Just worked out that I can use my iPhone for pics at least..... this is not great, but is typical of Dar es Salaam Dusty, crowded, crumbling colonial buildings, friendly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
First day in Tanzania!
Went to the airport in Singapore dressed very smartly, in a suit and new travel case... not sure why, just felt like it. The Singaporean Qatar Air guy upgraded me to business class! However once I reached Qatar airport, they were assuming I was a businessman from the West and I felt slightly less than welcome.... and by the time I got to Tanzania, the suit was a definite disadvantage, clearly I looked like Mr Moneybags and there was no way I was going to find a decent-priced taxi ride to my hotel ! I've suitably dressed down since taking a cold shower... my hotel is very basic, but fine. There are still pictures of the famous first Pres of Tanzania, Julius Nyere, around.
Yep I've arrived safely in Dar es Salaam. It reminds me of Darwin (laid back, on the sea and with tropical trees) but in major need of an urban renewal project. People are relaxed but clearly very poor... and keeping in mind Dar is richer than most of the rest of the country, it's a stark reminder of their need. I bought a basic "learn Swahili" book from a man on the road, for 20 cents, and bought the only fruit that I could peel and thus be protected against microbes... a banana.
Haven't taken any photos yet, need to get a feel for this place before I start whipping my camera out.. hopefully tomorrow, when I run around town to purchase bus tickets for the next leg of the journey, and to buy things I forgot to buy (eg: towel, bandages).... Dodoma on Wednesday, where I will meet the first NGO on behalf of HAT, Maji na Maendeleo who help communities by providing safe access to drinking water and health education.
Yep I've arrived safely in Dar es Salaam. It reminds me of Darwin (laid back, on the sea and with tropical trees) but in major need of an urban renewal project. People are relaxed but clearly very poor... and keeping in mind Dar is richer than most of the rest of the country, it's a stark reminder of their need. I bought a basic "learn Swahili" book from a man on the road, for 20 cents, and bought the only fruit that I could peel and thus be protected against microbes... a banana.
Haven't taken any photos yet, need to get a feel for this place before I start whipping my camera out.. hopefully tomorrow, when I run around town to purchase bus tickets for the next leg of the journey, and to buy things I forgot to buy (eg: towel, bandages).... Dodoma on Wednesday, where I will meet the first NGO on behalf of HAT, Maji na Maendeleo who help communities by providing safe access to drinking water and health education.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Transit in Singapore
Hi everyone - have reached Singapore safely, and about to board the plane for the Qatar-Tanzania leg. My first meeting with an NGO will be with Maji na Mandeleo (http://mamado.org) in Dodoma, which is a 6 hour bus ride West of Dar es Salaam. Be back then!
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