I have a few final thoughts of Tanzania of my own and as was discussed with our Irish friends, Brenda and Dave, you end up just throwing your hands in the air and saying "It's Africa" I am not sure if that really explains it but I will let you decide.
$4 diet cokes (12oz to be clear) in the Serengeti...and charging about $0.50 more for a diet anywhere else (which usually run about $1.50)
Rolling blackouts that can last months...Zanzibar doesn't always pay its electricity bill to Tanzania
Menus that mean nothing because of the rolling blackouts ie. at a coffee shop they sat us down and as we tried to order told us they couldn't make anything cause the power was off. We tried the reverse and asked what they could make, it was limited.
Prices that aren't really relative to what you get, ie small green salads (I mean small and not a lot of salad going on) costing more than a whole personal pizza at the same establishment. It appears that as our trip continued lettuce was a scarce commodity in Zanzibar because the salads got smaller as prices increased from Restaurant to Restaurant.
Lines mean nothing, every man for himself and that goes for loading and unloading of all modes of transportation (but to Africa's credit seems to be the same in Turkey too)
Also, I am not sure how this happens but it seems that everyone runs around in US brand clothing, sports teams, places etc. Not sure if it is goodwill related or if the NHL has a big following in Tanzania but I saw a couple of hockey hats.
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natty, interesting post which should lead to some interesting conversations when you get back. your thoughts/observations sound sort of puzzled and confused. i don't say this to ding you but to affirm that your response is exactly what happens when an american meets the third world. it is confusing, maybe overwhelming, and certainly challenges your most deeply held conceptions. you end up flailing and asking yourself 'how do i feel about this?' this answer is neither easy nor clear.
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