Challenge: Kununua Capatulla Mmoja Sizi Tatu!

Our Kiswahili lessons came to a close this morning and Maguy decided it was the perfect opportunity for us to practice what we had been learning over the last three weeks. We headed out to the local second-hand clothes market, a long row of tin roof-covered concrete pads covered with piles of clothes and their owners sitting in the midst of them. Upon our arrival, Maguy promptly let us out on the curb and we were left to fend for ourselves.

Our mission: 'kununua capatulla mmoja sizi tatu' (to buy one pair of shorts size three) for no more than TSH 2500,- (approx. $2.50 CA) Unfortunately, theory and classroom conversation don't always work that well in the real world and mispronunciations are a common occurrence among the three of us. The locals find it quite amusing. I found that out first hand today as I tried to negotiate a better price for a pair of boys shorts. When I ran out of Kiswahili words, the lady I was bargaining with switched to English with a knowing smile. I managed to close the deal in Kiswahili and feeling a sense of accomplishment from a small milestone, Icontinued down the row of vendors loking for another deal.

The market is filled with people buying and selling used clothing shipped in from all around the world. Some even have the price tags attached from their last home. The idea is to be at the market early on Tuesday and Friday to get in on the newest shipment. As bales of clothing are cut open, hands start grabing at whatever looks appealing. Many times, a person will purchase a handful of clothing for next to nothing, make their way to their own spot and sell the items for double or more what they paid originally. I simply stood back and watched as the sellers yelled out what they were currently selling and groups surrounded them, searching for a much-needed shirt, skirt, pair of pants. You can buy just about anything here - it's second-hand heaven...