The road back to Dar es Salaam

12 Hours to the Coast

We left the cool breezes of Mufindi at daybreak for a 12 hour drive back to Dar es Salaam. The dirt backroads were mixed with Sunday worshippers and the daily duties. While the areas previously had a strong Muslim presence, these areas were dotted with Christian churches and brightly clothed parishioners.

A house by the road. Probably for 5.

I can't get over the head carrying thing...

We hit Mafinga about an hour into the trip. Most of us needed to find a restroom for the morning tea...which was an adventure. Note for traveling in rural areas of Africa and even the cities there...bring your own toilet paper. A little extra in a cargo pocket is a good thing. Also, be prepared to squat. Toilets with seats are a luxury and if they have them...well...be prepared to squat. That's all for the travel advisory. Just a note.

Forget the seat...Where's the toilet!!!

The ride was uneventful besides the fascination I have with just watching people go about their daily duties. You realize how hard it is to catch up when so much of life is consumed with just living. Bringing education to a region doesn’t erase the fact that clean water is 2 miles away and you have to walk there. The convenience of the US seems almost grotesque at times when compared to the difficulties here.

Shopping mall Mafinga style...

Coke getting some serious branding

The big Mafinga Hotel...

Entering Mikumi. Obviously, cars are a luxury.

Many of the billboards have "Safari Njema" or "Have a Good Trip".

We visited the snake zoo and learned about which poison the blood vs tissues and which that have no cures...scary.

An arm's length from having no arm.

Pretty...but no cure...you bleed from every opening.

Todd taking a picture of his huge Ugali (stiff Corn Meal) before devouring the mound.

I thought these were simply unfinished projects left to rot but Mwanga explained that people build the places as they have the funds...sometimes for years...

Posted: Sun - July 27, 2003 at 11:20 PM Africa, Summer (Winter) 2003 Email Comments