with a bit of an open eye, Arusha can be really interesting and entertaining nevertheless its many annoying aspects. Colorful, showing many ideas and feats from hard working people, or plain crazy things…
This toy aeroplane hung around Impala roundabout (kiplefti in swahili as you have to keep left…lovely isn’t it?) for months. Built by some engineer students who raised money for it and were convinced it was flyable!! Luckily they never raised enough money for an engine, thus limiting waste of energy and resources. It’s hard to fathom how this kindergarten level contraption was ever thought to fly by so many people, that is students and various donors and teachers…it was a thing to see by all Arushans though.
Coca Cola is leading the pack but Pepsi keeps a good pace.
those carts are all over the place. Even if they sometimes block the way, I don’t mind them at all because the poor guys deserve some consideration with the bulky loads they usually push around. Also they pay respect to the traffic, try to minimize the hassle. As a biker, I’ve never had problems with them. The same can’t be said of the dreaded dala dala drivers…who should be declared public enemies.
that’s them! Look at this guy standing up through the window, he is the one to watch, mostly when you’re on 2 wheels. I know I shouldn’t be on 2 wheels in such bad traffic and I’ve been declared stupid by many but still I like cycling so…He is looking for potentials passengers, whistling and howling. When he gets someone, he slams with his fist on the door to warn the driver. And this punk will just pull left in a flash without traffic consideration. That’s why I’m more watching the ‘doorman’ than the driver. Wish I had more eyes (and a 3rd fist to break down more left mirrors whenever I come close to be run over). One bystander asked me once why I had broken a mirror. “The driver doesn’t use it anyway” was my answer and the guy laughed. Not the driver of course who was honking like crazy. Childish reaction I know but it felt so good to release my frustration.
a brave biker with a big load on his back, sugar, flour….with another dala dala howler behind
colorful mamas, wearing burden the traditional way.
mama selling baskets.
Muslim biker. Not the best outfit to ride I guess. Red dye on his beard shows he has been on pilgrimage to Mecca.
school boys in uniforms. Uniform concept, inherited from the Brits, is curiously still all the rage amongst many parents, even the poorest. One int’l school here was facing severe criticisms from some “traditional” parents for not having compulsory uniforms, especially in the best school in town…they see as a missed chance to show off.
loading a bicycle with buckets, which are full of cooking oil! Imagine the weight of that bulk! 10 lt each I guess…
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