Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jude parents have in their kids and the fierce competition to get a place under-
line the school's impact even more effectively.
The school welcomes visitors Monday to Friday during term time, though
you'll need to make an appointment: see the 'Visit Us' page of the school web-
site (
www.schoolofstjude.org
) for more information. There are opportunities for
long-term volunteers and donations are appreciated; information is on the web-
site.
Dangers & Annoyances
After Zanzibar, Arusha is the worst place in Tanzania for street touts. Their main haunts are
the bus stations and Boma Rd, but they'll find you just about anywhere. Read Confessions
of a Flycatcher (
Click here
) and the Choosing an Operator and Safari Scams & Schemes
boxed texts in the Safaris chapter (
Click here
)
before arriving so you'll be ready.
At night, take a taxi if you go out. It's not safe to walk after dusk except around the mar-
ket where the streets remain crowded for a few hours after dark. But even here, be wary
and don't carry anything valuable.
CONFESSIONS OF A FLYCATCHER
Othuman, age 45
How did you begin working as a flycatcher?
I've been doing this for six
years. Before, I was at the beach in Zanzibar. I was a captain for the glass-bot-
tom boat. My mother was scared about the boat sinking, so she told me not to
go to Zanzibar again. I came to Arusha because I have an uncle here. I suffered
for about one year, but the companies learned to trust me.
What do you tell tourists?
When they talk to me I just general talking to try to
please him. The flycatcher will try to be a friend of the tourist. I think if I can be
a friend and help the tourist, get them the Tanzanian price, they will come to my
company. Sometimes when we walk with tourists and they want to buy a batik
or SIM card, people try to cheat them and we tell them the right price. They try
to charge you high price and tourist price. But the flycatcher doesn't let them do
that. Also, when the thieves see a tourist with a flycatcher they don't come be-
cause we help tourists. Maybe if it is a little bit dark, like 7pm, if they see the
tourist with a flycatcher they don't do nothing.
If he lets us help him, then we give them the [business] card and say go ask
tourist information about this company. I have so many cards. [He unwraps a
stack about 3cm thick.] These companies are all good. They don't take money
and run away. If I hear a company takes money and don't do the tour we tell the
