Observations of life in Dar

Tanzanian’s take life poli, poli (slowly, slowly). No matter the time of day/night you will always see people (mostly guys) just sitting around, most roads either chatting or snoozing! Although this is due to a lack of work/opportunities for them, to earn a living. The roads are noisy and busy with activity, traffic, cars, motorcycles all doing their own thing in-material of who/what is behind them waiting to pass by.

There are many shops/shop fronts and many street sellers walking up and down the roads carrying wicker trays, baskets anything that will hold their goods, they sell a variety of items – peanuts, oranges, cigarettes, water, all sorts and they attract attention by shaking the change of money in their hands so it makes a familiar noise ‘chenk, chenk’ even the bus conducters do the same – no words needed they just shake the change at you, in order for you to pay your fare.

A busy road nearby to our hostel. - Loads of taxi's every where and the roads are always congested with traffic.

There are many Indian people here, with many businesses and communities, there is even a road named India Road and it has the feel of a mini India!! – Same, same but different!! Especially as most of the cuisine is Indian inspired - curries, biriyani, chapatti’s, onion barji’s etc…

One of my favourite places to eat is the Tea Room – where they apparently serve the best tea in Dar but I prefer the chicken curry and a pepsi! And in most places where you eat, expect to share your table with local people as they will just sit anywhere they can find a seat…love it!! Although a great way to meet and chat with them.

But again the people are so friendly and the city buzzes with chatter and energy.

Jason and me at the Slipway Peninsular

 A beautiful sunset in Dar.