Unexpected things in Tanzania

Whenever you travel far from home you run into the unexpected. I knew coming here that there were many aspects of life in Tanzania that I knew nothing about, and when traveling so far from home it is always good to keep an open mind. However, even keeping that in mind there have been several times when things I have seen have come as a complete surprise.

Cell Phones:
Probably the biggest surprise about arriving in Tanzania is that everyone has a cell phone. They are sold on the streets for about $30 to $50 and people buy phone cards to call each other. And when I say that everyone has one I mean everyone, cab drivers, teachers, local artists, dress makers, mothers, and police officers. One of the strangest sights is to drive down a road and see a mud hut, another mud hut, a brand new five story red and white cell tower, and another mud hut.
I suppose on one level it does make sense. There are very few land lines in Tanzania compared to more developed countries, so it is much easier for a cell infrastructure to be put in place. What is really amazing is that the reception is excellent, it seems like anywhere you go people are talking on their cell phones.

The WWE:
Of all the TV programs that could be imported to Tanzania WWE wrestling seems to be by far the most popular. It isn't translated, but I don't suppose it really has to be. I have heard that kids in some of the other volunteer's schools sometimes pretend to be their favorite wrestlers during recess. WWE being so popular would be more embracing except that the rest of Tanzanian television is really no better, the soap operas are quite possibly the most ridicules programing I have ever seen.

Heavy clothing:
In a country where the average temperature is well into the 80's you wouldn't thing there would be much need for what we would call winter clothing. However it is not at all uncommon to see people walking around in full winter coats, or wool hats, or sweatshirts, or sweaters. Not just at night or in the early morning either, when the temperature may drop to the bone chilling temperature of 68 degrees, but in the middle of the day. All I can imagine is that they must be used to the heat and the extra clothing doesn't bother them much. But when you are sweating in shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals, just looking at a man in a winter parka makes you a little sick.

All strange habits aside, I do very much like this country. For such a poor country there is a real sense of pride and a belief in what is possible. Everyone seems more or less happy, or at least they don't seem overly stressed. Everything is kept as clean as possible, even dirt roads and paths are swept clear of any stray leafs or garbage. People here walk with their heads up high, it makes me realize just how bad my posture is.