In Dar
Not only did we arrive on christmas eve, though technically christmas day, the shia community of Dar was also celebrating Ashura, meaning that pretty much everything in town was closed.
Nevertheless, the compact center, with the strong Indian influence and several restaurants selling more than decent food and more than reasonable prices, make Dar not unattractive at all. The only challenge being the hordes of touts close to the port, all trying to sell you tours, safaris and trips to Zanzibar.
We were staying at the Jambo Inn, a very reasonably hostel, perhaps a bit pricier than the nearby Safari Inn and Econolodge, but more agreeable, brighter, with very decent service, a wonderfully friendly host, and a rather nice restaurant on the ground floor. Normally, an onsite internet cafe provides internet access for free, but due to the holidays, it was closed. A nearby internet cafe made me wet my pants with the speed available, though.