We're Not in Kansas Anymore (PART 4)

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore (PART 4)

As much as I miss home and everything I’m used to, being in Tanzania has already taught me the importance of embracing awkward situations, accepting unfamiliar customs, and just finding amusement in the incongruous juxtapositions. Below is a list of some of my most surprising observations thus far. Please bear in mind, this is meant to be enlightening and fun and not to be taken as a collection of insensitive blanket statements.

1.) TANZANIANS LIKE AMERICA

I am pretty sure having our first black president is one of the reasons Tanzania tends to like America, but I think they also just like the aesthetic appeal of our stars and stripes.

Sweet jacket, bwana!

Obama flashlight

...and used 2D batteries included? Fantastic!

Now, I know you've seen these dala dala decals before, but they seemed to be one of the most America lovin' mediums.

Dala dala designer: "I'm envisioning the logo for a clothing brand, a couple of random words--correct spelling is optional, and an American flag. Yes, that's it!"

More Obama

2.) DOGS ARE NOCTURNAL

Twas the night before tomorrow, when all through the nyumba

Only one creature was stirring, but not in the chumba.

The laundry was hung on the clothesline outside,

In hopes that by morning all will have dried.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of mandazis danced in their heads.

And mama in her kanga, and baba in his chupi,

Listened to the mbwa wreak havoc on the mji.

Okay, okay, that was dumb. But what I’m getting at is that dogs typically roam the streets at night, where they fornicate profusely, get into fights, get hit by cars, and make a lot of noise doing it all. In the morning, it is common to see the streets’ shoulders littered with those sleepy dirty-stay-outs.

Typical sight around town about 10 a.m....

... and usually in a nice sunny spot.

1 p.m. scratch and stretch.

3.) AMBIGUOUS MEAT VANS

The “Meat Van” is neither a meat nor a van… discuss. These suspicious vehicles delivering so-called “meat” to businesses around town are a common sight. Interestingly, they are all numbered, but I suspect only three actually exist: #9, #23, and #34, for those were only ones I ever found.