While most countries have implemented strict lockdowns and curfews to curtail the spread of coronavirus, we in Tanzania have not experienced any restrictions. We don’t even have to wear masks although some people have taken it upon themselves to do so. This is especially true for foreigners. They are less likely to believe the government… Read More »
The newspapers are full of news of a new COVID-19 spike in Mombasa and Nairobi. Even in the yacht club in Dar es Salaam they are talking about the increase in deaths in the neighbouring country. In Uganda too, the situation is not looking too good. But of course, in Tanzania we are COVID-free. There… Read More »
All across the world, countries have been approaching the pandemic with lockdowns, movement restrictions such as curfews and swift punishment for those who break the rules. In Tanzania we have been pretty much allowed to go about our business as usual. People have taken it upon themselves to stay away from bars and restaurants but… Read More »
It’s lucky I am happy with my own company because now I am volunteering at the COVID clinic here in Dar three days a week. There is a good bunch of selfless people helping the clinic and stopping it from being over-run. Fortunately I have the afternoon which are relatively calm. The mornings, from what… Read More »
Masks are obligatory when you go into a building. Bajaj drivers, security personnel and shop workers all have masks. This is not to say that everyone is wearing the properly though. I was in Village Supermarket today and all the bakery staff had masks but they were under their chin and hanging around their neck.… Read More »
Living in China for 10 years I was used to seeing old people everywhere, shuffling along the streets hunched over a walking stick, playing chess and mah jong and dancing in the parks or looking after their grandchildren. But I am yet to see an old person in Africa. This only occurred to me when… Read More »
The global lockdown has brought some benefits and one of them is the increase in video calls and conferencing. I did very little in that area but now people are stuck at home and still having to work, it turned out that it is pretty easier to do this given software like Zoom or Skype.… Read More »
It all started when my American neighbours got a new pet dog. They chose a white dog because they thought it looked cute but ended up instead, with an aggressive beast which they could not control. I christened it “White Biter” after it attacked me the first time. The thing could sense my disdain and… Read More »
The shout came, “Coronavirus!” I looked up to where the noise had come from. There are dozens of crude shacks made from the flotsam and jetsam spewed up by the Indian Ocean and I enjoying strolling along the beach picking my way between them. “Coronavirus!” the shout came again. The woman was standing over a… Read More »