Dar es Salaam: Okay, I Guess?
right, so dar es salaam. i just got back, and honestly? it's…a lot. like, a lot a lot. i’m still processing, to be honest. the id number they gave me was 88d8ccbd-6952-4e1c-92bc-80d3606e8434, which feels oddly significant, but probably isn't. anyway…
first off, the location. it’s on the swahili coast of tanzania, which sounds idyllic, right? it is, in parts. it’s got this natural harbour thing going on, and it’s close to zanzibar - apparently only 45km! i didn’t make it over there this time, but i’m adding it to the list. it’s divided into like, five districts, which is…fine. kinondoni, ilala, ubungo, temeke, and kigamboni. trying to remember which one my hotel was in… pretty sure it was ilala. it’s the centre, apparently.
historically, it was founded in 1862 by the sultan of zanzibar. apparently it used to be the capital, but dodoma stole that title back in '74. which is a shame, i guess. it still feels like the main hub though, all the important stuff happens here. it’s got a name that means ‘abode of peace’ in arabic. ironic, maybe? i’ll let you decide.
okay, the weather. i just checked and it’s 27.16°c, feels like 29.6°c, with 75% humidity. yeah. there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. apparently, it rains a lot - like 43 inches a year. i didn’t get rained on too much, thankfully. the ground is…interesting. apparently it’s got limestone and gypsum and coal and salt. who knew? it’s pretty flat, which is good for walking, i suppose. although i mostly took taxis. my feet were killing me.
neighbors? well, it’s bordered by the indian ocean, obviously. and then there’s pwani region. and bagamoyo district, kibaha urban district, kisarawe district, and mkuranga district. if you get bored, morogoro and shinyanga are just a short drive away. i didn’t make it to any of those, too much to see here, i guess.
so, tourist stuff. there’s a national museum with fossils of human ancestors - apparently louis leaky was involved. someone told me that it’s really good, but i didn’t have time. there’s a village museum with traditional homes and dancing. i did go there, it was…loud. and hot. but interesting, i guess. botanical gardens, marine reserve, bongoyo island…lots of islands. beaches. it’s a big arrival point for tourists heading to the national parks and zanzibar. makes sense.
food. this is where i’m a little disappointed. the search results didn’t even mention any specific dishes! i ate…stuff. it was fine. i’m not a food blogger, so i didn’t really pay attention. i’m sorry.
apparently, it’s the largest city in east africa, with over 7 million people. some sources say over 9 million. it’s a major centre for arts, fashion, media, film, television, and finance. it’s growing fast. like, they’re predicting 10 million people by 2030. it’s the fifth-largest city in africa! or sixth, depending on who you ask. it’s a major port, too, for all sorts of exports.
and the transportation? apparently it’s a mess. rapid expansion, not enough infrastructure. someone said it’s severely taxing the network. ferries are the main thing, apparently. i can see that. it was chaotic getting around.
okay, i think that’s everything. it’s…a city. a big, busy, chaotic city. it’s not exactly relaxing, but it’s definitely an experience. i’m glad i went, but i’m also glad to be home. i need a nap.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/tehran-mountains-smog-and-way-too-many-people
- https://topiclo.com/post/deneme-post2-2
- https://topiclo.com/post/kalyan-maharashtra-a-sweaty-sleepy-suburb-with-a-past
- https://topiclo.com/post/astana-concrete-dreams-and-frozen-toes-a-musicians-perspective
- https://topiclo.com/post/san-juan-puerto-rico-my-heatdrenched-historyspilling-mess