A few thoughts about Tanzania

There were so many things that I had preconceived notions of before coming to Africa. So far we have seen so many things where I say, "That's just like in Canada!" Or "I didn't expect this" 

Tanzania-

Tanzania is a lush, green country filled will an abundance of resources. The tourism industry is strong. Unfortunately, like other countries, the government and rich people make most of the money and the rest of the people work really hard for very little. Of course there is unbelievable poverty... We drove through so many villages that people were living in small shacks that were far from towns, so I'm not sure how they lived.  That being said, I learnt from our guide that the company he works for pays its employees a monthly salary. Even when it's low season, the guides and cooks get an income. He said that they are doing well and can live well. This made me happy. I don't know if other companies do the same, but it was nice to know that ours did. 

The Maasai people have found a way to benefit from tourism also. They give tours of their villages and it enables them to send their kids to school and make a good income for their villages.  Unfortunately, because of tourism, and the  tourists that think they need to give little kids on the side of the road candy and treats, tourists have taught kids to spend their days on the side of the road, or run beside safari vehicles with their hands out. As hard as it is, please don't teach kids to beg. It is not a healthy way to live for these kids. Believe me, it's very hard to look these kids in the eye and know what they want and drive away. What I did give them was a big smile and a wave. I got lots of cute smiles back and lots of waving hands too. If people want to give to kids, there are ways to connect with organizations and school and support them in healthy ways. 

The people we met while in Tanzania were friendly and generous. Our guide told us the about 60% of the people were Christian and 40% Muslim and they lived together and worked together and even married each other in harmony. We talked about all the similarities between Canadians and Tanzanians. There are lots of ways we are the same. I love that. The people we met loved their country even with its imperfections. Just like most Canadains I know. 

We boarded our flight for Namibia in a hot older airport in Stone town. It felt very unorganized and we spent almost an hour trying to check in. Once checked in we sat in another hot stuffy room waiting for the plane to leave. 

Once in the plane, we felt like this was more like we were used to from an airport. Until the steward came on and told us that the doors were now closed and they would be spraying the cabin with a chemical and if we thought the spray would be dangerous for our health, we should cover our mouths!  Whaaat?? 

Well, we lived!