While visiting nice, beautiful and amazing places around the world. It is usually the people that you meet, whether local or visitors alike, that makes the most memorable experience. As I sit in Dar es Salaam airport and reflecting on the past few weeks spent in mainland Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, I can truly say that the people have all been incredible.
This morning however was very unique. I had booked my taxi from my hotel in Paje, Zanzibar to the airport. Local driver, Omar, picked me up at 5.30am for an 8am departure from Zanzibar airport flying to Dar es Salaam (more to follow on my single engine / single pilot, experience…) We spoke for a bit about today’s big Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, and he was interested to hear about my journey. When Omar found out that I would be flying from Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam – Doha – Dallas – Phoenix, and the fact that I wouldn’t be home until Tuesday night (staying 2 nights in Doha), he said “come to my house for good muslim holiday breakfast”. I said of course.
Omar’s house was located in the heart of Stonetown shanty town, no tourists here. Tin roofs, dirt mus roads, trash everywhere, animals, kids, no windows…. Inside his home his sister in law provided some very local food, none of which I can pronounce or spell… after meeting his family (and the live chicken in their kitchen) and breakfast and tea it was off to the airport.
Yesterday was another great experience. We said bye to a local guy, Rango, that worked at a restaurant that we’d been frequenting for lunch each day. Last night he joined us and also provided typical desserts for the Muslim holiday. He had brought them from his family in town. We spent an hour just talking about Zanzibar life.
Driving around dirt bikes on the island yesterday (more to follow about this great decision to follow…), we managed to breakdown in the norther end of the island. Quickly a guy came to assist and walked us to the local repair “shop” for a repair job. 45 min job and no price gouging.
Driving through the shanty towns of Stonetown seeing a cemetery shared between Christians, Muslims, and Hindus reminded me of just how multicultural Tanzania really is. And the amazing part; they all get along. Maybe it would be time we all got along in year 2014 instead of beheading each other, preaching religions upon each other, and discriminating based on faith.
Eid Mubārak
Next stop Doha, Qatar.