Arusha, street touts, Nomma Choma and Madulee Mtn

The bus stopped at a small town " Mombo" for Chai on the way to Arusha. We had breakfast at a small cafe where TV was playing "Eid Mubarakab (the end of Ramadan )" holiday rally with African Christian music in the background.
Arusha is the gateway to Tansania's northern safari circuit. Towering mountains forms Arusha's impressive backdrop and the surrounding lush countryside add more colors to the splendid landscape. As the bus reached to Arusha, I had a trekking trip planned in my head.
Arusha is notorious for street touts. I soon found it out myself! The moment I got off bus, the street touts were already awaiting. After I settled in Monjes Guesthouse, I strolled through the city center. They were there and followed me all the way. They were persistent and aggressive. It was Sunday afternoon. The city center was quiet. I was finally fed up with the harassments of these street touts and turned back to the neighborhood where I stayed.
Monjes Guesthouse is in a suburb residential neighborhood. In contrast to the quietness of city center, the neighborhood was full of life with the festive ambiance to celebrate Eid Murbarak (the end of Ramadan) and crowds hanging out at the local bars. Muslims in their traditional gowns were visiting their neighbors and family for the big post Ramadan meal.
The best experience I had in Arusha is the local bar scene. These bars are tucked in the alleys in the residential neighborhood and seem very simple. If there wasn't a sign on the door, you wouldn't tell it's a bar. Walking through a door, there was a lively crowd, men and women. They only sell local beer. The counter was fenced with metal bars to prevent robbery.  I hung out with Frank, one of the street touts I met at the bar. It's easy for a single woman to hang out with someone at a bar to avoid harassment. Single women at a bar by themselves are perceived prostitute (they are called Gali).There were some Galis sitting by themselves who are easily recognized  for their distinctly skimpy dress. Frank is a dump guy but his escort kept me safe in a foreign environment like this. I used this technique quite a few times throughout the trip. I got to have a glimpse of local life and mingle with locals anywhere I went. Hanging out with a local tour guide is a good way to stay away from harassment from strangers. These local guides are happy to hang out with foreigners for free beer, tips or potential business.
Nyama Choma is local word for BBQ, similar to Brazilian BBQ. Frank took me to a popular local restaurant for Nyama Choma. It was interesting restaurant setting. Like bars, these restaurants are all tucked in small alleys in the neighborhood. The tables are set in a large back yard in a very simple fashion. There is a grill station in the corner where dismembered animals were lying. The food is delicious with more selections. I had Uji for breakfast at this type of local restaurants. Uji is a kind of millet porridge. I really enjoyed it. I couldn't find Uji else where in Tanzania.
I ended up hiring Frank for a hike tour in Madulee mountains. We hiked through some villages and passed some nice plantation. African trees are pretty. Some of them are very elegant. My favorite is "Yellow Fever". Frank was lost. He is not a tour guide by trade. He called up his friend Alex to help with direction. Alex is a smart young man who speaks good English. He was bored and didn't mind helping out to make some extra money. In Africa, there are a lot of young men like Alex who have plenty time yet no opportunities. We were supposed to summit a peak. But there was really no peak. There was a "high point" only.
After the hike, we chilled at a local cafe for some cold drinks where there were single women were sitting around for business in that hot afternoon. On the way back to Arusha, we stopped by a Masai market " Meseri" where cattle trade was going on. Tons of Masai walked around holding their signature stick looking to trade their cattle. It's like cattle trade show.
I returned to the neighborhood where my guesthouse was and went to my favorite restaurant " the Picnic" for beef broth and cow feet. The power went out in that area. Power outrage is common in Africa.I have three favorites in Arusha: favorite breakfast place- Ar. New Stadium Bar; favorite bar- Cafe Marina; favorite Nyama Choma place - the Picnic.
I didn't take any big trekking or Safari trip in Arusha as most travelers do. But I had enjoyed my stay and left with some fond memory.