First AB

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Before coming to Tanzania I knew that I was in for culture shock, a real gut wrenching experience. I knew that seeing how people live in conditions that are seen all over the developing world would be difficult, and at times it can get overwhelming if you think about it too much. Whether its seeing people having to do most of the cooking and cleaning of dishes outside because they lack the proper facilities and running water; seeing how people function without electricity for most of the day, as sporadic power outages have plagued Tanzania and much of Sub Saharan Africa for years; witnessing the treat of malaria with every mosquito bite; or playing soccer with an 8 year old who is exhausted after 10 minutes because he doesn’t get enough nutrients throughout the day is enough to break anyone’s heart.

But to be honest, the hardest thing I’m dealing with right now is that despite these and other hardships that these people battle through, it is nearly impossible to accept and comprehend how generous and welcoming everyone has been to me. For what these people have done for me in a short few days will take me years to reciprocate. Sure I’ve pitched in buying things here and there, but it doesn’t even come close to what they have given me.

I guess I can’t say I’m not surprised by how well I’ve been treated, because I know firsthand how well families from poorer countries treat all their guests – but to witness it in such a gruelling environment just blows me away. These folks live a hard life, but they have gone out of their way to make their home feel like my home.

Before I came here I met one person that would be in Tanzania a week before I’d fly out. Basically, I personally didn’t know anyone here at all. Now, I know about 20 people, have slept in 2 different homes in my first 3 days, and have eaten with 3 different families and haven’t been here a week. One family, who lives about an hour and a half outside of Dar es Salaam and does not have access to electricity at all, had me and a friend eat with their family of five. Could you imagine cooking for 7 people without power or running water, with no fridge or stove? In case you were wondering we had cow, with some green stuff, tomato sauce, beans, carrots, and a mash potato looking thing made out of corn called uglai. No 1st year university meals here I tells ya! (no offense to Murray’s hot dog and spaghetti combo). It truly is amazing to see how welcoming people are. Despite being in a big city of around 5-7 million, it has the friendliness of Carp.

I’m havin a beauty time. The people are awesome and Ive seen some cool stuff and been to a whole bunch of different places in Dar as well as Bagamoyo, and old slave trading post outside of town. Before I go to Shinyanga, I will be off to Zanzibar to see the beaches and Stone Town and hopefully Dodoma, the nation’s capital on my way to the northern part of the country. Once I get this internet and phone system on lock down and start working I will be better able to keep in touch. More on that later, but lemme tell ya, shes pretty frustratin and hard to get the hang of…

I hope everyone is doing great back home and I wish you all the best and please feel free to ask any questions on anything.

Taker easy,
Matt Jaworski.

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Photos

Couple a palms
The big coconuts are good for eatin while the small ones are good for drinkin.

Catch a the day!
Bus fish, yummy!

Slave Post
Bagamoyo was once a key slave post during the Arab Slave trade. At its height 500 000 slaves a year were taken from this post.

Holy monument
The statue pays homage to the missionaries who settled here in 1869.

Bright Future
The children I met are extremely bright, especially the girls. The kids I've spoken with also speak better English than the adults, including myself. Private schools are where its at, as the quality of education one receives is far greater than that offered in public schools.

Bibi (grandmother)
This is my buddy's mom. Everytime I see her she gives me a hard time on my Swahili but admits that it is coming around.

Nice wheels
These bikes are a tuff ride. I bailed about 5 times, gave up to run beside the kid bikin at one point. Somethings wrong with the steering for sure.

Athelete
I could go straight no problem, but turnin, forget it. Especially in the sand. Me an my boy here were in charge of gettin some food supplies for the meal. But by the time we got there the shop closed.

Footy
I took this pic just before I rubbed him with a glove hand save to keep the score tied at 0-0 (haha shocker!)

Yes sir!
Slipper the flipper!

Rollin into Bagamoyo
Were in a bajudge, its got 3 wheels with no doors on either side. There pretty cool especially for cruising around for a short while.

Paradise Hotel
The area is becoming a big hit with tourists, so what better place to stay than the paradise hotel! In the front is a mosque.

Fish market
The beach is mainly used to park the boats used to catch the fish, clean and cook them. Here is a fish market where all kinds a fish are sold.

Slave post
Another slave post further into town. On the shoulders of the slave is a giant elephant tusk.

Slave market
Here is the ol slave market, now transformed into a regular market. Slave owners would bid on their 'property' here.

Mr. President
This is the house where current president Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete grew up in. Although he came into office with much fanfare, he is now extremely unpopular.

New purchase
Say hello to our brand new stove!

Comments

[Mehul]

Dar es Salaam
Hi The trip sounds great. My name is Mank. I am from India. I wanted to know how s current life in Dar Es Salaam, as i will be come to Dar es salaam this month End for work purpose. Is it enough to survive in $400 for a family of 2 to survive in Dar Es salaam with Accomodation and transport provided. How safe is the place to live with a family for an Indian.