Jambo! Today has been amazing. We spent the whole morning of class in field lectures. Without even entering a wildlife management area we saw zebras and a bachelor herd of elephants! It is really hard to focus on lectures when a herd of elephants is behind me.
The afternoon was spent visiting our neighbors at their bomas. I am still trying to process the whole experience. My study abroad program has fostered a really good relationship with the local Maasai community so I am able to do things that most tourists will never experience: bomas.
The bomas, homes, are built from cow dung and sticks. Each woman has her own boma and the husband moves between them. Inside is two beds and a campfire (this one consisted of three rocks and a pot). It was extremely dark inside and the roof is very short. I sat on a bed with Nasha who played with my hair and welcomed me to her home: a HUGE honor!
The mamas sang some of their traditional songs and we danced with them, this consisted of a rhythmic jumping. Then, to reciprocate, we performed the hokie pokie. Not a fair trade at all, but it made them laugh! The children were so nice. Every single child I have met has been kind, considerate, and happy; so different from the States. It was obvious that these Maasai people lived in poverty and were surviving with minimal resources and that is what they are accustomed to. Too often I think that those in developed countries feel that Africa is full of problems and if we throw a few dollars their way, these problems will be resolved. Not true! Yes, there are health disparities and sickness, but they have such a wonderful culture and so much for us to learn from!
I felt sick to my stomach taking some of these pictures, it felt as if the children were on display. I talked about it with one of the interns here, John, and he explained that they are taking mental pictures of us as well. White people, especially Americans, are such a rarity in this area that we truly are like celebrities. Except we are also taking pictures- so I'm like a celebrity paparazzi!
