From workout classes to daladala, Emilie's travel thrills in Tanzania

By Anganile Mwakyanjala

The Covid-19 pandemic is arguably one of the most disastrous modern-day pandemics. It took loved ones and saw corporations go under. It was not unusual for people to isolate someone who did nothing more than cough. But as time passes and science prevails, uplifting stories about the best in humanity are emerging.

Emilie Kowalczewski, a Polish lady residing in Warsaw, decided to join online workout classes conducted by a lady in England.

The distance meant nothing in this day and age, and they bonded over their love for workouts, body movement, and yoga.

They connected so much that when the trainer, Dorine Mugisha, started her body movement classes in Tanzania, Emilie trusted her instincts and committed to flying all the way to Tanzania with just two weeks’ notice.

“She really sounded like a genuine person with good energy, and I like being around people like that,” Emilie said.

She hadn’t done anything fun for a while, and when the opportunity to visit Tanzania presented itself, she jumped at it as she considered it affordable and worth the adventure.

Getting a Tanzanian visa is quite swift, with all processes done online. After booking her flight and securing accommodations, she was ready for the journey. Emilie left her city of Warsaw, known for its museums and, for the first time in her life, departed for the African continent.

After a long flight and layover in Amsterdam, Emilie landed in Dar es Salaam. “I woke up the next day and was happy to be in Tanzania.” The first thing she noticed was the Tanzanian culture.

“Tanzanian culture is very interesting. People are very welcoming of other nationals,” Emilie remembers.

Emilie would stay for more than 10 days, then go straight to the retreat that brought ladies from different countries together in Tanzania.

They would talk about life, what they aimed to achieve, and, of course, do a lot of dancing. Emilie had never attempted anything like this retreat before. At first, she thought it would be cool to hang out with other women.

Growing up with three brothers and used to being around guys, it was refreshing for her to spend time with ladies.

Later on, she would learn so much about herself beyond what she expected.

“I always struggled with meditation, but I found out it’s pretty normal,” she shares.

Emilie met women who were experts in meditation and some who found it difficult to meditate, just like she did. But at the retreat, they bonded together in harmony.

Emilie braved the distance and unfamiliarity of the new place she was travelling to. As a woman, she was always cautious.

“When you are a woman travelling alone, of course, there are some people who would wish you harm, but the majority of the people were really nice,” she confirmed.

Most people extended their hand to help her, but she was subjected to some comments from people who saw this Mzungu woman with no companion riding in a city commuter bus (Daladala). “I know I am white, so in the Daladala, I stand out, but I like boarding public transport.”

Onlookers thought otherwise, but it is known that Daladala transportation, especially in Dar es Salaam, is emerging on its own as a tourist attraction. The thrill and experience have garnered many stories among visitors to Tanzania.

Walking around Dar es Salaam, you should not be surprised to see a T-shirt being sold with the text “I survived Daladala” printed on the front, and Emilie cherishes that experience.

“The short discomfort of being in a Daladala is better compared to the long mental discomfort of being in a taxi with just one person to talk to. At least in Daladala, there are many people I can have a conversation with,” she reasoned.

After a short while, people in the Daladala would talk to her about the books she was reading and tell her where to go. It was a beautiful experience and the best way to learn about places to visit.

“I had a blast; it was really wonderful,” she says.

Emilie is hoping to make another trip to Tanzania; the memories are still fresh in her mind. Her retreat was in Nungwi, so she spent most of her time in Zanzibar. She visited Paje and Stonetown, popular destinations for tourists.

She travelled around the island to explore the places, and she was in awe of its cuisine when she got to the Forodhani Garden, known for its feasts after sunset.

“The food was delicious, and I really loved chips mayai,” she said.

Emilie would love to spend more time on the mainland on a Safari, as she has never been on one.

“I am very excited to come back next time when I get a chance,” Emilie said. Most tourists coming to Tanzania are moved by the humble attitude and culture Tanzanians have. As a local, you might not think anything about it, but the world notices.

Our tourism industry depends on how we welcome and interact with people who leave their homes and countries just so they can come to Tanzania and ease their minds, relax, and recharge.

In doing so and choosing our country as the destination, they inadvertently create many jobs that keep the wheel of our economy turning.

So next time you see a daladala driving by noisily, just know that this somewhat uncomfortable transportation is someone’s lovely story that she or he will go back home and share.