“It’s Africa”. Wie oft habe ich das von den Einheimischen gehört, wenn mal wieder der Strom ausfiel oder 30 Leute wie Käfighennen in ein Daladala gequetscht wurden statt der vorgesehenen 16. Es klang immer ein wenig entschuldigend, dieses von einem gequälten Schulterzucken begleitete “It’s Africa”. Dabei finde ich das Unplanbare, Ungewöhnliche gerade inspirierend. Nur heute, da weiß ich nicht so recht, was ich davon halten soll.

Ich hatte geplant, die erste Etappe der so genannten Coca-Cola-Route auf den Kilimanjaro zu wandern. Der Name erklärt sich von selbst: Die Route ist so frequentiert wie der Eingangsbereich einer Thalia-Buchhandlung am Erstverkaufstag eines Harry-Potter-Bandes. Unser bestellter Taxifahrer war pünktlich. Unterwegs fiel ihm ein, dass das Benzin ja so teuer geworden sei und er statt des ohnehin fürstlichen (leider nicht von mir vereinbarten) Lohns von 40.000 Tansanischen Schilling (20 Euro) nun für eine Strecke bitte 50.000 Schilling bekäme. Am Marangu Gate, wo die Coca-Cola-Harry-Potter-Route beginnt, erfuhren wir dann den Eintrittspreis für die Tageswanderung: satte 60 US-Dollar – plus 40.000 Schilling für den obligatorischen Guide.

Gut: Ich hatte 60 US-Dollar bar dabei. Weniger gut: Bezahlen ging ausschließlich mit Kreditkarte. Schlecht: Ich hatte die Kreditkarte zuhause gelassen und mein Vorschlag, es “African Style” zu regeln – Zahlen ohne Quittung, die Kassierer stecken die 60 Dollar privat ein und ich darf hinein – wurde erstaunlicherweise abgelehnt. Seltsam, zum Beispiel bei Bußgeldern für (reale oder von Polizisten aus Gründen der Gehaltsaufbesserung erfundene) Verkehrsverstöße klappt die private Begleichung an Staatsbedienstete ausgezeichnet. Dass Einheimische am Marangu Gate nur 1.500 Schilling (also 75 Cent) Eintritt zahlen, war für mich angesichts meines Zugangsverbots nicht mehr als eine Fußnote.

Also hieß es, mal wieder zu improvisieren. Derselbe Guide namens Beatus, der uns auch auf der 8-Stunden-Wanderung begleitet hätte, führte uns stattdessen über Bananen- und Avocado-Plantagen sowie durch zwei, drei kleine Dörfer. “Ist doch besser, als auf der ersten Kili-Etappe acht Stunden durch Waldgebiet zu laufen und dabei den Kilimanjaro überhaupt nicht zu sehen”, sagte Beatus und zeigte auf den mächtigen Gipfel des Bergmassivs, der in der Morgensonne schimmerte. Das klang vernünftig, und so fand ich es gar nicht mehr so schlimm, dass sich der Tagesablauf spontan geändert hatte.

Als wir an den schönen Marangu-Wasserfällen ankamen und Beatus merkte, dass wir hier lange verweilen, in der Sonne sitzen und den plantschenden Jugendlichen zuschauen wollten, machte er sich aus dem Staub. Dass er für zwei Stunden Spaziergang statt acht Stunden Bergauf-Bergab-Wandern nur 35.000 Schilling statt der vereinbarten 40.000 bekam, dürfte er verschmerzt haben. Zurück nach Moshi fuhren wir dann mit dem Daladala – für 1.500 Schilling. Vielleicht wäre das auch eine gute idee für die Hinfahrt gewesen.

Ums kurz zu machen: Heute ärgere ich mich das erste Mal über das, was in den Unterlagen der mich vermittelnden Organisation als “Geschäftssinn” der Einheimischen bezeichnet wird. Ich habe kein Problem damit, mehr als “Locals” zu bezahlen. Erst recht nicht, wenn die Leistung stimmt, etwa eine Mahlzeit toll schmeckt (das tut sie immer) oder mir mal wieder bei einem Technikproblem aus der Patsche geholfen wird. Aber abgezockt zu werden ist kein besonders schönes Gefühl.

Um mit dem Tag doch noch ins Reine zu kommen, habe ich mir im besten Café Moshis einen “echten”, starken, schwarzen Kaffee sowie eine Cola Light (denn die gibt’s dort!) gegönnt und dazu die Tageszeitung gelesen. Hat funktioniert.

Für gute Laune bei mir sorgte auf dem Heimweg dann auch ein herumlümmelnder Junge. Auf seinem T-Shirt stand auf Deutsch “Held der Arbeit”. Schönen Gruß an die Altkleidersammlung daheim. Getoppt wurde das nur noch von einem Mädchen aus dem Tuleeni-Waisenhaus bei meinem ersten Fußballtraining. “Blonde, but not stupid” – Blond, aber nicht blöd – stand auf ihrem knallpinken T-Shirt. Das wollte nicht so recht zu ihrem krausen, pechschwarzen Haar passen.

Für die verbleidende Zeit hier sollte ich mir vielleicht auch ein T-Shirt zulegen: “Mzungo, but not stupid” – “Weißer, aber nicht blöd”. Morgen im Schwimmbad habe ich einen ganzen Tag lang Zeit, diese Idee weiterzuverfolgen…

Join the Conversation

197 Comments

  1. Hi Löwenbändiger-light!
    Ich muss schon sagen, dass ich wirklich neidisch auf die Erfahrungen bin, die Du dort machst. Ich glaube dass jeder so etwas auf die eine oder andere Art mal gemacht haben sollte, damit der Blickwinkel auf das eigene Leben mal ein anderer ist.
    Was das Schmieren angeht: das ist ja nun leider in allen Kulturen zu Hause und eigentlich kann man es ja auch grade in solch armen Ländern nachvollziehen, da ja das Verständnis bei den meisten Einheimischen dafür fehlt, das man als Weißer eben nicht unermesslich reich ist – wobei es in Relation gesehen jeder deutsche Mittelstandsbürger eigentlich ist.
    Und wenn ich bedenke, was ich so manches in Namibia im Zusammenleben zwischen Schwarz und Weiß erlebt habe, kann ich eine gewisse Abzocker-Mentalität tatsächlich nicht verdenken. Und bei Dir können sie ja nicht wissen, dass Du kein durchschnittlicher Mzungo bist ;-))
    Weiterhin viele tolle Erlebnisse! Liebe Grüße von Rex

  2. Hi Oleg!

    Du hattest bestimmt einen “ueber-mir-haengt-eine-Regenwolke-Tag” weil der VfB gegen den HSV verloren hat. Kopf hoch Junge, meine Mannschaft hat das wirklich gebraucht und das war eine nette Geste von Stuttgart. Denk an Dein Verhandlungsgeschick fuer das Taxi in Belize City: Taxifahrer fragt Dich ueber unseren Mitreisenden Ralf: “Is he a student too?” und Du sagst: “No, he’s two students !”.

    Halt die Ohren steif !

    Ossi und Familie

    1. Das mit Stuttgart ist wirklich sehr aergerlich. Die Saison ist im Grunde schon wieder gelaufen und sie muessen aufpassen, dass sie nicht wieder unten hinein rutschen. Dafuer sind die anderen beiden Pferde St. Pauli und Fortuna kurz davor, zum Galopper des Jahres gewaehlt zu werden. Viele Gruesse an alle Begemaenner, Orofino

  3. That is why it is so important that there is a targeted scheme that ensures that those with high potential from low and middle income backgrounds are identified and helped to thrive lasix online no prescription diflunisal, salsalate increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  4. However, the exam will very often show signs of chronic liver disease, such as viagra drugs TLS is a potentially fatal metabolic complication that spontaneously occurs in rapidly proliferating drug sensitive tumors or rarely occurs after treatment

  5. A person necessarily help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this actual post amazing. Wonderful process!

  6. Howdy, I think your web site might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great blog!

  7. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  8. The importance of appraisal in the experience of emotion can find its root in the theories of Cannon 19, 20 and Bard 21 in order to be experienced as emotion, the emotion needs a cognitive evaluation to be associated with physiological changes arousal priligy for pe Angiostatic steroids as used herein refers to compounds which block or inhibit angiogenesis, such as, e

  9. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  10. Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  11. When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!

  12. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  13. I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  14. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

  15. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  16. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  17. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!

  18. This is the right site for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want toHaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just great!

  19. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  20. I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content. This article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  21. great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  22. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  23. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  24. I do believe all the concepts you have introduced for your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too brief for newbies. May you please extend them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  25. I’m not sure why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  26. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  27. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  28. Hi there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  29. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  30. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads very fast for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!

  31. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  32. Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

  33. hi!,I love your writing so much! proportion we communicate more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this area to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to peer you.

  34. you are actually a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a great task in this topic!

  35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 75, which further comprises an amount of an enzyme inhibiting agent sufficient to at least partially inhibit enzymatic degradation of the therapeutic agent comprar levitra generico en andorra They also provide an opportunity to appropriately adjust chemotherapy dosing according to renal and hepatic function

  36. I am curious to find out what blog system you have been utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

  37. Хотите получить идеально ровный пол в своей квартире или офисе? Обращайтесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола в Москве и области, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.

  38. hey there and thank you for your information I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this site, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again soon.

  39. Хотите получить идеально ровные стены в своем доме или офисе? Обратитесь к профессионалам на сайте mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по механизированной штукатурке стен любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем качество работ и доступные цены.

  40. Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  41. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who really knows what they’re talking about on the net. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you surely have the gift.

  42. Howdy I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I dont have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb b.

  43. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your website. It appears as if some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thank you

  44. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this in my search for something relating to this.

  45. Its like you read my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this, like you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you simply could do with some % to pressure the message house a bit, however other than that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  46. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  47. This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!

  48. Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very nice article.

  49. I really love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and want to know where you got this from or what the theme is called. Many thanks!

  50. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

  51. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  52. Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  53. Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!

  54. What i do not realize is actually how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore significantly on the subject of this matter, produced me for my part believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it’s something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *