The Masai
One of the greatest highlights of my entire journey so far was visiting a village of the Masai. Not only was it a wonderful 2 hours of enlightening conversation and dance, but the 1000nsh ($11) I paid to the chief’s son to have a visit goes to help the people of the village. All the Masai tribes pool money together as one for their school and then any additional monies they make goes to help their own village as a whole. Alex (Sintu), was the head of the welcoming party, he had the men from the village dance a traditional welcoming dance before we entered through the fence into the compound. This is the same dance the men perform even if a person from another Masai village visits them. I found these people to be very hospitable and I was warmly invited into the community.
These two men continued to walk with me and asked my name and where I was from, it seemed right away that they were as interested in me as I was in them! They taught me a few Masa words and were always happy and showed kindness. Unlike some cultures I have encountered around the world, these people had no problem at all with me photographing them while walking around the village. The men generally wear very bright orange and red colors for two reasons. First, the bright colors make them visible from far away; this is good because when the men are out grazing the cattle or goats the other villagers can spot them easily. Secondly, the lions can readily spot them as well, these colors are intimidating to the lions and they generally avoid the Masai.
In my quest to learn more about other cultures around the world this experience was one of my best. Unlike many tourist attractions, when you visit people in their homes and villages you get a pure experience uncluttered by the sensationalism of people selling an experience. I sat in Alex’s small kitchen with him and his children and talked like friends, although I must admit…I was a very curious friend!