A professor visiting Dar asked me earlier this week what surprised me the most about coming to Africa. I think it would have to be how expensive everything is and the fact that there is no "middle class" pricing. Huge disparities exist in everything, including living, transportation, food, etc, and phone, internet, and other commodities soak up shillings in no time.
A Tanzanian friend's interpretation was that Africa is transitioning between socialism and capitalism, and that it will take a few years for the market to work its magic. He also commented that the arrival of us "mzungus" has raised prices drastically. I'm wondering why the case is different in India and Asia, in that case.
Regardless, was not expecting to pay 120,000 shillings for 2 weeks of internet. Must stop video skyping.
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