Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries we’ve experienced - endless beaches, mountains, wildlife, and jungles. The southern safari circuit had hardly any tourists, which served as our advantage and made for a more authentic experience. In the villages we passed, we were the only muzungas (white people) but sensed a palpable recognition of community. Encounters with the people demonstrated that our fears were misplaced as everyone was exceptionally friendly, especially when we tried some Swahili. The language was easy to learn (compared to others) and it was amusing to get smiles when I offered some key phrases (“husband, give me more money”).
On the downside, we’ve experienced the government taking advantage of the tourists, for example charging a local $5 for park entrance but $65 for non-residents (the same goes for hotel rooms, food, pretty much everything). They also required us to pay in U.S. dollars, a hassle because we could only get Tanzanian shillings at the ATM.
It’s complex to witness such poverty from the perspective of someone who has financial security. Why don’t these people have running water? Why can’t the government or a private utility company run electricity to these villages? Why aren’t the roads paved (so we wouldn’t get flat tires and it wouldn’t be so dusty)? And by the way, why is it socially acceptable to throw trash on the ground instead of using a garbage can? As an outsider, its easy for me to ask these questions, when I know there are a complicated mix of reasons of which I can’t understand. Until then, I try not to judge and only hope the lives of these villagers are filled with happiness.
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