Kiswahili is the most hilarious language I’ve ever come across. In Kiswahili, ‘hello’ is ‘jambo’ ; ‘how are you’ is ‘habari’ and ‘fine’ is ‘mzuri’; ‘karibu’ is ‘welcome’. And the names of other cities are even worse, such as Bagamoyo, Kariakoo, Mbeya, and Mwanza; and I thought Indian names were funny. How wrong I was!
Oh, a teacher just came to announce that tomorrow they’re taking us to Mikumi National Park. When I asked where that was, all the girls and boys started laughing at me and Agnes told me that Mikumi National Park is in Mikumi. How am I supposed to know about this funny place and its funny names!
Agnes’s house after school
I just finished packing my bags for tomorrow’s trip to Mikumi National Park. Agnes told me that Mikumi National Park wasn’t really a national park; it was just forest area where a variety of animals such as Giraffes, Hippopotamuses, Elephants and Impalas roam around uninhibited. I am not an animal lover, but since I have come here all the way from India, I must not miss this opportunity to witness nature in its full glory, as my Mother said.
Did I mention how beautiful Agnes’s house is! She lives in a bungalow which as a wonderful garden that looks even better after it has rained because of the glow given off by the pavement. Agnes lives with her parents and has many natives working at her house as domestic helpers. She meets her parents at only night, as both of them work during the day. While the natives have tremendous stamina to do work, they have a lethargic disposition. This I learned, when Agnes told me that one of her maids had not turned up today owing to her Mother’s death. I truly felt sorry for the maid. Just then, Agnes said, “Don’t be sorry. This is the fourth time that her mother has died in the past three months”. I was very amused to hear this.
9th May 2008
In the bus, on the way to Mikumi National Park
Dear Diary,
I cannot help, but enjoy the fresh air so pure and so free of pollution. This is the first time I’m experiencing such unadulterated beauty of nature. I’m exhilarated by the greenery and the simplicity which surrounds the path to Mikumi National Park.
At night, in the lodge, after the Safari
Dear Diary,
After the hectic and strenuous Safari, I was famished. We were served Roasted Tapioca, locally known as ‘mogo’ with ‘ugari’- a preparation with rice flour- accompanied with chicken curry. Another exotic item that I tasted for the first time was ‘kitaale’. Kitaale is a mixture of mashed potato and ground coconut flavoured with chilli powder and lime juice served in a dry coconut shell.
At the moment, I am in my sleeping bag with Agnes next to me. Far off somewhere, there is a beat of drums. Agnes tells me that the natives are performing ‘ngoma’, which means a native dance. She also tells me that dancing comes very naturally to them.
10th May 2008
Agnes’s house
Dear Diary,
We returned home from the Safari this afternoon. Since today is a Sunday, Agnes’s parents are at home. In the evening, they plan to take us to Slipway- a market of souvenir shops, galleries and restaurants. Slipway seems to be a very lively cosmopolitan hangout, from what Agnes and her parents tell me.
Slipway
This place is located along the sea and is filled with impressive handicrafts made by the natives. I bought ‘kitenge’ outfits- locally designed sarong-like, colourful clothing, along with a set of earrings and a necklace made of beads. I even picked up slippers with beads adorning the straps.
11th May 2008
International School of Tanganyika
Dear Diary,
Today is my last day in Dar-es-Salaam. Despite all the bumpy roads that kept getting in my way, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to this city. The souvenirs that I bought will always remind me of this trip. It was only after visiting Dar-es-Salaam, that I realized the purity and serenity of nature, which could affected me in a strange way. In spite of its poverty and its under development, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was only after coming here that I felt a sense of calmness.
