Home of Peace

Dar es Salaam is usually translated from Arabic as Home or Abode of Peace.

Today I protected my peace by catching up on life affairs. I had a haircut, spoke with a colleague going through some work shenanigans (aren’t we all) and sorted through my first aid supplies, including binning some Lariam tablets that expired in 2011. I restocked my cupboards at the supermarket (Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree was playing - we are already in the thick of it) and I sewed up holes in various shorts pockets. Sewing is a dull activity that doesn’t suit my patience levels, so I rush it and the result is as if a blind leper has been hacking at my clothing with a knife.

The final chore was something to do with my overseas voter registration. Of all the people and places I interact with in this life, the most efficient organ is, strangely, the Electoral Services department in Cambridge. After receiving some correspondence I eventually responded on the day of the deadline. A few hours later (on a Saturday evening) they responded to confirm all is now well until 2027. Simply marvellous. Although I don’t plan to be slogging it out in conservation in Africa in 2027, I do plan to be overseas somewhere gallivanting on a career break.

After all this life administration, I went to read on the mini cliffs near Coco Beach. It’s an interesting spot where the seawater has cut into the coral rag and created various rocky bits and bobs. A perfectly pleasant place to pass some time, although the coral jag is very jagged and sharp, so you have to be careful where you perch.