Daladalas and More

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I need to relate two daladala experiences with everyone. One is from Monday, one from today. On Monday, I went to the Saba Saba day celebrations (see previous entry). Our daladala had a live chicken in the back. And this chicken was not in any sort of cage. Now, to be fair, none of us knew that there was a live chicken in the trunk until about halfway through the trip when we started hearing noises. Since all daladala windows are practically permanently open, we figured that the noises were coming from outside. Until they seemed to follow us. Since we were sitting in the back seats, one of us dared to look bad and we saw a chicken jumping and screeching. We found it really funny but the locals seemed to think that we were strange for laughing. I'm sorry, but people don't usually bring live poultry onto public transportation in the United States.

The second daladala experience, today's, isn't as funny but still is an interesting look at culture? Todays daladala was pimped out...there is no other phrase to describe it. We had a blue velvet ceiling and blue velvet walls. On the ceiling was also a silver platter that reminded me of a chandelier except that no chandelier hung from it. There were several speakers that created the impression of surround sound. I had a need to laugh, but restrained myself. Yes, daladalas are always interesting things.

Other than fun daladala experiences (other random side note: they have a weird obsession with country music in Tanzania...), I have also taken a test in ecology (yay?) and went on a few more walks. All things that I love to do. We have also begun to plan our trip for the weekend. As of right now (fingers crossed), I will be going to Gombe Stream National Park, a place made famous by Jane Goodall and her extensive work with the chimps here. It will be slightly expensive, but completely worth it. If all goes according to plan, it is a 12 hour or so bus trip to Kigoma from which the park is then a 2 hour ferry ride across part of Lake Tanganyika. We'd probably be there for 4 days taking into account all of the travel time. And then the Serengeti is right after!

Later today I hope to find the Saa Nane Museum (literally 8 o'clock ). It's supposed to be absolutely awful, which is why I need to go to it. I can't wait. If Gombe Stream does play out, expect a long and really excited entry!!!

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Comments

[Tory]

oyyyy....
12 hours on the bus....reminds me of goin to ohio with the band...except 3 hours longer...hahaha. but man...sounds good. lots of nature eh?