Thursday evening

Hello All!

Today was one of our earlier days- we met at 6:20 for a verrrry early breakfast. But it was ok, because we had PB&J's! It was thrilling for all of us. After breakfast we headed to the baboon walk.

We were packed into colorful vans with tight seats called Matatus for the 40 minute drive. Probably the bumpiest ride of my life... It took conscious effort not to smash your head when the matatu hit every rock and hole in the dirt road. We saw giraffes gazelles, elephants, and dikdiks on the drive!

After the bumpy journey, the baboon walk was incredible. We hiked a ways and scrambled up rocks and boulders to find the troop with our guide, Jonathan, and two other men who know the troop very well. Then we spent a long time taking photos to all our hearts' content. One baboon came within 5 feet of me! The trek down was filled with cactus needles and acacia thorns, but we all got down eventually- some of us with few scratches though!

Then back to the Matatus to the Masai village. As soon as we arrived we were taken by the hands of the Masai women dressed in bright beautiful cloths and full beaded jewelry (including the earrings that stretch he ears). We followed along to their dances and songs (some of us better than others). Then we were shown the lives of the Masai. First, the men who play Mancala ALL day. The men really don't do much else. Then we saw how the Masai make fire by literally rubbing sticks together. Then we saw their homes (built by the women, of course), made of branches and cow dung. And then my personal favorite, the beehives. They have 80 hives! Apparently honey is a major part of most Masai ceremonies. The women were excited to have us, and even though it felt a little uncomfortable taking so many phtos, this village is suported a lot by tourism and sharing their culture. after seeing the village, we were allowed (the girls were more set loose) to buy beautiful beaded work and jewelry from the women. the profit goes towards suporting the Masai women specifically so it is very empowering, and 10% goes towards Masai girls' education. I was excited to show my 1 through 10 in Swahili to the Masai women (who speak little or no english). I know they were very impressed...

Our field trip was really amazing, and when we got back to Daraja after lunch we were all exhausted, and I for one took a long nap as soon as I reached my bed. The rest of the afternoon was relaxing, WISH or sports, designing a mural, dinner, and then study hall. Jono fell off us a desk in study hall trying to avoid a flying bug. Also Paige, Megan, Erin and I are sharing our rondoval with mouse that chews our thatch roof, who Jono named Ratatouille. All in all, a wonderful day.

Much Love,

Alison