Arusha greeted me with a busy, sometimes stressful energy, set against the dramatic presence of Mount Meru in the distance as I enjoyed breakfast with a view. The city moved fast around me — traffic, voices, and daily routines blending into a constant, restless rhythm.
Wandering through a local art gallery offered a brief pause from the rush. The vibrant works reflected Tanzanian culture and creativity, giving me a quieter space to take in stories told through color, texture, and form.
One afternoon led me to a former German fortress, now home to the National Museum. Its solid stone walls hold deep layers of history, but what truly stood out was one of its most remarkable residents: a 160-year-old turtle that has lived there since colonial times. Watching it move slowly across the grounds felt like a moment of calm in contrast to the city’s pace — a living link between Arusha’s past and present.