New Experiences

Besides language training and teacher classes, part of our orientation in Dar es Salaam has also included getting familiar with some of the culture and preparation for daily life in Tanzania.  Yesterday, for example, we had a lesson on hand washing our clothes (since this is something we will have to do on a regular basis).  What this involves is filling a large wash basin with water, putting in a few handfuls of local brand of “detergent” (called Oma), and essentially scrubbing your clothes clean.  Once the clothes are washed with soap, you rinse them out with clean water, wring them of excess water and hang them up to dry.  It’s certainly a bit more involved than what I was used to back home, but I guess it never hurts to sharpen up some domestic skills!  One interesting cultural aspect of washing clothes is that apparently it’s rude to hang your underwear out in public view.  So, I guess any guests in my home will have to expect to see home underwear hanging out to dry in the bathroom when they come by!

Other interesting experiences have included using the various forms of local transportation.  Going out and getting to places has been a learning experience in itself, as taking a taxi involves bargaining a price before you even get in the cab.  Usually they will start off with a price that is double what they will accept, so you never want to just get in the taxi without trying to get the price as low as you can.  As a foreigner, it has been a bit daunting at first to try and barter prices, but now that I have some knowledge of basic Swahili phrases and numbers it’s getting easier each time.  If they know that you have some knowledge of Swahili, they’ll take you more seriously when bartering.  Other modes of transportation include minibuses called “daladalas,” which are like small buses that are usually packed to double capacity.  They’re a cheap form of transportation, and they also make for ideal situations to practice some Swahili.  Usually everyone is quick to greet you (which is why Swahili greetings are so important to learn), and it’s not hard to get into a 45 minute conversation with a friendly local, as happened to me today.  The other, and most adventurous form of transportation is a “bajaja,” which is a small, open-aired, three-wheel vehicle that’s almost like a very very powerful golf-cart.  This is a cheap (and fast!) form of transportation if you’re feeling a little more courageous.

Even though washing clothes, local transportation, and many other new cultural experiences have been a bit daunting at first, they’ve gotten easier (and more fun!) as I’ve experienced them more.  As with anything, the more you do try new things, the more comfortable you get with them.