Finding Happiness in the Himalayas: "...But Peter, We Didn't See a Tiger"

Thoughts about Amboseli and the Maasai home stay:

Upon arrival to our “campsite” we were greeted by cups of orange juice (aka Tang) and cold towels to wipe our faces

Our “tent” had a view that overlooked Mt. Kilimanjaro. No joke—woke up to the sunrise and Kilimanjaro every morning. http://www.kibosafaricamp.com/ check out the “campsite” for yourself…

We had princess beds, as we liked to call them, which someone would make and turn down our beds every night.

The food was an all you can eat buffet—with an all you can eat dessert buffet too. Gummys were a hit amongst everyone.

Throughout our stay we met a group of 40 Polish people, 4 American college students, numerous families and couples and a family reunion too.

On our game drive we saw ostrich, hippo, buffalo, elephants, wildebeest, Thompson gazelle and so many birds (again Cody, you would have loved it).

The entire trip—not kidding, entire trip—we had Mt. Killi as our background.

We met with and interviewed numerous non-Maasai farmers and got the low down on how difficult farming is in Amboseli.

Farmers do not like the wildlife around them because they eat a lot of their crops—silly elephants.

We visited a cultural manyatta (home village) of the Maasai. Had a very tourist like visit. Most of us were not convinced by their lifestyle.

On our (mine and Ally’s) home stay we slept on a freshly dried cow hide, grass and cow dung bed.

We learned how to carry 10L of water on our heads. Not impressive when comparing to the 20+ liters the Maasai women can carry.

We collected firewood with our host cousin…during which we spotted 3 elephants (this is a rarity for them). Priscilla (our cousin) told us we had to run—even though the elephant was not that close—and so we did. All the way home.

We beaded with our home stay mother and grandmother. They are very artistic. I made a bracelet and three rings. Meanwhile, they made 10 bracelets…

We ate food that was drenched in “cooking fat” and swarming in flies and drank tea made with goats milk.

We smeared fresh cow dung on the side of our hut to seal the outer surface.

Upon arrival back to the “campsite” we were advised to wash all clothes that came in contact with the Maasai to rid ourselves of fleas and lice.

In total we spent 6 days in Amboseli and 1 day and night with the Maasai.

The lifestyle of the Maasai is not only hard core but one that they are very proud of. Cattle are their life and they believe that all cattle in this world belong to them. (Yes, even the ones in America—one day they will get them back!) Their distinctive markings and traditions help the determine who is Maasai and also help keep the culture alive. They gage their ears to create large hoops, brand circles under their eyes to prevent poor eyesight, pull out the bottom two teeth of a child and circumcise both males and females between the ages of 13-17. Women are traditionally married off by age 16 and start having kids very soon after. The gender roles are very divided while men control the cattle and livestock and women cook, clean, tend to the children, make the homes, milk the livestock and bead for a profit. They are amongst some of the strongest (mentally and physically) and most determined people I have ever met. I have such an admiration for the culture and lifestyle but fear for the continuation of their existence. This is something that we discussed in great detail with our group and local community members. One group of traditional Maasai pastoralists said they see the Maasai culture and traditions being wiped out in 2 generations.

Our time was amazing and very eye opening to the ways the Maasai live. The view of Mt. Kilimanjaro was stunning and made me so excited to climb it in May. Bring it on Dad.

Here are some pics: