I did my master thesis field work in Kigoma, and occasionally I'd use to hang out behind a little garage, right in between two of the most prominent coffee places as the original one, The Russian Coffee Place, had split into two, over party politics. Once a week they'd prepare a huge, collective meal of ugali, fresh dagaa and kachumbari - which I was also invited to take part in.
I used to drink coffe, eat mandazi, observe, chat, take photos and notes. It left something. Because later the guys started sending me photos back of noteworthy events. Such as the weekly meal.
I just love when that happens.