Daladala

Here in Tanzania is a common mode of transportation called a “daladala”.  Imagine a small bus that more closely resembles a van, which is literally packed to the brim with adults, elderly folk, babies, students, and the occasional mzungu [white person/foreigner], which right now is typically a fellow PCT.  :P  Tanzanians usually say, “you can always fit one more in a daladala,” and it is too true.

A daladala is the prime environment for many pick-pockets, since you are squished up against someone else and there is little room for personal space, if any.  By the way, there is no sense of personal space here, as it is in many places in Europe; however, the people here are usually very friendly once you greet them in Kiswahili.  :)  About 65% of the time, I will receive a smile or a surprised-excited look on someone’s face when I say “Habari za leo?” [How are you today?], “Shikamoo” (which is a way of greeting elders with respect), or “Mambo” (to kids).  For the other 35% of the time…I have interesting experiences.

The first time I had to ride a daladala was in Dar during our walk-around the city so we could get a glimpse of Tanzanian culture.  It was a Sunday, so the daladala was spacious in TZ standards, as in every seat was filled but no one was standing. Luckily, our wonderful PC staff warned us and said it was not a true daladala experience, so I was prepared for what ensued, or so I thought.

For those of you that know me, I tend to have unique experiences which usually result in thrilling tales.  After being in the country for less than three weeks, all of the following has happened to me inside or in proximity to a daladala: 1) I witnessed a pick-pocketing of my friend (I will not name him so he does not bathe in further shame :P), 2) I have been called a twin to the only other female Asian PCT (Kristine) and both of us were thought to know kung-fu, 3) I was touched on the face through a window by a man outside of the daladala who called me Mchina (Chinese person) right as the daladala was leaving that stop, 4) a man indirectly proposed to me because he wanted to go to America, 5) the most adorable baby with the longest eyelashes I have ever seen played with me and my face (I was okay with this face-touching) and he danced between his mama and me on the seat, 6) said baby was breastfed by his mama in the seat I was sharing with her, and 6) I fell off the daladala when I was stepping off at my stop and EVERYONE saw me (mamas on the daladala, pikipiki drivers, and my fellow PCTs that were lucky enough to witness it) and then some followed up by saying “pole sana” [very sorry] while I attempted to avert my eyes from everywhere but the ground.

In case you were wondering, 1, 2, 4, and 6 are very common according to PC so that was not particularly surprising, even though I did happen to experience them first before the rest of our training class, go figure.  On the other hand, my resources (TZ locals and PCVs) tell me that 3 is very weird.  They had never heard of that ever in their time here so…yay me!  -.-  I did clean my face thoroughly both times I was touched – unintentionally and intentionally – and my left foot was only strained so I have healed quickly, though my pride hasn’t quite yet.  Haha jk.

Seriously, I’m healthy and feeling great.  I do miss my American home, but every day I am starting to feel more and more at home here.  Still cannot believe that it has already been about two weeks here!  I will try to post some pictures tonight if my internet connection permits it!!  Anyway, until next time, usiku mwema! [Good night!]