All across the world, countries have been approaching the pandemic with lockdowns, movement restrictions such as curfews and swift punishment for those who break the rules. In Tanzania we have been pretty much allowed to go about our business as usual. People have taken it upon themselves to stay away from bars and restaurants but… Read More »
I thought it was the world’s worst hangover at first. I had been out at a party the night before and over-indulged and tried for the whole of Sunday to blow the cobwebs away. I walked to Coco Beach but still felt weak. I drank a lot of water and had a sit down and… Read More »
I started to regret asking Emmanuelle to take me to the beach on his boda boda because we were faced with a massive flood through which I was sure we could not pass. He knew better though. I put my phone away in my bag, held and tight and hoped to God I didn’t fall… Read More »
I found Gezaulole from an internet search of interesting places to see around Dar. It was said to have old buildings and a mosque and a certain charm to it. I decided that as the coronavirus had apparently been beaten in Tanzania, I should take the president’s advice and go out and about. I put… Read More »
It’s ok, the pandemic has not been a problem in Tanzania. We all prayed so hard and God has shown great mercy in sparing us. Hooray. At least this is what we are being told by the government. From Friday we are encouraged to observe three days of prayers in thanks to God for his… Read More »
It’s lucky I am happy with my own company because now I am volunteering at the COVID clinic here in Dar three days a week. There is a good bunch of selfless people helping the clinic and stopping it from being over-run. Fortunately I have the afternoon which are relatively calm. The mornings, from what… Read More »
Masks are obligatory when you go into a building. Bajaj drivers, security personnel and shop workers all have masks. This is not to say that everyone is wearing the properly though. I was in Village Supermarket today and all the bakery staff had masks but they were under their chin and hanging around their neck.… Read More »
Living in China for 10 years I was used to seeing old people everywhere, shuffling along the streets hunched over a walking stick, playing chess and mah jong and dancing in the parks or looking after their grandchildren. But I am yet to see an old person in Africa. This only occurred to me when… Read More »
The global lockdown has brought some benefits and one of them is the increase in video calls and conferencing. I did very little in that area but now people are stuck at home and still having to work, it turned out that it is pretty easier to do this given software like Zoom or Skype.… Read More »
It all started when my American neighbours got a new pet dog. They chose a white dog because they thought it looked cute but ended up instead, with an aggressive beast which they could not control. I christened it “White Biter” after it attacked me the first time. The thing could sense my disdain and… Read More »