Navigating Daily Life Abroad

A Day In The Life…

Moving from the US to Tanzania has been a whirlwind of adjustments for our family. From bustling city life to the vibrant Tanzanian culture, here are three major insights into how we've navigated our daily adventures in this new and exciting chapter:

Insight 1: Market Marvels and Grocery Adventures

Embracing the Local Markets

One of the first challenges we tackled was grocery shopping. The markets here are by far one of the most delightful surprises we’ve encountered in Tanzania. From colorful spices to fresh produce, these markets offer a sensory feast. Although they do have several traditional grocery store chains like Jumbo, Viva, and Shopper’s Supermarket - the crown jewel of shopping is by far the local markets. We discovered bustling local markets where fresh produce takes center stage. 

We were used to shopping at our local farmer’s market in Georgia, so embracing this shift to primarily buying directly from the markets, is a welcomed experience. Not only has it introduced us to vibrant Tanzanian culture, but it’s also ensured we enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables. Navigating the market scene has its challenges. We’re still learning the language, so the sooner we can learn the basics in terms of numbers and prices, the better it will be. We’ve been blessed to have people come alongside us and help us navigate the market space. That has been a huge help! Shopping at local markets not only has added vibrancy to our meals but has also become a bonding experience for the family. 

What shared activities or routines have strengthened your family connections during transitions or relocations, and how have these moments contributed to a sense of togetherness?

Insight 2: Breezy Commutes and the Art of Catching a Bajaji and Boda Boda

Riding the Boda Boda/ Bajaji Wave

While living in the US, we were a two-car family. That made running errands and getting around pretty easy. Once we decided to move, selling both cars was inevitable. To our surprise, not having a vehicle here in Tanzania, hasn’t posed a problem for us, thanks to all the various modes of public transit that are available. We’ve traded the rush of American traffic for the rhythmic beats of the Tanzanian Bajaji/Boda Boda. Public transportation in Tanzania is a world of its own, and the iconic boda bodas (motorbike taxis) have become one of our go-to modes of travel. 

Meet Paul. He’s become like a brother to us. He works as a boda driver and takes us where we need to go on a regular basis. He is one of the many people who have been assisting us as we transition to life here in Tanzania. 

Mastering the art of negotiating fares and understanding the unwritten rules of the road add an exciting layer to our daily commute.

Learning the routes, embracing the vibrant atmosphere, and making friends during our daily commutes have turned these journeys into cherished family stories. We are quickly learning that in Tanzania, you never meet a stranger. Our Bajaji and Boda drivers have been no exception. Each ride brings a new and memorable experience. So far, each driver we’ve encountered has been considerate, patient and eager to assist us. We will eventually purchase some form of transportation for our family, but for now, we are enjoying all the nuances and experiences that come with using public transit.

Considering the Tanzanian philosophy of “you never meet a stranger," how does this cultural approach to community interaction challenge or align with your own experiences?  How could your daily interactions become opportunities for building connections and creating cherished stories in your community?

Insight 3: The Power of Community and Warm Welcomes

The Heart of Tanzanian Hospitality

Daily life here isn't just about routines; it's about the people. Tanzanians thrive on community, and shared spaces are at the heart of it all. From communal outdoor gatherings to neighborhood events, our family is learning that building connections is an essential part of daily life. Each time we enter a new space we are consistently met with a hearty “Karibu!” which is Swahili for welcome. I’ve noticed that the Swahili language has a built-in communal function with its call-and-response formatting. Just about every greeting and acknowledgment has a call-and-response component. This system makes it so no matter who you encounter, you will be prompted to hold a brief exchange with that person. There have been a few times when we were greeted by someone and they waited as we searched for the proper response to reply to their greeting. It’s quite comical looking back on it, but they’ve always been gracious and eager to help us along as we search for our Swahili words. 

As I reflect on the community that has so generously welcomed us, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to The Most High for allowing us to be surrounded by such kind and thoughtful people. One person who’s quickly become a dear friend is Johnson. He owns a nearby grocery shop in our neighborhood. We walk to his shop almost daily to say hello and purchase items for the home. He has stepped in countless times to serve as our interpreter to the bajaji and boda drivers as well as provide recommendations on where to find various items for the home. If he doesn’t carry a particular item in his shop, he’ll order it in or he’ll tell us the best place to find it. We truly feel like we’ve become part of the community and we look forward to doing our part to make others feel as welcomed as we’ve been made to feel. 

As our family looks forward to making others feel as welcome as we have, how can you apply this principle to your interactions with newcomers or neighbors? What are ways you can extend warmth and hospitality to others as a way to foster a sense of community within your own sphere?

Adapting to daily life in Tanzania has been an eye-opening journey, filled with unexpected joys and delightful challenges. Through exploring markets, embracing unique transportation, and building connections within our community, we've discovered that the heart of Tanzanian life lies in the daily details. We know this is just the beginning of our journey, but we look forward to all the life lessons this experience will teach us. 

We’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences and responses in the comments below.

We have a special announcement coming in the next few days that we’re excited to share. Be sure to check back for more on what’s in store. In the meantime, make sure to check out our YouTube channel Crossing Over Africa for more stories and videos of our time here.

As always, thanks so much for reading!