Embracing the Unexpected and Finding Beauty in Simplicity
As we sat on the ferry heading back to the mainland of Continental Africa, the soft hum of the engine beneath me and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean stretching out to the horizon, I found myself reflecting on what felt like an eternity in the blink on an eye on Pemba Island. This journey, like so many others which I’ve talked about here on the blog, began with a sense of adventure and uncertainty. But as I look back, I realise that it wasn’t just the landscapes or the new destinations that will make this trip memorable-it was the moments of unexpected connection, the embrace of simplicity, and the beauty of living in the present.

Pemba wasn’t part of our original plan. In fact, it was an unknown variable, a last-minute decision prompted by the uncertainty at the docks in Zanzibar. We had hoped for a boat to the Comoros Islands, but when that plan fell apart, we pivoted, choosing instead to venture toward Pemba-an island not marked by the typical allure of tourist hotspots, but rather by its obscurity and promise of the unknown. In hindsight, this change of course was a blessing in disguise. It reminded me of something essential: sometimes the best journeys are those that are unplanned, driven by intuition and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Our time on Pemba was defined by a series of serendipitous encounters and acts of kindness that would have been impossible to script.- even writing these blogs I still can’t convey without making it sound like a fairytale or a lie about how things planned out. From the moment we arrived at the northern tip of the island, the landscapes spoke of simplicity and authenticity. Here, there were no grand resorts (boutique ones yes) -just miles of rice paddies, coconut groves, and the warm, welcoming smiles of locals who seemed genuinely curious about our presence. It was here that we first experienced the true spirit of Pemba: a place where hospitality is offered freely and without expectation, where life is lived at a slower pace, and where the beauty of the everyday is celebrated.

The hospitality we encountered was both humbling and heartwarming. I think of the Omani man, a stranger who invited us to use his water for as long as we wanted to camp, The man who welcomed us to camp under the shelter of his shack on the darkest of nights and the three strangers which we had Family dinner with every night. These moments, shared with people whose lives are so different from my own, reminded me of the universal language of kindness. There is something deeply touching about connecting with others in such a pure, uncomplicated way. It’s the kind of connection that transcends language and culture, rooted in a shared humanity and the simple joy of meeting someone new.

Living simply became our routine. Each day on Pemba unfolded with a kind of quiet elegance-walks along unspoiled beaches, exploring hidden coves and villages, savouring fresh fruit from roadside stalls, and ending with a modest meal shared under the stars. The rhythm of life slowed down, allowing us to appreciate the small things: the taste of fresh-caught fish grilled over an open fire, the feel of warm sand beneath our feet, the sight of meteors streaking across a clear night sky. In a world that often moves too fast, these moments felt like a gift, a reminder to slow down and be in the present.

There is a profound sense of contentment that comes from embracing simplicity. In those quiet moments, gathered around the fire sat with the locals who had welcomed us so warmly, I felt a deep connection not only to them but also to myself. It was as if the island, in all its rustic charm and understated beauty, had peeled back the layers of distraction that often cloud our minds and allowed us to see clearly what truly matters. I realised that hustle and bustle of earlier parts of this this trip, wern’t healthy, nor was the the constant push for more. It all now seams distant and irrelevant. My trip, this trip across Africa, was absolutely developing in ways I never thought possible. such a cliche, but Africa was changing me.

What now remained, as the cool ocean air rushed across my face, I realised was, a sense of peace, of gratitude, and of being exactly where I needed to be. Why didn’t it feel like this in Cape town when this this journey began?

As the ferry cut through the waves, carrying us back to the mainland and the awaiting Adventure ahead, I promise to try to carry with me the lessons which Pemba has taught me. This journey wasn’t about ticking off destinations or capturing the perfect Instagram shot (although it was impossible not to take such photos here) It was about embracing the journey in its entirety-the uncertainties, the unexpected turns, the simple joys, and the profound connections. It was, to me, a reminder that travel, at its core, is not just about seeing new places but about opening oneself up to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives.

Pemba showed us the beauty of living in the moment, of trusting the journey, and of finding joy in the simplest things. It reminded me that some of the most beautiful experiences and people in life are those that are unplanned, those that catch you by surprise and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Sat here, watching the island slowly fade into the distance, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey-for every moment of uncertainty, every act of kindness, every quiet sunrise, and every blazing sunset. For it is these moments that make a journey truly unforgettable. As i think about it, I leave not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the world and its infinite possibilities. I’m reminded that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you never planned, the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and into the arms of the unknown. And I am forever grateful for the journey, for the unexpected turns, and for the chance to discover not just new places but new parts of myself along the way.

It’s time to disembark as this chapter has now come to a close. Let’s hope I don’t get lost in the crowd again moving forward. For I again, am standing alone in Africa.