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