Swahili

I really like this language. The words are phonetic and its relatively
easy to pick up.
My favorite word is MARAHABA. "Marahaba" is the response to SHIKAMOO
(which literally translates to "I hold your feet"). When you greet an
elder you say "Shikamoo" and they respond back "Marahaba". Most older
Tanzanians will touch their heart and say it in a deep growl from the
back of their throat. They way they say it is probably why I like it
so much.
My least favorite word/phrase is "HAKUNA MATATA". According to "The
Lion King" this means "no worries for the rest of your days", but it's
not really Swahili, its Disney-ili. As I understand it, before the
movie came out no one said it. Instead, they said "Hamna Shida" (no
problem). "Hakuna Matata" is generally directed towards tourists
(wazungo) because they find it so cute. Every time I hear it my brain
reads it as "Hi! I'm going to sell you a low quality piece of **** for
an exorbitant price!".
Anyway, I'm back in Dar Es Salaam. It's bittersweet. I'm leaving an
amazing week in Zanzibar but returning to Safari Inn where I've gotten
to know all of the taxi drivers and hotel staff in the last couple of
weeks. Tomorrow I leave for Moshi on what should be my final grueling
10 hour bus ride (inshallah).
In Moshi I'll be staying with my friend Thompson which should be interesting.