambers where many were held as their last stop in Africa before being sold into slavery. We were especially moved to physically touch the place that tragically affected so many and feel so grateful for having been able to experience such a magical place that despite its past remains optimistic and beautiful.
(photography by Floyd Yarmuth)
When I’m traveling I always enjoy reflecting and taking quiet time to jot down my thoughts. And it’s so much easier to take a journal than lug a laptop. This trip I took a new journal from Ecosystem. These journals are so great because in addition to looking great they are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials AND you can register online to see the specific origins of your journal. How cool is that!
Disclosure: I was provided with an Ecosystem journal at no cost to review.
{ 99 comments… read them below or add one }
Zanzibar is so high on my to visit list, really high!!
I love your insight!
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It sound like a magical land far far away.
)) And it looks like you have an azmazing time. I do not think I will ever go to Zanzibar, but I always enjoy reading about experiences and travelling to exotic contries.:-)
Thank you for your wonderful comment under my "Atelier" post. I put so much effort into creating it and it warms my heart to read about your impression of it. Every word is a treasure to me. Hope to have you as my guest one day.
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That sounds amazing! I have never even thought of traveling to places like this, but it sounds like it really changes you after you do! SO much history and culture not to be affected!
If I got that notebook I would use it to journal all the funny things my daughters say so we remember forever!
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i will use it for my daily sketch… i'm always bringing a journal/sketchbook when i'm outside!
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Well, let's see. In my journal I would write down all of my random thoughts from cooking to parenting. I have so many things I want to say sometimes but if I don't write them down then I simply forget and then I am left at the computer with a blank page! Zanzibar sounds amazing and I am so happy you got to visit it althought I would have rathered been with you! Have a great friday sweetie!
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Wow, what wonderful memories you must have of this trip!
I would use my journal to take notes of my upcoming assignments!
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Amazing!!!
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Sweet!
And nice giveaway, oh wow. My one journal I'm currently using is too small and the pages stick together.
I would use this as a prayer journal, and also to write awesome bible verses and church notes in.
SO NICE.
xoxox
caraalynn@gmail.com
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What an incredible trip. You are so lucky!
I actually still keep a journal, although I don't write in it daily anymore. Keeping a journal really helps keep you balanced and I love looking back on the events in my life.
Ps, I'm giving away a Hana flat iron!
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i REALLY need to commit myself to traveling – but it's nice to dream through ur adventures!!!
have an all smiles weekend
*hugs*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
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How dreamy! Getting to travel so much like that. I would love the journals, and would use them for marking down my children's milestones and commenting on them. I didn't do that as much for my first child, and really need to do it more for my second, so I don't forget. These journals would be the perfect thing! Thanks for a great giveaway!
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So jealous of your trip, Meg! And yur hubby takes fantastic photos! I would love to write about blog ideas and notes when abroad
)
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I'd so love to win – I'd use them to chronicle plans for different areas of my home.
- Danielle
other-option AT hotmail DOT com
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What great photos, it sounded like a blast!
I would use the journals to write down random thoughts, doodle, anything that came to me!
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I love journaling!
I would use it to write down my daily encounters in life! As well as the funny quotes my love and I share with each other, day to day!
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hi its really nice give awsy
cool post
hey thanks for comment
have a great weekend
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Gorgeous photos! What an amazing experience. We took a puddle jumper when were with in Africa as well and it scared me half to death lol. Fun giveaway! I don't journal, but I would gift it to my Sister who is a writer.
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beautiful photos!
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I went to Oman for about a month, and they used to colonize Zanzibar…ever since I was there, I've wanted to go.
I would use one to write recipes in, and I'd give the other away!
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More great photos and another place I want to visit
Happy weekend!
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I would use the journal to persue my dream… to be a writerx
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love the pictures from your trip!!
i would use the journals to keep up with ideas/sketches for my frame business!
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great post indeed..love it
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Ooh, this post comes at the perfect time – summer travels are abound!
Gorgeous giveaway, as per usual!!
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I would take it on my trip to Honduras and write about all of the great food I ate, people I saw, and beaches relaxed on!
Happy Friday!
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that sounds so awesome!
i definitely want to visit now!!
and i love journals!
and i love jotting down things through out the day!
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Fun! I would use the journals to write about everyday things, although I'd probably save one for my trip to Europe with the husband next year!
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Your trip sounds amazing. I would so enjoy these journals. I am learning things about myself everyday. I was never a reader, now I am a book reader. Never a journaler, but now I find I wish I had a note pad to jot down my feelings! I would put them to good use, I promise! Pick me, pick me!!! (I am not above begging…)
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great giveaway. i think i would use one to write down my thoughts and dreams and stuff like that. another one would be for business ideas and other business related stuff. the last one i would use for school.
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I'd give anything just to go anywhere. You are so lucky. I can only dream of the beach right now. LOL
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I could use a gratitude journal (or three!)
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I adore your pictures !
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I still am totaly jealous of your amazing time. I'd use the journal to write down the "stuff" i am going through right now. Might want to look back on it later.
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another fab giveaway sweetie! i dont know how you do it x
Missy
Check out my Sex and The city giveaway!
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com
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Sounds sooo fun! We just got back from a 2 weeks vaca yesterday, and I have done 5 loads of laundry and haven't received our back log of mail. AND jet lag, lovin it!
Lol I love vacation!!!
So yes enter me! I love writing:-)
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Wow, it looks amazing! Great giveaway too, I would write about my travels or ideas for my designs!
xo
Rachel
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Wow! What an amazing trip. Africa overall is on my list of places to visit someday, so many countries to choose from. I would use my journal for Africa!
xoxo J
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Looks like you had an awesome trip!! I would love to go there sometime!! And what a fabulous giveaway too! Have a great weekend!!
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I loved reading about your trip! And the pictures are fabulous! I love to journal and can't believe I haven't heard about these journals before! Thanks for sharing!
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Ahhh Zanzibar what a fantasy Meghan. Can we have champagne a day early, I am surely needing it today! I'm loving Kinsey by the way!
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Hmmm, I'd love to write short stories in them. Or work on some children's book ideas that I have never even tried on paper just yet!
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Seriously dying of jealousy over here! Zanzibar has been on my list for years! I've never know anyone who's visited so now I know who to ask for tips when I finally get there.
I love journals like these – I always carry one when I travel for sketches and notes. I've got a giveaway today too so stop by if you have time.
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That just sounds like such an incredible trip and I LOVE the journals!
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Great photos, I always wondered what Zanzibar looked like especially as a kid, the castle picture is amazing and also the last one with the people and their arms around each other, gives a great feel for the area.
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Rambling poetry, prayers, and sketches. I have been looking for a journal like these!
Love your blog by the way…. I'm a new reader.
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Zanzibar sounds like a dream…I wish I could go there…Your post is so amazing…Photos are beautiful:)
Kisses and enjoy your weekend:)
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Great post darling! I adore the photos! And the giveaway is lovely as well! I'd use the journals for my Designer's diary
Full of stories and sketches!
Hope you have a nice weekend!
xxx
Giovanna
http://www.bohomarket.blogspot.com
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sounds like an amazing trip!
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Wow, those photos are so great. How amazing!
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Wow – sounds so amazing!! Those pictures are wonderful…and you are so right, laundry can wait.
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Your post makes me want to book a flight today . . . someday . . . the photos are so enticing.
I could so use those journals! I'm hosting a women's weekend retreat in just a few short weeks where journaling is already planned. I would love to give them as gifts or to those who might forget theirs, or don't have one, or whatever. They could write about whatever pertains to the health and wholeness of their hearts?
I hope I win!!!!
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I would write about my secrets, frustrations, and love stories
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tweeted
http://twitter.com/styleezta/status/14454892991
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These photos are absolutely gorgeous — I've always wanted to go to Zanzibar!
I would love to win these journals — I'd use them to outline the rest of my book, to jot ideas for new novels, and would probably be permanently attached to them.
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
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What an awesome day trip! So great that you took the time to visit and learn about a new place. That is what I love about travel. I feel it expands your mind so much.
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I need another journal ASAP. I would use it as my "fleeting thoughts" notebook. I'd write how I feel, my poetry and fun doodles. I have a love affair with notebooks.
kristielynneforzese.blogspot.com
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i would actually give the journal to my cousin because she loves journals and shes very creative so i would love to pass on the gift to someone else!
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The photos are beautiful and I am so glad that you had such a great trip!
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Oh I need a new journal to write about my life as a mother {for my children to read when they get older}…my old journal is all filled up!
Cheers!
CherryBlossomsDesign {AT} hotmail
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Very cool!
I would use the journal to jot down things for school next semester
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You are the queen bee of giveaways!
I'm a follower already. I hope I win!
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I would write all the funny things my daughter will say in her life- then give it to her when she is graduating or getting married.
She is just starting to put words together – "pee pee" is a favorite right now
So, I've gotta get a journal soon!
Maybe an Aunt would like to write something special in the front
Lainie
p.s. LOVE the thoughts and pictures about your trip!
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Great pics!! I didn't know Zanzibar was a real place!!!
Ooo count me in for the giveaway!! I would write bits of my novel!! =)
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awesome photos-sounds like an amazing trip!
i'd used the journals to jot down ideas for future blog posts!
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Mmm….I wish I were there with you
! Glad you had a wonderful time!! xoxxooxxoxo
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what a wonderful place,,
i wish i can get there,, hmmpphh,,
so please enter me for the giveaway,, cause i can use that book for my travelling journal,, ahahaha i still imagine to be a backpacker
-loovveecuupps
shinta
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wow! what a wonderful getaway? Surely you had marvelous time, enjoyed and had a blast. Thanks for sharing.
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Great giveaway! I love how your trip has thoroughly influenced your life. That's a sign of a thoughtful traveler and person.
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What a journey! It looks and sounds marvelous! The photos are great!
So glad you had such a terrific time.
What memorable journey!
Big hugs!
B xx
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I would love using the journals for when I'm traveling in a couple months.
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I would write whatever I wanted. I love having a journal and a new pen and being able to start writing!
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Wow, that sounds like an amazing place. And I would love to win one of those journals – I'd take it to Greenland next month.
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How exotic! It looks like a beautiful town! So different from anything we see here in Chicago! Sometimes I wish I was more of a traveler…
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What a gorgeous excursion, very exotic indeed. Love your pictures.
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What a lovely post today…thank you for sharing those lovely images. This giveaway is wonderful…I would use one for my quotes..my old book is completely full! Hugs for a great weekend. xoxoxox
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What an amazing trip you got to take! So jealous! I would use the journal to take notes down on my pregnancy and then onto memories of my newborn!
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I always have a journal with me. I write down lots of reminders and many musings.
Love the shots of zanzibar! it looks so amazing.
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wow, these are amazing photos. It sounds magical.
What a fun giveaway too! Would definately use those fro drawing and journaling.
Happy weekend!
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So cool that you got to go there! Sounds like a magical place, so beautiful yet sad with parts of it's history.
I love the pics!
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awesome journals =) I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/jointhegossip/status/14510066651
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Actually I am going to Zanzibar tomorrow and will stay there for three months. Your journal has prepared me with anxiety and excitement to see this place.
I am in development, so I would use the journals to write about my experiences of working with people in different countries, like Zanzibarians.
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Awesome giveaway! Well, since there are 3 notebooks, I would use one to just journal daily adventures, thoughts, and feelings. I would use the 2nd one for logging vacation adventures (and I have a few upcoming trips that I could start with!), and the 3rd would be used for my art (drawings, photos, or collages).
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sounds like a great trip – love the photos
My 6yr old just asked today if we could start a journal together & this would be perfect
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cool giveaway! I firstly heard about ecosystems journals on daisy chains blog and I'd love some! love the colours
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I plan on using mine as a dream journal
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I just tweeted about the contest
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Glad to see you had such an amazing trip, and thank you for sharing!
Notebooks…I could always use a beautiful notebook to jot down ideas for performance pieces or various kinds of projects, so I have a bunch of suggestions to look back at when I want to make something!
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I need something proper to write down my thoughts and to-do lists and everything in!
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I also tweeted for an extra entry!
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idea journal
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http://twitter.com/whoaitseric/status/14567590386
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HI- I LOVE the pics and so interesting to hear about your thoughts about Z- I actually LIVE there with my husband and 2 daughters. We are opening and teaching at a vocational training school and learning the language and culture. I would use a journal to record all the amazing things I am learning living cross-culturally:)
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I've always wanted to have a colored journal to use as my little black book… teehee.
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And I totally tweeted about the contest! Extra entry for me
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Tanzania is definitely pinned on my map of places to go. I already have a pile of journals…mostly used. I use them for everything. jotting down ideas, notes, writing down callers names on my radio show (otherwise I'd forget). So I've got plenty to fill these puppies with.
~K
P.S. the Liberty of London Journals are on clearance…YAY!
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i want it for doodling and random thoughts
it would be a journal of moi
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http://twitter.com/whoaitsc/status/14588169275
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I guess I would also write about my time spent on the beautiful island of Zanzibar!
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I'm almost ready for a new journal! I use one on a daily basis to recored everything….to-do lists, wish lists, and everything else!
It's so fun to read about your travels! A friend of mine spent two years in Tanzania. Between the two of you, I'm dying to go!
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