Photo exhibition: Rural life in Tanzania

The year 2010 has almost come to an end. And as a lot of people do, I think back about what happened in the world and what I did in 2010. Something which I will surely never forget in my life was the travel to Tanzania with my boyfriend.

Different climate zones, fantastic colours, a huge variety of wild animals and the totally different way of life of the various tribes: This should become a very photogenic holiday.

I was totally right. The red colour of the dry savannah earth was fascinating. After half a year being home I can still find red spots on my shoes! Besides I ate quite some dust and I had a full time job keeping my camera clean. But standing in a jeep eye in eye with a lion, was definitely worth every grain of dust!

After a fantastic safari trip, we headed towards the south-east, near Mount Kilimanjaro. What an astonishing view! We had the chance to hire a guide leading us through the Usambara Mountains. The climate is tropical and the living conditions in these rural areas are very simple. Paved roads are a rarity. As cars and fuel are very expensive, most villagers make use of (mule) wagons, bicycles or travel simply by foot. Sometimes huge amounts of goods are being transported through tiny pathways and their owner and vehicle often in danger of breaking-down. We also chose the most common way of transportation. We hiked through forests, fields and villages.

Human life and nature are intensively connected. Chickens and other animals run through the villages searching for their final corn of grain; feeding inevitably for a hungry family’s dinner table. Houses are made of clay, self burned bricks, sometimes cow-dung, wood and banana leaves.

I learned that electricity and (hot) water are modern luxury goods. Half a bucket of water was sufficient for me to take a shower. I think I enjoyed it double as much as I do at home, with the hot water running!

During the day most of the women work in the fields, on the markets or in the woods. The role division of men and women is rather traditional. The men’s role is less substantial as they might often only help with the work during daytime. Frequently they just leave all duties to the wife and spend their day resting and chatting with others.

A family can consist of father, mother and often more than five children. With such a large number of children, the help of the older children is essential. From the beginning-on they take care of their younger sister(s) or brother(s). Sometimes a two year old runs on the street with his even younger sister, holding on to his leg. Children play an important role in educating their brothers and sisters and helping their mother with chores.

The children were fascinating. Without connection to bigger cities, no TV or other modern media, they were very curious. Seeing us white people from a distance they screamed “mzungi” (white nose) at us, waved, jumped and got totally crazy. We played football with the kids on the field, who shared their yard with the cows. As a ball they used a bunch of plastic bags tight together. This system actually worked surprisingly well!

This was one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. I had the chance to capture all of this, which made a deep impression on me. I would like to share with you.

The opening of my photo exhibition will take place on Thursday 6 January 17-19h at the Service Science Factury of Maastricht University. The address is Kapoenstraat 23. The exhibition is open to everyone on workdays during January. The entrance is free.

By Nadia Hagen

Website: www.nadiahagen.nl