I sit now in the most expensive coffee shop in all of Dar Es Salaam. My last sleeping night here, I have decided to give myself a treat. A hot chocolate and a swissroll are on their way followed by a big glass of cold milk. Excited I am for it.
Tanzania has been a gracious host to me. The lions didn't eat me, the mosiquitos only took blood and gave little more then bite marks in return, and the sun although burnt me from time to time allowed me to see so much of this beautiful land. I have been able to observe a different culture. One that may at times bring questions in my mind but has also been able to intoduce an avenue of sharing. Building a bridge with many of the people here has been the most special of moments. Standing on the street corner with 6 young men asking me questions about Canada, me breaking stereotypes as I answer them. It is in those unplanned moments that I appreciate the most of the individuals around me. To know that those times were a special moment or to feel as if it was one is inheirently the same thing for me. To be asked for money on the street by so many people to some I just say no and to others I ask why. It seems as if we all are interested to talk and to listen. The conversations started to be meaningful to us all when I gave financial advice to the souvenir vendor and the safari tour operators on the streets, or to explain to the street agent how powerful trust is when it comes to sales. I was eager to listen to shop owners. A whole new world of oppinions comes out from them once we start to be honest. Honesty expressed by them unaccompanied with shame or guilt. Such purity.
There were points on this trip which I got angry hence I was scared therefore I was sad. There were moments which I was dissappointed by myself and my actions towards some of the touts but balanced with appreciation of the system that has been developed for them to survive within. I learnt that I do not like to be followed while walking on the street and when I expressed that my defensiveness was released and my protective nature summoned to the surface. It is nice to know that I have that characteristic when needed. To feel confident enough to stand up for a friend or a stranger is something new for me to explore when it comes to being harrassed on the street. It depends on many factors, like many other things in life, it has variables.
I am looking forward to being cold. To have rain fall on me which is close to freezing. Many times here I am exhausted from doing nothing, the heat has an ability to remove energy from my body. It is at times hard to talk, walk, even to eat food. I am constantly drinking bottled water to keep hydrated and also tired of taking medication to hold back diseases and viruses. To those of you out there which take a daily medication, my condolenses. I wish to stop but fear the consequences more. Soon I shall be home to be with many familiar faces and maybe some new places too. By that time the journey of life continues.
I have come to this this cafe to sit and think back on the experience that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of creating. My presence has been significant in many peoples lives and theirs also in mine. Kate Meck, my safari sister from DC and circle of life buddy(like a circle not a square). Sonia, you kicked me out of your appartment in Dar but I still respect you a tremendous amount. Mischa and Findley my Zanzibar explorers, trusted allies in the game of 'watch our stuff', and partners in our boat tour company. Hamin and Aloyce from Tip Top, How is the cycling and painting coming along? One pedal and brush stroke at a time brothers. Eugune, my dear friend. I look forward to seeing you at your wedding. Jignesh, my solid unmovable rock ithin Dar Es Salaam. Each time I came back you were always a welcoming face to see. Please tell me that you will soon be coming to Canada and saying Jambo to a whole new world.
All of you have given me memories I wish to remember and stories to share with many of those who are and will soon be in my life. We all live seperatly but can't share with each other while alone Thank you for the peace and love which you all have given me. Including everyone back in Canada! Your support while I have been away, the emails and comments on the blog have been a big part of my experience here. It is a very pleasent sight to see my inbox with 10, 15, sometimes 22 new emails when I check it. I wish for much peace to come in all our lives.
Love and Peace
Nicholas
PS: "Be the light in your life" - Begum Ozeke
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