When I got off the plane in Dar es Salaam at the end of July, I really didn't know exactly what to expect. I knew I was moving to a very large city. I knew I wasn't going to be in the bush. But I really did not have any concept of what life would be like. Kat - my roommate - had explained to me over email that we lived in a very "local neighboorhood". Translation: We are the only white people in our neighborhood. At first it was less than comfortable. Now that I have been here a little over a month, I am starting to really love it. Here are the highlights:
Kids - There are a bunch of kids that live on our street that are usually playing outside. When we come out of the house, they all run up to us and dance around chanting "mazooooonnnngggoooo, mazooooonnnngggoooo" in sing-songy voices. We play around with them a little as we walk down the street.

Produce Stand - At the end of our street, there is a family that has a fruit/vegetable stand. We go there almost every day to pick up onions or peppers or bananas. All the produce is on tables that are shielded from the sun by ratty old sheets and tarps. Half buried tires serve as a buffer from any rogue vehicles that might run off the road. They don't speak a word of english. They always speak really fast to us in Swahili and then crack up when I just shrug my shoulders and tell them I don't understand. Maybe they are saying "Thank goodness the mzungus are here so that we can overcharge them for vegetables again". But last time, they threw in a couple extra onions for free, so I doubt it.

Duka - Across the street from our house is a small shop that they call a Duka. It sells everything from bottled water and sodas to laundry detergent to cell phone minutes. The guy who runs it teaches me new swahili words every time I go over to buy water. And he always gives us the coldest water he has...

Creepy Graveyard - Around the corner is a graveyard that is completely run down. There is a path that goes through it... but the path runs over some graves. There is a large tree in the center and a ton of headstones all around it. I can't imagine how they packed in so many bodies in such a small area. During the day, there is a goat that hangs out there and eats all the garbage that is collecting. I'm not really sure what to make of it all.

Chickens - A lot of families around here have chickens. Our street is full of them. They just hang out in the middle of the road and eat garbage. Every couple of weeks or so, I see a new batch of babies hanging out with mama hen in the main street garbage pile. They are pretty rugged and totally fearless. They don't even move for cars.
Local Pub - At the end of the street, there is a little bar. I have no idea what the name of it is. All I know is that their beers are about Tsh 1300 ($1) a piece and that they play loud music. I've been there once. It's very local...

Blonks Barbershop - I don't know why, but everytime I walk by this sign, I just crack up.