Zanzibar should enlist Neema to be the face of tourism for Tanzania. She eagerly welcomed visitors and showed us some natural wonders of her country.
We met Neema at the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, Where she produced occasional warm smiles for her visitors. She stood in rapt attention at the side of the Butterfly Centre’s guide, as he gave our group an excellent show-and-tell about the life cycle of butterflies.
Our guide took us into the netted butterfly garden with Neema at his side. We saw the chrysalis hanging on racks. When the new, wet butterflies emerged they flew to the top of the screened box to safely dry off before they were ready to emerge into the garden.
We strolled through the garden, watched butterflies delicately graze brightly colored flowers, only to take off quickly for another flower or fruit offering.
We had assumed that little Neema was our guide’s daughter, but found out she is a little neighbor girl who spends her time at the Butterfly Centre. She just loves learning about butterflies and meeting new people. Our guides that day were very good, but Neema was definitely the most charming.
June 2014
simpletravelourway 
Congratulations for that lead photo of Neema. You caught it just right, and caught her so tenderly…
The butterflies are wonderful on their own, of course, but Neema just puts them over the top. I love that she comes because she’s so interested!
Thanks. If only you could have see her in person.