Culture shared

Part of our trip had a couple of days of unplanned activities while in Arusha. We had wanted to learn more about the local culture, but not in the typical 'staged' touristic experiences that had been offered. So, we decided to wait until we got here to see what we might be able to do.

And then...we met and got to know Yusuf. He had a friend in Arusha (apparently, was a true 'birdman' recognizing over 800 species of birds. Yusuf said he knew only 500 species!). He said he would try to set up a meeting between us once we had returned from the mountain, make the introduction and hopefully 'Tino' could assist us.

So, after a much-needed shower (8 days without washing my hair - you can only imagine that I was always wearing at hat!) we took a shuttle into Moshi to meet Yusuf and Tino. Little did we know that Tino had taken a bus from Arusha to Moshi (approx 80-90km) just for this introduction and then turned around to take the bus back!! Yusuf said that is what friends do! They help each other without question.

In any case, Tino was very personable and we agreed to meet in Arusha on the 29th, following our safari and see what he has planned.

We had also asked about local shopping and Yusuf told us he would go with us as otherwise we would likely pay overly inflated tourist prices. We were appreciative of his thoughtfulness but wondered aloud about his family time. We knew that he had just been away from his wife and children for the past 8 days and that he was guiding a walking safari in a few short days.

After a quick stop at a local shop, we asked that he allow us to have our taxi take him home first, before we returned to our hotel so that he did not have to walk.

We had our first taste of the true culture as we drove to his home. We passed through his local market, over bumpy, dirt roads. Most homes do not have running water (they collect water at community taps and boil their water). Some have electricity, others do not. A television would be a true luxury and owning a car would be next to impossible. He said he fared better than many and most importantly, they were happy and healthy.

He invited us in to meet his family and he seemed confused when we were reluctant to do so without his wife having advance warning of visitors. Why would she not want to meet his new friends? His home was well-cared for with simple furnishings and his family were wonderfully inviting.

We were touched by their authenticity and I'm sure each of us took something to heart by this chance meeting - serendipity.