Into the bush

Sunday, we headed to the bush to mingle with the Maasai people. Along the way, we needed to stop for directions. Fortunately, there were some helpful locals around...

Even the ever so evasive Mt. Kilimanjaro made an appearance.

As we pull up to the village, we are welcomed with a short song and dance. The village is fairly quiet and bare. There are a few huts, but it's mostly used for tourism (which I found to be most disappointing). The Maasai are lowland nomads who have put a lot of effort in keeping their traditions alive; granted there have been a few evolutions (i.e. incorporating Catholicism), but they are primarily traditional.

After a little cultural learning, a Junior Maasai warrior took us to the bush - the bush is the surrounding lowland where their livestock graze. Our warrior had recently finished recovering from being attacked by a lion. It goes without saying I was feeling pretty safe with him at my side. He showed us around teaching us about the different surrounding plants and how each one is used. One was used as a toothbrush and he made me my very own! We left the bush, but not before we unsuccessfully practiced throwing the spear - my form was atrocious.

We wrapped up right after we had tea with the chief's wife. She was about 94 years old (looking 70) and has had 12 children. When I mentioned I wasn't married and didn't have children, she told me she could help me find a husband. Apparently there were plenty of eligible warriors. I graciously declined. Not too sure the bush lifestyle is for me. You can take a girl out of the city...

Did I mention our escorts home...