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Dar-es-Salaam Travel Guide
From a fishing village, Dar-es-Salaam (Haven of Peace in Arabic) is now Tanzania's capital and largest city, where reckless drivers defy speed limits to get tourists into the international airport, while touts (hotel agents) scoop for clients in chaotic markets such as Mwenge and Kariakoo, which are known for wood carvings and kangas (sarong with Swahili sayings) respectively. Nonetheless, there is also the Center, which has the usual comforts of home like colonial hotels, clubs and restaurants featuring traditional cuisine such as mishikaki (grilled meats) and tangawizi (ginger soda). Chips mayai (chips and eggs) is Tanzanians' most favorite street food, the best kind of which is found on Kariakoo Street.
Dar-es-Salaam may not have the attractions to push it to the top of itineraries, but it is a good base for arranging tours and transportation to nearby destinations such as the northern safari circuit and the south's Selous and Ruaha nature reserves. Just off-the-coast is the historical Zanzibar, famed for its Spice Island and Slave Market. Volunteering is also bourgeoning in Dar, where humanitarian missions have opened shops.
Walking around Dar is the best way to see the city and its totality. You will get all the relevant and striking information, which in books and exhibits at the Zoological Gardens, National Museum and Village Museum. Occasionally, locals greet tourists and call them "Mzungu" (white), especially if they are Caucasians. Mzungu is not a derogatory term, although Tanzanians are notorious for padding prices for foreigners, usually up to three times of what they ask from local buyers. For most travelers, this may appear to be corruption, but for quite a few, paying more is an act of charity towards the Tanzanians who mostly live below the poverty line. Although Swahili is the mother tongue, most are also comfortable with English, especially those who are lucky enough to reach the secondary school level.
Hiking and camping are possible in Pugu Hills and Ulughuru Mountains, but in order to escape from Dar's oppressive heat, there are Kigamboni (South Beach), Bongoyo Island and Nunwi's white-sand beaches that call for some unwinding, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, or simply, relaxing under a banda (coco palm hut).
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San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
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