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Restoring Faith In Tanzania
The last stop on my journey around the world was the East African
country of Tanzania. In addition to being the only location in the world where the precious jewel Tanzanite is found,
it is home to the World's Tallest Freestanding Mountain, Kilimanjaro and home to some of the best wildlife reserves in Africa.
When entering the country by air, the most likely entry-point for most travelers will be the capital city of Dar Es Salaam.
There's not much to do there, but it serves as a nice base to get to most areas of the country.
In Tanzania, one story sticks out in my
mind. This story takes place in the northern town of Arusha. I had been on the road for some time now and traveler's fatigue was definitely setting in. Because
of my appearance, I stood out in Tanzania. From the time I stepped off of the plane I felt like a target, not so
much in a way where I felt threatened, but more so in the typical "rip-off the tourist way." Whether it was negotiating
for a ride or for a couple of bananas, I felt like I was having to work a bit harder than I wanted to. I'm
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a big proponent of paying the local price. Many people think that
it's okay to pay a bit more for goods and services because you have it. But in reality it is the local people who end up
suffering. If local vendors know that they can get a higher price by selling to tourist, they either will only sell
to tourist or slowly begin to inflate their prices in order to get more from the locals who often can't afford increases.
In the end I want to pay the "fair" price.
I had been in Tanzania several days and again, everything felt like a chore and my fuse was getting
short. One morning I was making my way down the main strip in Arusha. A very strong, ripped gentleman, knowing
full well that I wasn't from around there, decided to make a grab for my pocket. I honestly think he was just trying
to get a rise out of seeing me defend my property, but at the same time it was just another thing that was slowly shaping
my opinion of Tanzanians.
Frustrated I walk into a local kitchen to try and get a cup of coffee and some food. It
was picnic bench style seating. As I walked in locals looked me up and down as if I was carnival side show. I
surveyed the room and picked a seat next to a middle age gentleman. As I tried to express in my best Swahili that I
wanted a cup of coffee, there was confusion behind the counter. After a few akward attempts, the gentleman sitting next
to me said something to the lady and then confirmed with me in English that I was looking for a cup of coffee. He translated
the order.
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I thanked him and we began a conversation. As it turns out he was
in the marketing department at the post office in Arusha. While I have marketing experience, I was not quite sure why
that specific post office had a marketing team, but who was I to question the country's method of promotion. I soon
decided that the breakfast that my new friend was having look good and I would have the same. Once again I attempted
to communicate, but knowing it was futile, my friend once again translated. We continued our conversation for some time.
He finished his breakfast and settled up with the kitchen owner. Once again I thanked him for his help and his conversation.
He wished me luck on my travels and welcomed me to Tanzania.
As I finished my meal, I began to pack my gear back in my daypack. I figured that
payment would be somewhat of a challenge, but that I woud simply hold out some money and let the owner take what I owed him.
As I pulled some shillings out of my pocket the owner motioned that I did not owe him any money. He then pointed to
where my friend had been sitting and motioned that he had paid for me. Suddenly, I forgot about all of the vendors who
were out to rip me off. My faith had been restored in Tanzania!
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| Tommy at the Top of Africa - Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro |
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Among the highlights of my time in Tanzania were my trek of Kilimanjaro.
This may have been one of the most physically and mentally grueling chanllenged I have ever taken. In four and a half
days we worked our way up the Machame Route to the top of Africa. Additionally, I embarked on a safari through Lake
Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. All locations were spectacular!
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| An Elephant at Lake Manyara |
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