Dar-es-Salaam is the largest city in
Tanzania. The name means “Haven of Peace” but trying to get out of the city centre in the evening (or for that matter into the city on the morning) is far from peaceful. The traffic jam ("
foleni" in Swahili) is a great equalizer, all get caught up, private cars, buses known as “
dala-dala” and even the “
bajaj” (motor cycle with three wheels). Some try to escape the craziness of the main roads by using back routes creating chaos even in small streets at peak hours. Sometimes drivers try to force their way, passing on the other side, driving against oncoming traffic. Often there reaches a time when some people decide to “take time out” and wait for things to sort themselves out. True enough, after some shouting, reasoning, reversing and moving, traffic moves and peaceful flow is restored.
Indeed Dar is a haven of peace. Trust me, even with the jams people still sort themselves out peacefully. jams in Kenya are fewer but are danger zones with muggers using gimmicks to catch your attention only to snatch something from you or your car. I hate the jams in Dar, but compared to Nairobi, I feel safer in the Jams here.So be consoled, there is peace even in the jams here.
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