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I neglected to mention that the day after the distribution we attended the Rotary luncehon at a downtown hotel, as well as having a brief meeting with Gideon to review the distributions. Bob showed the new PR presentation for SCAW, and of course we were thanked profusely. We were given soapstone carvings of animials
that we from KIssi, an area we had been to, so they were even more special. Unfortunately they were short one, and Lauren graciously insisted her gran take the last one. They promise to send her one, and I do hope it happens. Also Lauren was asked to come to the front of the room with the president while he acknowledged the incredible job she had done in fundraising over $11,000 for SCAW. After lunch we did some souvenir shopping and then experienced Charles expert driving yet again, as he negotiated our van through a miriad of cars, bikes, motorbikes, huge lorries, vans, pedestrians, etc. No one heeded the stoplights or traffic police!!!! What a maze!!!! Upon our return to the lodge, we had a celebration to thank Charles for taking such good care of us and also assisting at the distributions. Cake was enjoyed by all.
All of our team elected to go on safarri at Maasi Mara, thus we left at approx 7:30 on March 6 for the 5-6 hour drive north east. We had travelled part of this route before and viewed part of the Rift Valley again. We then turned east and travelled through very dry arrid countryside with the last 1-2 hours on a gravel washboard road --- so once again we received the African massage!!!! At no cost too!!! At the gate to the park we were swarmed by maasi women trying to sell their jewellery. This was the first time we had really been harrassed since arriving in Kenya. Again the lodge was very impressive and this time our accommodation was in a luxury tent, with a proper shower and bathroom at the back!!!!!! I like this kind of camping!!! We enjoyed 5 drives, and were lucky enough to see all the animals except the leopard, who we are told is very elusive. The highlights for me were the 4 female lions and their 6 cubs, that we watched for about 15 minutes from a distance of about 20 feet, the huge herds of zebras, the elephants and giraffes. And oh yes, the female cheetah stalking an impala. We saw her begin the chase, but she stopped in a bit as her cubs were trying to follow her. Many of the animals are not spooked by the vans, and will pass directly in front of you. They have learned to live with man,s invasion of their territory.
A few of us decided to visit a Maasai Village and we learned about their culture and traditions. It was eye opening to say the least!!! The village is in a circle with a branch like fence all around. The cattle are housed in the centre for protection at night. The men tend the cattle, or congregate under a tree outside the village to discuss the topics of the day. Many of the herds are very large and looked to be in very good condition. The sale of the cattle, together with the sale of jewellery or carved items is their only source of income. They still dress in the traditional colourful style. practice polygamy, arranged marriages (the first only) and drink blood from a cow mixed with milk. The women build the homes from the cattle dung, care for the children, and prepare the food. The children attend school and some of the young men have been to school in Nairobi. They performed traditional dance for us and were most congenial in having their pictures taken. I was overwhelmed with the cattle dung everywhere and flies covering the children!!! However, it didn't bother them of course. A once in a lifetime experience to say the least.
We set out for Heart Lodge approximately 8am on Mar 9, and were extremely glad to have travelled the washboard road for the last time. We arrived there about 1pm and the team other than Lauren and I prepared for their departure.
Note: I am having trouble posting pictures, ---you may have noticed!!!! Still trying to solve the problem.
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