Constantly new encounters

I have already mentioned that it is special to travel alone because it 'forces' you to constantly make new contacts and be open. That is not one of my greatest strengths. But in Africa, it's easy because people definitely approach you.

Not all encounters are positive and especially the male world here can sometimes be very intrusive, but just as many people are simply interested in what you are doing and how you are doing!

On Wednesday evening, I returned to the hotel from a walk on the beach and noticed loud music and a beach full of people and children. Curiosity got the better of me and I first observed from a distance what was going on.

A group of African men danced and performed acrobatics.

The children gathered nearby, tried out many exercises, were encouraged to play sports, and sometimes even built sandcastles in between.

It was such a heartfelt togetherness.

I chatted with the hotel staff and relaxed on the sidelines. But just watching is not enough, so I became a direct part of the acrobatic show and before I knew it, I was standing on the shoulders of two Africans. We had a lot of fun and talked afterwards, and I learned about their project.

'Chopar moves Zanzibar'

Clarence is the onsite manager here. He and his team are sponsored in cooperation with a Danish dance/sports school to give the street children in the villages of Zanzibar the opportunity to engage in meaningful sporting activities, develop ambition, train teamwork, strengthen self-confidence, provide role models, and develop the will to make something of their lives.

In the future, it will also be a combination of education and sports. For example, English courses will be integrated. The project has been running for about a year now and is gratefully accepted by the locals.

I was thrilled! I liked this idea and we stayed in touch.

Yesterday, there was another 2-hour animation event for the children in the neighboring village of my hotel, and I was warmly invited. I walked the 3km there and enjoyed the sight of the radiant children, then I also played catching games with a small group and then became a cuddling place for the children who didn't want to play anymore.

It was such a successful event!

We then drove back by bus. We arranged to have dinner together. The acrobats all live together and invited me and some volunteers from Denmark. It was once again crazy to see what their living conditions are like. They really do a lot of good in my eyes and are satisfied with the bare minimum.

There are no tables and chairs, and the house only has space for communal bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a bathroom.

So we had dinner in the courtyard, sitting on palm leaves and under the open sky.

I felt really shabby afterwards going back to my hotel, but I was grateful to have met these people.

'We travel to faraway places to watch fascinated the people we ignore at home.' 

Not everyone has to start a project, do volunteer work, or make big donations. But if every person just promises to help someone in need in some way once a year.. I think that is possible for everyone and brings a lot of love for one's neighbor into society.