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RE: The Brutal Games Of Survival
I just recently came to Afrika for the very first time, enjoying the beauty of the island called Zanzibar in Tanzania.
The topic you talk about in such well written manner touched me deeply for various reasons.
It would take some time to explain why in details but I keep it short.
I see a lot of locals competing with each other to catch one of us western “crazy monkeys”, offering a million of different services to experience their wonderful island.
I can see a daily struggle to get as much as possible. I am quite in shock about unfair prices wherever I go, mostly in hotels and tourist markets.
You have a choice of living the life of locals if you basically “hire” one to take you around to learn how to move and survive maybe at some point by yourself.
Most do not earn more than 300 000 Tzs per month, as a maid for example while I am asked a third of this for an airport pick up for example and most places ask USD. My reply most of the time, “I am in Tanzania and not in Amerika or Europe.”
I feel ashamed because coming from Europe I can afford to pay 40 EU.
Do you get my thoughts and where it is going to?
Struggle for survival indeed but I do hustle as much back home as well….have to make sure I can afford my daily expanses. Cannot afford to invite everybody for free.
So I really do understand all those beautiful, kind people who think about themselves and how they can support their families first of all but for me it’s a very bad feeling to be taken advantage from most of those sweet smiling faces.
Do I have to pay for a friendship?
Our continents life quality is out of balance and so unfair! Makes me truly sad how unjust it is.
You inspired me to write more about my experiences I make here.
I do not think that it’s wrong to look out for yourself first of all as long as you stay fair and honest.
If I am doing well everybody else around will be fine as well…..
Thanks a million for sharing your experiences. In reality no one should have to pay for friendship. Inasmuch as I can justify their actions of trying to take advantage of you because they want to make a living, I think it's a very bad thing to do.
However, I cannot stand here and judge people despite how wrong their actions can be.
I think you should be able to go around and spend the amount of money the locals actually spend and not have to pay differently because you're a foreigner.
Nevertheless, most African countries are like this. Sometimes we attract the people we attract because of the things we have to offer and it can become really frustrating.
I think you should stand your ground and let them know you won't pay more than you'll pay for things you need.
I'm glad I've inspired you. Thanks a million for still checking my content after many years. I've suffered my own issues lately and it's been difficult.
I hold you can come back and create some content after all these years