temporary escape from living like a poor in Dar
on Clarifel Rodrigo (Tanzania), 20/Jun/2011 09:42, 34 days ago
Last weekend (Saturday), after the battery of my laptop was exhausted (no other way to recharge it since the power was still out), I decided to go out, brought a novel (this was a gift I got last Christmas 2010 but it was only yesterday that I started reading it), camera and a bottle of water. I went to Slipway– (this is a street name and it is along Msaki ward) there’s a hotel, restaurants, shops and African crafts stalls in the area. Most of the people that go there are the expats, tourists and some locals - who are from the middle-class or upper class (?)<– just a presumption>; for obvious reason– it’s expensive (for a Tanzanian that earns USD 200 - 300 a month). the middeteranian-style building at the SlipwayA scoop of ice cream is TSH 4000 (almost USD 3), a bottle of soda is TSH 1000 (price is doubled compare to ordinary stores) and a decent meal is around TSH 10,0000 (almost USD 7). The price you pay is actually for the comforts of staying there– away from the discomforts of living in Dar. There is a corner which is called“Streetfood at Slipway” – the food are cheaper (mostly grilled) but the stalls start to open at 6pm. Loitering there during day time is allowed while the stalls are still closed yet be responsible not to litter.some shops and restaurantsI was lucky that I found a shaded place to stay; with my novel, the bottle of water and something to chew (bought some at the supermarket there). I was intently reading when I noticed that there’s an Asian guy (East Asian national) sitting at the other side of the bench where I was. At first, I thought that he was trying to get a signal from his phone while moving towards my direction. Then I realized he was taking my picture through his phone. He did not say anything. He smiled at me and fled. He speaks Kiswahili and he was telling his local lady companion that I am his fellow Chinese. I don’t know why - my eyes are small but not like his and the color of my skin is also different from him. I don’t want to spoil my serenity so I continued reading.the playgroundI was glad that I stayed there for few hours. I was relaxed and my thoughts were distracted from whining. Lately, I am unhappy of what I am doing due to some unmet expectations, disappointments and frustrations. I was thinking that I am disillusioned of making a difference by doing a volunteer work.  Until now I haven’t sorted out my brain yet – it’s still manageable (I think). Besides, what I am going through right now is nothing compare to a poor Tanzanian (30% of their population are living below of the poverty line) who struggles to work to have a meal in a day.the indian oceanWhile watching the sunset, I was grateful that I had the opportunity to appreciate God’s creation. I spent almost USD 10 for the day but the inner peace I had at that moment was priceless.the sun still shines behind the dark cloudsthe beautiful sunset