Tales of the Carry-On Kid: Tanzania Travel Log Vol. 5 – Darth Vendor
The need to make money is universal. We have all heard of people doing unusual and sometimes shocking things to make the all mighty dollar, quid, shilling, euro, CFA etc. Here in Tanzania, like many places, there are thousands of ways people make money. You have your normal jobs like doctors, lawyers and accountant, but aside from what most people would call “normal” professions, there are some rather industrious folks who use external factors in Dar Es Salaam (like traffic) to the best advantage. Street Vendors – they’re everywhere. Now, when I say ‘street vendors’, the first thing that comes to mind for me is someone running a hot-dog stand or someone selling snow-cones on a corner. Then if I take a little more time to think about it, I think back to people selling newspapers or even fruit in some U.S. cities.
In typical African fashion, the street vendors here in Dar Es Salaam, have taken the street vendor concept and put their own spin on it. Here, these guys put the street in ‘street vendor’. These guys don’t stand on corners, they get right in the middle of traffic. They walk between lanes of cars literally risking life and limb to make a sale. At times this can be annoying, but when you stop to think just how hard these folks are working, you have to give them some respect.
You can’t buy everything from these vendors, but you sure can find an interesting variety. Our newly minted Sith Lord here is a walking toy store festooned with jump ropes, shoes with skates and a “life vest”. Other common products include newspapers, magazines, car accessories (steering wheel covers, floor mats, warning tri-angles etc.), dates (for eating), cashews and prayer rugs to name a few. These rugs are interesting because they have an integrated compass so the supplicant can always properly face Mecca during prayer time.
The best way to avoid getting bothered by the more pushy street vendors is to avoid eye contact. I always wear sunglasses so I can stare all I want as long as I keep my head forward. To me, these folks who are willing to risk their lives to make money are as noble any doctor or lawyer. Sure I get tired of people holding up shoes or children’s clothing up to my car window, but when it is all said and done, these are hard working people who need to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. To these brave, hard working folks I say – “May the Force be with you!”
Affiliates
