Darling Dar-Es-Salaam

It's hot and humid right now, very sticky indeed, so we've treated ourselves to a fan, mosquito net,en suite bathroom, satellite TV and a real splurge called air conditioning.

So far what we've seen of Dar has been surprisingly good. The people are a diverse mix of Indian, less Omani influence here, and local Africans. There is a languid feel to the place yet it's pretty busy. The ex-pat community is also very large and as a result the number of International schools has swollen. Most of this is due to the fact that the UN genocide trials of suspects in the Rwanda and Burundi massacres were taking place not far from here.

There are Western type malls, chain stores, fast food outlets, together with cinemas and casinos...all very decadent.

Eleven summers have passed me by since last visiting Dar and Zanzibar and it's all a very different kettle of fish. Progress has brought with it problems that beset any growing community and Dar is not without its share. The rapidly expanding city marches as much to the tune of business as it does to the numerous street stalls that sell oranges or coffee.

It is still Tanzania's jewel in the crown as far as business and commerce is concerned and encourages foreign investment at every whim.