Out of Africa

TIA - This Is Africa

It's amazing how many times I actually heard this phrase.
I heard it from the man operating the internet cafe when I told him of some abysmal speeds in Uganda. I heard it from Gary, the Aussie who operated the One Ocean Diving Center, when he was expressing logistics to a tourist who was expecting too much. There are so many things that can be classified under TIA.

Some positive ones for example: the friendly laid-back attitude, the beauty of the environment and ecosystem, the culture. However, the term was usually reserved for more negative usages: police corruption, incompetency, senseless prejudice, wide gaps between the rich/middle class and the rest of the population. Yet, even with all it's issues, East Africa has been an amazing place to visit.

Like many other parts of the world, Africa summons a very distinct, and many times a naive, image. People sometimes generalize the continent as a poor and dangerous place with barbaric natives. However, it is one of the richest continent in the world in terms of natural resources, diversity of environment and fauna. Its people and cultures are also incredibly diverse with very interesting history. The region that I visited usually had well established tourism infrastructures as long as it hasn't been too negatively affected by civil war.

I enjoyed my time in East Africa. It has given me another perspective and insight into the politics and struggle of the region. Something that a typical tour of Europe could not do. There is hope in this region due to the continued stability and economic resurgence. I am hopeful that the newly reformed East African economic community will help bring the 5 countries closer and perhaps entrench a form of unity that this continent so desperately needs.

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While I have 2 days of traveling time to look forward to, 4 time zone changes and 4 flights to take in order to get from Matemwe, Zanzibar to Tokyo, Japan. I think it is about time for me to make my way out of Africa. I want to thank Thomas again for introducing me to the region and for his hospitality. I want to thank the people of East Africa for being so welcoming.

Asante sana and Kwa heri!