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Write to: The Editor, Arusha Times, P.O. Box 212, Arusha.
E-mail:
arushatimes@habari.co.tzmailbag1
How a knife attack in Arusha almost ruined my holiday
Dear Sir,
I am writing this e mail after three weeks in Tanzania. I hope you are a free
newspaper and will inform people of my personal experience about Tanzania.
Even if I had a terrible experience in your country I will try to stay
constructive and my message goes to not only tourists but also to local
Tanzanians who I think will find interest in this text.
I climbed the Kilimanjaro, I made a Safari, I went to Zanzibar: Typical tourist
Tour. It was beautiful, incredible for the Kilimanjaro. So I should keep an
extreme good memory of this trip, thank people , guides,
porters, etc. But too bad also! This holiday was totally or nearly totally
ruined by two things: A knife attack in Arusha and a local context that is not
at all friendly for tourists.
I was attacked in the big central street in Arusha, near the Barcelona Garden.
So ok, I did not take care enough, I was coming back from the Safari, I was
happy!
There were three guys, one with knife. We fought (I was with a friend), one of
the attackers nearly feel into the river etc.
The police came when it was all over. We went to a police station: a young
officer with nice uniform assured me that when I come back a week after, a
complete file will be ready. But when we came back one week later, the attack
was forgotten, no file. An officer in-charge received us but did not say a word
(like we are sorry.., or we tried to look for them etc...!!). He sent us to a
lady that gave us a receipt of my declaration with the stolen items that I
declared, then Good Bye!
The local atmosphere in Tanzania: for the tourists to visit Tanzania is really
impossible as soon as you are in the street or if you need anything. You feel
you are considered just as a money provider and nothing is
said, given for free. The guide for the Kilimanjaro tour did not care one minute
in 6 days for my comfort or rest! He waited only for his tips. I tried to have a
nap after lunch (at 4000meters height) he preferred to continue the walk to
arrive at 2. He wanted to get rid of me. Everything is like that in
Tanzania. You are not welcome. .People have to accept you but do not care in
general.
It will be difficult for you to publish this article: You will need courage and
introspection. I will do my own too: I am aware Tanzania is poor, that there is
a too big contrast between the Have and Have not. But many countries are like
that and in those countries they know they have at least to protect
tourists!!That is a way to develop locally with local resources!
So please people in Tanzania, try to make us feel more comfortable in your such
beautiful country!
Best regards, Christophe Lemaire
point-clemaire@wanadoo.fr
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