The best thing to do

sleep-topSometimes it seems sleeping is the best thing to do.

If there is no work calling at the moment, nothing to eat or drink or any distraction, sleeping is always there.

Like the driver of the bulldozer working on the improvement of the drainage system.

While the planners and engineers stand around in lengthy discussions, his feet are sticking out over the steering wheel as he leans back comfortably in his seat in bliss until work resumes.

Meanwhile the labourers in large gum boots and some with high visibility jackets have retired under the shade of a tree close to the wall and are spread out in various sleeping positions.

Sometimes it happens that one or two large sections of the new drainage pipes have been left behind along the road for unclear reasons. They make a shady comfortable place to sleep in as well.

Dar Es Salaam just invites sleep whenever and wherever the opportunity is found.

Dar Es Salaam just invites sleep whenever and wherever the opportunity is found.

If all that is not available, just sitting on the ground against a wall for minimal shade with your head bent forward will do.

Security guards are notorious for their good sleep, ours can do it anytime day and night — he assumes we will not notice.

It does not seem to be considered inappropriate to sleep during working hours or when one is in a public place.

Even at offices of service providers or the municipality one can see workers dozing off behind their computers.

I suppose with the heat and humidity of its climate and no imperative focus on time, Dar Es Salaam just invites sleep whenever and wherever the opportunity is found.

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About the Author

Josie van den Hoek
Josie first visited Dar es Salaam in 2000 and is still here. She writes about encounters on her daily walks and Tanzanian life.