Dar – dense, yet diverse

Let’s be honest, I (Shannon) am writing this post.  Nathan loves being outside, but he’s not ready to be a nature nerd…yet.

When I tell people we live in Tanzania, there are two common reactions:  either they think I am talking about an island off the coast of Australia or they think I live in ‘the bush.’  Tanzania is actually a large country in East Africa, just south of the Equator with what I consider some of the most beautiful geography on the planet.  The country is blessed with high biodiversity due in part to many types of ecosystems, from rainforest to savanna to coral reefs.  We live in Dar es Salaam, a huge, tropical city on the Indian Ocean and despite poorly planned, rapid development and heavy pollution, there are amazing creatures everywhere.  You just have to be willing to slow down, look around, and listen. Continue reading →