I invite you, as graciously and enthusiastically as my hosts throughout the day did, to read on!
The bridges leading to it were washed out and there’d be no stay at the Lake Manyara Lodge.
Oh, no!
That's terrible.
There had been a one and only night game drive scheduled there, and that opportunity was now lost.
News just went from bad to worst.
On the other hand, it was nice to know I wouldn’t be the one to worry about re-arranging all the future flights, lodges, game drives, transfers, etc…. The logistics of an African Safari are no joke.
So it all got taken care of? Phew! I can't imagine the amount of rearranging that would take!
They politely said no, because the next day would be a VERY long day on game drive and the Lodge was expecting us for lunch- albeit quite a late one.
"Whadaya mean no? Who's paying for this extravaganza! Eat, shmeat! I can eat anytime! I wanna see some critters!"
Instead, Emanuel suggested a visit to a Maasai Village and a stop at a local market- both of which were on my bucket list.
Okay... nevermind the previous rant. That sounds (and turns out it
was) pretty cool.
(Every truck has a fly swatter made from a cow's tail
Erm... bugs were pretty bad, I take it?
(Lake Manyara District is the banana capitol of the country!)
I was just gonna comment on the amount of bananas on that bike!
You and your snakes!
I am unsure of the exact species, but it is a: Nile Monitor (unlikely as it was smaller than most Niles get), a Rock Monitor, or a White-throated Monitor.
I tried to figure it out, but my monitor isn't good enough to make our any distinctive markings.
Got me curious. I
know it's a herd of cattle and horses, but... (was thinking like a murder of crows)
So the correct term is herd... but could also be a
drove of donkeys.
The price for my visit would be $50
For what you saw and did... I'd say that was more than reasonable.
I cannot know the hearts of people, but do wonder if they think to themselves, “Oy, it’s hot, I have work to do, and I really don’t want to perform right now.”.
"Oh, yay. The tourists are here..... again.... yippee...."
This is such a cool shot! It looks more like a painting.
I was wrapped by the Chief himself with a blue piece of cloth and a necklace was placed over my head.
Cool!!!
Look at you! Great shot!
Love his smile.
This is such a terrific shot.
Dude's getting some air!
I had seen this on TV, many years ago... but you got to see it for real! How cool is that!?
I was then invited….hmm, no actually pulled, into the dancing
Well okay then.
"No, no, I'll just watch and.... eep!" <yank>
I confess, I absolutely sucked at this and looked like a complete doofus.
I disagree. I think you got that necklace popping as much as the others.
And... didn't quote the vids, but... the men sound like throat singing. I wonder if it is?
I do wonder if they know how deeply appreciative most tourists are at being allowed to have a small glimpse into their way of life.
hmmm... And
I wonder if most tourists
are in fact appreciative or take it as if they're owed the experience.
I know some people have that sense of entitlement.
A long dancing video with a hilarious finish of the Chief agreeing I was terrible dancer!
"I'm bad!"
Chief: "Yeah!"
The entrance had a large piece of brush beside it and I asked if that was for firewood and I was told "no, it is the door to keep wild animals out at night."
Makes sense.
Interesting that they do it on top of a blade. I wonder why? Does the blade get hot and help, I wonder? No idea!
Another great shot.
A blackboard was in front of the colorful group with one pupil standing proudly in front of them holding a long pointer.
Awww.
However, I will also say, some had been sucking on lollipops and their hands were a total terrific sticky mess. I saw at least two picking their noses, and the grime was beyond comprehension.
Ew... But... I guess kids can be messy anywhere.
A word on this level of poverty (in general): I have lived among the poorest of the poor for a fair amount of my life. They are 1,000% no less happy for it. In fact, I’d argue emphatically, that while things may take a LOT more time to get life done for the poor abroad, they are far happier than many, if not most, of their more affluent counterparts. Life is simpler, there is no keeping up with the Jones, they are for the most part content.
Very interesting comment.
I will also say, however, there are other, complex social issues within this community that definitely need addressing (like domestic abuse). <steps off soapbox>
Oh, dear. Did you see one (or more) of the women being abused?
From the little school-hut, the Chief then invited me into one of his 3 homes to show me what home life is like. I was deeply humbled by this gesture- I don’t know of too many other cultures who would let a perfect stranger into their home to share about the most intimate happenings.
Wow! I'm very surprised he invited you into his home. That's a level of familiarity/welcoming that I certainly wouldn't have expected.
Some of the facts that my host shared were that the Maasai are polygamous and he himself has 3 wives. He is proud of the fact that he takes good care of each one. He goes from home to home as he wishes. He shared that men watch the herds of goats, donkeys, and cattle and women make jewelry, watch the children, and cook.
Fascinating stuff. And it obviously works for them.
I was very nervous about stopping in at all. In hindsight, I wish I had.
Too bad.
But at least you got your things later.
El Wrongo!!! Patience, my dear, patience.
