Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 - (Page T14)

shopping SPREE Traditional handicrafts make the best buys Shoppers will ﬁnd regional items for sale throughout Tanzania, such as unique Maasai beadwork, spears from northern Tanzania, and Makonde woodcarvings of people and wildlife. Most towns have colorful markets with numerous stalls selling souvenirs, traditional clothing and handicrafts. Throughout the country, visitors can pick up bright printed clothes called kangas, which are worn by the women of Tanzania. Kikois are the male version of kangas, and are similar to wrap-around sarongs. Zanzibar gained fame as the original Spice Islands, and Zanzibar vanilla beans, whole cloves and round nutmegs laced with mace can be picked up at various markets. Honey from Tabora in central Tanzania is also highly prized. Tanzania is the world’s only source of tanzanite, a semi-precious stone found in the open mines around Arusha. The deep blue of tanzanite ranges from ultramarine to a light purplish blue. Fakes exist so don’t buy from sellers on the street; instead purchase tanzanite from a licensed dealer. Maasai handicrafts that are sought after by visitors include intricate and colorful Maasai beadwork, which utilizes thousands of tiny colored beads with cowrie shells and leatherwork to make bracelets and necklaces. Each of these pieces carries their own meaning, due to the symbolism given to each color. Also popular are Maasai spears, shields, and simis (swords) and rungus (clubs). These were traditionally carried by young warriors. Maasai blankets called shukka make nice gifts; these are primarily red, and blended with black, blue or other colors. One thing in common is the Tanzanian’s love of bargaining, which is expected in smaller shops and cooperatives. In the country’s larger shops and hotels, prices will be higher and bargaining is not part of the transaction. Regional specialties abound. Handmade baskets from Singida are easily found in craft shops in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The women of Maﬁa Island are known for their colorful mkeka woven mats made palm fronds. In Zanzibar, tiles, bowls, and carved wooden chests are good buys. Makonde woodcarvings are carved from a single piece of wood from the African Blackwood tree, also known as “Mozambique Ebony.” Be wary of fakes using lesser quality wood stained black with shoe polish. Tingatinga paintings were born from the artistic output of Eduardo S. Tingatinga, who established the art form in Tanzania in the 1960s. His followers have kept tingatinga alive by painting fanciful pictures on pieces of Masonite. These paintings travel well, being mostly small in size and sturdy. WHAT NOT TO BUY Responsible tourism entails refraining from supporting trades or services that do harm to the people or the environment, and travelers to Tanzania should be very aware of its importance. Avoid purchasing wildlife products such as ivory and skins as the market created by these purchases encourages poaching. Removal of coral, shells from turtles and other marine life contributes to an imbalance in the ecology of Tanzania and is discouraged. 14 Tanzania Travel Specialist • Travel Agent Magazine

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Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: InterContinental Geneva Puts Forth a New Look and a New Way to Get to Know the Swiss City London’s Soho Hotel Pacific/Asia: Taichung: Taiwan’s Third Largest City Pacific/Asia Briefs and Packages Tanzania Travel Specialist Mexico: A Roundup of Premier Hotels in Mexico City Q&A with U.S. Director of the Mexico Tourism Board Mexico Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Gen-X couples Creating a Kid-Friendly Vacation for Gen-X Clients that Still Includes Alone Time for Parents Richard Harper of Mandalay Bay Caribbean & Bahamas: What’s Happening in St. Kitts Puerto Rico’s Other Rainforest, Toro Negro Hawaii: The Big Island: First-Class Resorts and Native Culture Hotels: The Sky Lodge in Park City; The Lodge at Vail Tours: American Safari Cruises in Alaska’s Inside Passage Pacific Northwest: Suncadia, Eco-Friendly Resort Near Seattle Cruise: The Added Lure of Sailing with a Celebrity Onboard Small Ships Offer Up-Close Experience Cover Story: Hip Hotelier, Social Scientist Supplier Profile - Maximilian Brockmann: The New Face of Auto Europe Agent Profile: Sigrid Carter of Envoyé Travel The Orient-Express: Fabled Train Remains an Elite Product Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Europe Bookings as Dollar Falls Freestyle Cruising Casinos On the Rise in the Caribbean Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort Prepares for Major Renovation Visit Europe Media Exchange In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 26, 2007

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