Articles by Josie van den Hoek

Tropical delights

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…


What’s all the shouting about?

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…


Christmas in the tropics

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…


Take a chance while it lasts

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…


Reliable services do exist

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…


Language says it all

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…



No worries for the unprepared

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…


Stamps & Signatures

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…


What to do?

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…