Now That's Sharing!

"Do you mind not bathing in my drinking water???"

There are actually two Cape Buffalo in the puddle of water. The giraffes take turns drinking then watching for predators. And that's quite a knee-bend for a drink, wouldn't you say??

The wildlife has increased one hundred fold upon our arrival here in Kenya. What was animal-desolate in Ethiopia is made up for here. There a tenuous "harmony" that goes on at the watering holes. All species of animal must have water. Water is very scarce. With the two main rainy seasons, the long rains of March and April and the short rains of October and November, survival in the dry seasons means endurance. Last fall there was no short rain, so animals are really in survival mode til the next rains come. Lakes have dried up to just short of swamps.

The education of these beautiful, nomadic people is a far cry above their neighbors to the north, Ethiopia. So close, yet so far away. You'd be walking in the village hearing their native language and all of a sudden someone is speaking very clear English to you. It's bizarre! Their education is obtained to further their tribe. Theirs is a lifestyle that hasn't changed much in millennia.

The Maasai only raise livestock; they do not hunt for food. They raise no fruits and veggies. They live this life trading their beef for goods they need; firestones - sandals made from tires, red & colorful material for clothing - matches the soil that is red and very dusty, beads for items they will sell later and wear for ceremonial and daily use. Their homes - built by the women of the village - are made of cow dung. Even the milk cows stay in the huts to be milked as needed! They utilize everything; there is no waste. Polygamy is also the norm for both the Maasai and the Samburu tribes (cousins, so to speak, of each other). The Maasai also are in charge of each safari camp. No person wanders the camp after dark without a Maasai warrior escort. Ever wonder what can go bump in the night in Africa???