Day 6-7



Chris and I were awoken in the middle of the night, ok, maybe somewhere at the beginning of the fourth quarter (the most important quarter of sleep, duh) around 4 or 5 A.M.  We painfully woke and arose from our sleep. We were to cook the rest of the goat after starting up the fire pit. We set the goat leg over the flame to roast, the time we spent watching the leg roast was spent in a dream-like state. I know I personally teetered on the edge of consciousness and unconsciousness while watching the flames from the fire dance…around goat leg. We couldn’t see anything beyond our Orpul, beyond the light from the flames there was a sense of nothingness, just us. The four of us sat in a circle watching the flames caress our roast while we waited for the sun to raise.  After forcing chunks of meat to my still sleeping belly I came back to my senses a bit to wash down our food we made some "Nyama Chai" (soup). As the sun rose Chris and I ascended out of the darkeness of the orpul guided by lenjekka and Paapaa in warrior hood. We were ready to face a lion!..but hey insisted otherwise so instead we washed up to wash off the looming fatigue putting an end to our training camp.



a part of the vast spring

We packed up everything we brought out and prepared to wash up around ten o’ clock. After relaxing for a brief moment we were right back at it. Today we were to head to the natural spring where many of the cattle of Lesoit go to drink, to meet with an engineer in the midst of some pipe work.

Some Masai and Chris "Cold Chillin"

Upon arrival many Masai were washing, while cattle drank from the spring, it seemed almost like a getaway from the responsibilities of their Kraals; wives, children, and stock, here they joked and enjoyed the company of their friends. We began touring the springs until it was clear we missed this mysterious engineer. Though we missed the engineer we met up with a bunch of young Masai relaxing watching over their cattle and joined them.

Cattle drinking from a trough

We conversed and kicked it old school, and even had a photo shoot.  It was an uneventful day full of recovery and relaxation, so I thought. While we returned to Cha ng'omobe' we came across a large herd of missing cattle grazing on land which was to be reserved, Chris and I were auspicious enough to get the chance to heard cattle. With the force of synergy unheard of, Frnak, Chris, and I rounded up the cattle and lead them back to the Kraal. Call me lame, but it was really exciting. I was like a boy frollicking between 900 lb cows.

"Epic Cattle Herding"

Chris and I had free time for the rest of the day.  I took this opportunity for adventure Time!!! I figured I’d take the 10 minute walk to the market for water and to test my understanding of my whereabouts. I jogged there in five minutes practicing my Swahili with the locals who were really welcoming. After I bought some bottles of water, I made my way back to Frank’s Kraal only to get lost in the woods and partake in some help from some local peeps. I returned for dinner with the crew and star gazing afterwards. With the end of our seventh day I found the end of my trip finally near. I won’t lie I was home sick, but it wasn’t time to go home just yet, we still had the big soccer game tomorrow!

Here are a few more pics of our experience herding:

Lanjen and I

Chris exhibiting his Herding capabilities



Bossin out with the Masai, Herding.

Day 8

 



Little Masai Kid working Chris and I





Corner Kick!

                This was the last day actually recorded in my journal despite the fact that I was actually there for a few more days. I was unusually aware of the approaching departure date as I arose from bed with the sound of the Masai children frolicking outside, as usual. We met up with everyone for mandazi and chai and soon afterwards left breakfast for lunch, as usual. We walked to another Massai’s Kraal for hot milk and conversation while we roasted goat for lunch. By the time we left it was around 3, Mrs. Askew and Frank wanted to check the hot springs again to see if any work had been accomplished but to our dismay, and subtle expectations little had been ostensibly done. We toured around the hot springs again. I tried to take in everything one last time so that just maybe I could never forget this place, or the people. But with the big soccer game approaching we didn’t have long. We departed for what I would almost consider the big finale of my time time Lesoit. We got to the soccer field  around 5 to play six on six.

Frank and I getting ready to score!

 Majority of the players on the field were at about 15 or 16 years old, but we couldn’t keep up with their skill level. It was a great game with Frank, a few of the teachers, a bunch of students, and a few others playing.  We lost that night 2-1.  The sun began to set on Lesoit, despite our loss it felt good to bond with the Masai of Lesoit. Prior to the game tensions were at an all-time high. It was our practice with Swahili which let us defuse the rigidities. Chris and I found our-selves feeling on edge and often in the midst of stare downs with the masai students right before the game, the type of cold stare that’d make you feel unwelcome. But this was just an example of cultural differences.  Mambo?  ”what’s up?” I’d ask holding out my hand, a large smile would streak across their face as they clutched my hand saying Poa  “Cool” (which was the usual answer in Tanzania). The soccer game served as more than just a field to play.