photo source
The above photo is taken in Mikandani, Tanzania. Mikandani was a centre of trade after Arabian traders settled there in the 9th and 18th centuries. They exported ivory, turtoise shells and copper. From the 18th
century slaves where exported to Reunion, the Seychelles and Comores. Thanks to Dr Livingstone, an explorer and missionary, slave trading was banned by the British government in the 19th century.
In Mikandani you can find the Livingstone House, from which Dr. Livingstone set out on his final expedition. I love the following quote of him:
Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Dr Livingstone
Now you will ask yourself, how does she get interested in Mikandani. I tell you. One of my students, doing a Blogging course, was Kienan. His goal for making a Blog was to present his house in Mikandani and tell us about the environment. Kienan grew up in New Zealand. When he was younger he moved to Mikandani to work as a volunteer for Trade Aid, A nonprofit charitible trust who's aim it is to create employment. One of the succesful projects of Trade Aid is the Old Boma Hotel, a 100 year old fort which is beautifully restored.
Kienan fell in love and married in Mikandani. He is now back in New Zealand and studies to become a teacher. I bet he is going to be a great teacher. He is a wonderful man. In February he will get reunited with his wife and his little son. His wants to rent out his house in Mikandani. Have a look at his Blog: Tanzania Homestay.
It is great. Give him a visit and see for yourself
Very interesting blog, a great story. Amazing how taking an interest is someone can lead into such a life story. They say everyone has at least one good story in their life, some of us have lots! Specially when you change countries mid life.
ReplyDeleteI must peek at his blog.
What a great post! Wonderful that there are always people who will voluteer to help others! As soon as I have time I hope to see his blog. I have been so terribly busy these past few months and will be for at least three other months.
ReplyDeleteI wanna retire there!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marja.
You have rested my mind once again.
S
What an interesting story - and how fascinating it is how our blogging makes connections in this way. A stunning photo.
ReplyDeleteMarja I have never heard of Mikandani but now thanks to you I know a little bit about its history. Good old Dr Livingstone for helping ban slave trading.
ReplyDeleteAnd I take my hat off to Kienan for living his dream.
I thought your comment on my complexity/simplicity post was very well put....."we strive for so much outside us and we already have all we need inside us".
Arohanui
Peggy
Thanks, Marja. You have whetted my appetite. I shall travel to Kienan's blog now.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, and photo! And such an interesting link to Kienan - I want to go to Tanzania!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fantastic picture and location.
ReplyDeleteStopped by and will go back again when I get off work. Thanks for bring him to our attention.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Thank-you for introducing me to a new place of interest.
ReplyDeleteWell...that is very interesting...and I love that pic...
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, Marja:)
Cyrus
Marja, what an interesting story. I learned a lot along the way too. Thanks for the link.I'm on my way there now!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting story,Marja!I enjoyed to read it!Very beautiful photo!Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete