Articles by Josie van den Hoek

I love the hot season in Dar: this time of year when the abundance of fruit is stunning — it really is the season of tropical delights. Along the road…

For some days already I’ve been wondering about all the shouting along our road. There have also been unusual sounds of tools, people running everywhere, as well as leaves and…

Coming from the Northern Hemisphere one knows deep down when days become shorter, the weather gets colder and the shopping more erratic that Christmas is on its way. Consciously or…

Along a busy road, near a daladala stand, or close to a market — anywhere cars pass and a small public parking space —  is enough to inspire people to…

Despite the challenges of finding people who take pride and care in their work, reliable services do exist here, they just take a long time to find. Once found, we…

Coming from a culture where being straightforward and direct in communication is considered an asset, it has taken me a while to understand Swahili culture. Even so, it is a…

Some days seem to be made up of just frustrations. Returning to town from Kigamboni on a random Thursday and being stuck in traffic on Julius Nyerere Road for more…

If you happen to leave the house without proper preparations for the day ahead – no worries. All you need can be found for offer on the streets around. For…

To me, the sound of papers being stamped was something of the old days, but here I have learned not to underestimate its significance. Stamps and signatures are indispensable for any…

These are the days when I see people all around me scratching a living out of nothing. A lady with a baby tied on her back sitting in the sand trying…