We have been in the bush lately and apologize for no updates! We’ll fill you in on our first of many adventures!
We all arrived safely with the plane landing in the parking lot of the Kilimanjaro Airport. We were greeted by the spotty electricity of Africa.
Our first four days were spent at a local hostel, La Oasis. Having little experience in the town of Arusha, our leaders set us free to complete a scavenger hunt in several groups. One of our tasks was to ride a dala dala aka Dolla Dolla Bills Ya’ll (taxi). Along the way, many of the groups encountered friendly natives, while learning their first bit of Swahili. Some of the groups were more successful than others as one group found their way to the local hospital. Sarah ended up in a ditch (okay maybe not really). A few stitches later, all was well!
10 years later (time really flies by here) we found ourselves in middle of the dust bowl. We have found ourselves living amongst the Maasai tribe in a more remote village. Life here would be described as roughing it; no running water, no electricity, and living in tents. Hygiene is no longer a factor as we all embrace the dirt and our natural selves. bathrooms here have become a topic of their own… SQUATTERS!! For you non-squatters out there, they are equivalent to a lovely hole in the ground. But don’t worry.. theres a door and we’ve got the good old fashioned toilet paper!
On a more positive note, we have already enjoyed our time here while volunteering at the school and making MANY MANY MANY new friends. Some of our itinerary includes daily Swahili lessons, teaching English, fetching water, daily land explorations and painting the school (over 200 desks 6 different colors!).
Now here comes the randomness. We are all officially wedding crashers as we witnessed a Maasai wedding (Emily was trying to get her “jig” on), we climbed a volcano (no spewing lava), oh and we added a 14th member to our Carpe Diem Family, Herman. Yes, we bought a goat! We gave him as a gift to our host, Mr.Lang’o. Not only have we added a goat but we also added 3 new BFF’s. Jonas, a Maasai who went out of his way to help us has enlightened our group on the customs and traditions of the Maasai people. He has been extremely helpful and we are very grateful. (He has also killed 3 lions!). Meshack, a young vibrant student who we have all come to love and appreciate. And last but certainly not least, Allen. Allen has been with us through the journey from day one and has given more than we could ever imagine. He helped with Sarah’s stiches, Kristine being sick and Emily’s splinter/thorn, not to mention he has Bieber fever! He has taught us many things about the culture, Swahili, Maasai and of course beat boxing. Our group would not be where it is without Allen.
Next up in our adventure is Safari and definitely some showers! We love and miss everyone at home but this truley is the experience of a lifetime!
Love Kristine, Sarah and Emily<3
