First Weekend in Dar Es Salaam: Saturday Edition

Posted by tiffany

Saturday I woke up and still felt sick. In fact, I felt worse. But I had resolved that I would not panic. So I ate some more oranges and had a hearty breakfast. I really should have just slept, but I had to move to my new house that day so I couldn’t.

Saidi (the CARE driver) came to pick me up to go to where I will be staying for the remainder of my time in Dar Es Salaam. Having seen the house and knowing I would have a roommate (which my mind translated to friend!), I was pretty excited. Plus, she spoke English! Yay!!!

But she called and said she had an emergency so we wouldn’t be able to move in until 7pm.

So Saidi suggested he show me around the city and I gladly accepted. We went to the Kariakoo (this huge Market). It was almost overwhelming! So many people, products, and smells (good and bad!).

After the Kariakoo, we went to Coco Beach –which is the beach where all the locals in Dar go. Saidi explained how the beach was segregated with one part used mostly by Black people and the other part used mostly by Indians.

Then we had lunch. Saidi tried to teach me the ins and out of eating with your hands (mainly your right). It is definitely a learned skill, but I am doing ok. The food was delicious. I had this great spicy chicken and rice with some fresh fruit for dessert. I felt so much better after lunch!

After Coco Beach we went to Slipway. That was nice because they had a lot of nice goods for a relatively cheap price. It was also right on the water and had a beautiful view! The only problem was I was losing the battle against the sickness and I felt it. My throat was getting worse and now I had a bit of a fever.

Before Saidi finally dropped me off at my house, I bought a lot of orange juice. (I am a firm believer in sleep and vitamin C!) When Saidi dropped me off, Sheena (my roommate) wasn’t there, so I just made myself at home. I drank two glasses of orange juice and took two more Ibuprofen and fell asleep watching the movie Not Easily Broken (which I bought for $3 and was pretty good, btw!).

So, as you can see, Saturday there was nothing too crazy. Saw some sights. Explored a bit. Nothing too elaborate. Besides the continuing battle against whatever sickness is inside of me.

This is the first time I ever wanted to have the flu!

Pictures!

In the downtown area, called City Center.