Saturday 14th June. Managed to wangle a weekend in Pemba on business - ZIFF paying for the flights.

Rose early, dressed, and made my way to the airport. Bought a ticket for the outward and paid for a return on the Monday although due to the member of staff not having enough credit on his personal phone he seemed unable to issue the return ticket. My colleagues Baretto and Munira who were on a day trip had the same problem. We were told we’d get a call during the day about the "arrangements".

Going through airport security Baretto helpfully (I thought) put his Swiss army knife in the tray for pocket contents to go through the scanner. The official told him it was dangerous and could be used to hijack the plane. Baretto was amused with the idea and asked how far we might get in a 5 seater Cessna? All the same our Zan Air handler took the knife and gave it personally to the pilot… only to be returned on safe arrival at our destination.

The ZIFF office in Chake Chake is right next door to Partnership Travel so when we arrived I took a moment to go and see if Tahir was around. I’d emailed a week or so before but had heard nothing. It turned out he was in Wales. (actually I think I may have got the better deal). His younger brother Yusuf seemed to be running things now. I was touched that he remembered me by name – it was a few years since we’d met at dinner in Tahir’s home. Oh well. Too bad Tahir was not around – guess that means I’ll be grateful if Swahili Divers have a place for me.

Had a meeting at ZIFF to plan the day. Baretto and I would go with Abdullah to check out venues while Munira would have strategic and budgetary meetings with Saidi (lucky Saidi I thought). We’d meet again later in the day to report back.