I am fascinated by the activity and movement of people here!  They are selling everything imaginable…in traffic, on roadsides, in marketplaces.  Vendors are squeezed into every imaginable space where potential buyers may pass.  Patric (our guide, 26, northern Tanzanian) explained that many are selling nuts, drinks, window washing in traffic to afford college or school for themselves or relatives.  It is very common to take off every other year from school to make enough money for the next semester.  Everyone must pay for primary school through college.  One must completely pay back college loans within one to two years.  You may only qualify for loans if you or your family owns material goods, animals, or land.  Many people do not own these things. 

Men, women, and children are always on the street unless they are one of the few who do work in buildings or schools.  So much of life happens on the street or inside/outside of the shop.  This is because most people live on less that one dollar a day (poverty by international standards but unclear about the actual lifestyle it allows here) and the hot climate. This combo produces an outdoor culture.  So much time is spent on the street that I keep asking questions about what they are doing and where they are going.  Since many people are self employed they may take a break if business is slow or whenever they like.  You see many people taking siestas during the day, lounging in tires or water swales (dry ones) in the shade while business is slow.  However, because these are still “business hours” for me, I incorrectly thought these individuals were not employed. 

I had to quiet my perception of life and business, work and socialization, to see this new structure – their type of balance between work and personal time.  Since there is so little private time and space, I am left wondering when and where people do private things.  Does a typical couple spend a significant portion of time together?  Alone ever?  If not, it is sad or disturbing but just another unique characteristic of Tanzanians in Dar.

I also noticed this evening a string of boutiques selling western trendy clothes for women and run by women.  These are the only shops I have seen run by females and they are young women.  Wonder if that is a new trend here?

This is a very diverse city.  There are many tall buildings, constant heavy auto and foot traffic, and business everywhere!  Some women and men wear long robes & head coverings and others wear western clothing.

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania