One exciting surprise was that because we were out all day, we were able to actually cross the Kenya-Tanzania border! We ate our picnic lunch in Tanzania just into the Serengeti, where we were entertained by velvet monkeys and mongooses who were trying to steal food from us. We took a photo of all of us standing on the border between the two countries. I guess that means I get to add another country to my list, making it around 14 other countries I've visited so far. Most of those trips have been paid for by BVU, and I am so grateful.
A fun part of today's safari was that we got to see the Mara River, which was home to several dozen hippos who were staying cool by submerging themselves in the water. We also saw three baby crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Our Maasai guide for the day explained that the crocodiles generally leave the hippos alone. He also showed us the spot where the wildebeests cross the river during the Great Migration each year (it was a huge, muddy mess!). During the drive, our guides actually pointed out a huge herd of wildebeests heading that way, and they said that it might be the very first herd, starting this year's migration. It was amazing to see.
While all of the animals were fascinating and beautiful, my favorite part of today's adventure was the early evening, when we were able to visit an authentic Maasai village. They've started to allow visitors to stop by for a tour in exchange for a small fee, which they told us goes toward school supplies and uniforms for all of the villagers (there are about 300 villagers in this particular community).
They demonstrated their traditional dance for us, as well as how they make fire by rubbing a stick of hard wood onto a stick of soft wood, all on top of the blade of a sword, then they take the hot shavings and put them into dried grass to start the fire. I'd never seen that actually done before! We were able to get a tour of a house as well. They make the houses out of cow dung, which is completely biodegradable, sturdy for about 10 years, and extremely comfortable in either cold or hot weather.
They also told us about several traditions, such as taking rotations in watching the herds in the savannah, their practices of multiple wives (which only rich men can afford, as he must give the wife's family a gift of 10 cows), and how they drink raw blood. Finally, we went to their marketplace, where each family has a stall to sell their handmade merchandise. I wasn't planning to buy anything, but the local Maasai man who had given us the tour said he really liked my watch and was willing to trade for it. While I kind of wanted my watch for the trip, it was just a simple thing from Wal-Mart, so I decided to go for it. What a great opportunity to try something I had never done before! So he told me I could have anything in his stall. I asked him how much the hand-carved and hand-painted masks went for, and he said, "I ask $30, but I'm willing to negotiate." I told him I would trade the watch for two masks, and he said yes if I were willing to throw in another $1000 shillings (which is around $12.00). I said that was too much, but I'd give him my watch and $500. He tried to talk me up to $1000, but I stayed firm. I don't really care about $6.00, but it was fun and we were both happy. Actually, he was so happy at the end that he said I could pick out any necklace as well, so I took one of an African mask that's made out of hoof.
We were allowed to take as many pictures as we wanted, and he asked me if he could have copies, so I gave him my business card. He said he would use the local school's computer to send me an email with their post office box address for the town nearby, and I'll send him some printed copies and a couple over email as well. He told me that next year, he's going to sell several goats to pay the tuition to attend school for two years to become an official tour guide, then he'll come back to his village. It was a really fun and educational day.
We then came back to the camp, had dinner, and sat by the campfire for a couple of hours, talking about our impressions of the people, the safari, and everything we've experienced so far.
Kenya was beautiful, exciting, and exotic. But, I'm very much looking forward to seeing Rwanda tomorrow, after our flight. I'm also looking forward to being able to post all of these entries, and to a hot shower (none of us have taken a shower for three days!).
Well bartered!
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