Propelled initially by jet lag as the eleven-hour time difference is hard, I spent my first morning in Africa on the beach. I was searching for the iconic sunrise over the Indian Ocean and hoped to enjoy the start of a new day.
I didn't find a majestic sunrise, but what I did see was even more fascinating—the fishermen of Nungwi.
Each morning before dawn, the fishermen would begin their daily routine. Calisthenics and running were the first order of business while the captains would get the dhows ready. It was a fascinating rhythm and glimpse into their daily life, and I enjoyed it so much that I went to the beach each morning to watch their ritual unfold.
The dhows are lateen-rigged ships used in the Indian Ocean. They are traditional sailing vessels, and I found a ship-building yard on the beach. I watched a man make a dhow with a single blade. Thinking about all the modern advances in technology, it is hard to believe that the boats are carved by hand. From my vantage point, it seemed to be one-man operation.
Although the men I saw lacked most if not all modern conveinences that are prevalent throughout North America, they certainly didn't lack work ethic.
Comentarios