The other day Stefan and I went to Mlimani City, a modern shopping mall at our doorstep, where we buy the western stuff that we can't get in our small market. We were greeted by an unbelievable traffic jam extending km from Mlimani City, at a very untypical hour. What was going on? First we thought it was an accident that blocked the road, until we saw that the pavements were lined with people selling bright red, pink and yellow plastic flowers dressed into shiny paper, together with oversized congratulation cards. It was graduation day again!
When students graduate in Tanzania, they wear the nice black robes and hats, making the ceremony a very serious, magnificant and English affair. Since there are only a handful of modern shopping malls in Dar es Salaam, they have a cult status, signifying success, well-being and prestige. That is why Tanzanians love to hold not only graduation ceremonies, but also weddings in the shopping malls!
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