2015 Trip – 23 July

 

Rhys Williams

We had an early morning today because we had not slept in our own tents. We had actually spent the night in maasai boma after having a semi traditional maasai goat barbeque. The killing and preparation of the goat was quite fascinating and the meat was really good. I actually had a impromptu eating competition with the maasai who was serving our duty group.

            Once the eating was finished our duty group were put in a smallish boma were we all had to squeeze in. I took the post of door man and had a enjoyful, yet rather uncomfortable, night with my whole duty group. We found that David snores loudly every now and then but apart from that the night was great.

            We got back to camp early and ate a good breakfast. Now we need to prepare for the sports day.

 

Joe Garrens

Yesterday was definitely an eventful day. We started by visiting Einoti Secondary School which was very interesting as it was a mixed school. One volleyball team played their school but unfortunately got beat but put up a very good fight. The other team will are playing Kipok school tomorrow. Last night was also Boma night and the time where we had our visitor for lunch Chewy Downing. Watching the killing of the goat was definitely hard but I wanted to do it as it was an experience that I will never have again. He was extremely chewy so I didn’t have that much. While we were waiting for the goat to be cooked we had the opportunity to lay on the cow skin,  that the tribe kindly provided for us,  and look up at the stars. I have never appreciated them as much as I did last night they were unbelievable. Sleeping in the Boma wasn’t as bad as anticipated but I can assure you it was not the best nights sleep I have had but I did get to sleep. We are just about to go to a meeting now to discuss sports day today so that will be eventful and keep us busy and then we leave Meserani Snake Park. I hope everything is alright at home and I hope you are all having a great time. Only 1 more week left!! I love and miss you all!!

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Wow! Yesterday was definitely an experience. Firstly we visited Einoti Secondary school in order to meet the sponsored pupils. I showed one of the girls a letter that was written to her by a Y7 girl last year and her face lit up when she was reading about her life back in England. She asked lots of questions like ‘What is guides’ and ‘Why is her family so small’. It was quite difficult explaining our culture because it is so different from theirs. After returning back to the camp, Peter introduced us to ‘Chewy’ the goat. What made things extremely difficult was that we had to try and walk the goat to its death… however I think ‘Chewy’ knew because that goat was not going anywhere! We had to walk by ourselves whilst Chewy got a lift! Once we arrived to the Maasai boma we were reunited with our evening meal. The group split up and those who wanted to watch the sacrifice walked over to another area. It was interesting yet horrific to watch. The Maasai people cut its throat and drained its blood. It was then skinned and cooked. I don’t really know how I felt but I had to accept either way because not only did I choose to watch but it is their culture and a sign of friendship between us. However, putting the culture thing aside, the stars and the food were out of this world! We laid there on cow skins whist the massai would cut meat off ‘Chewy’ and hand it to us. It was a once in a lifetime experience! We slept overnight in the Boma and that was ‘cosy’. There wasn’t much room but it was brilliant anyway: a real bonding activity haha. Today we are organizing sports day. I can’t wait to see all the children again. The prizes are bags of maize which is mental. Imagine giving bags of rice to Acklam Grange kids as prizes… they are worthless to us yet to kids here, they are a dream come true! Only one more week to go. It is scary how fast time is going by! This morning I had beans on toast and it made me sad because I am starting to miss Nanna’s cooking a bit. Love you all and ill be back soon xx

 

Jacob Jardine

Tuesday we visited Moita the school where Julius goes he is a very nice boy. We spent the whole day their so this gave us time to talk, have lunch and play some games. And also more of insight of what the schools here in Africa are like. Got a couple of pictures with him and also one with Aaron. Last night we stayed in the bomas also got to experience the slaughtering of the goat. It was interesting to watch but not the most pleasant thing in the world. Today we are hosting a sports day for some of the local schools, should be interesting.

 

Jess Taylor

Hi guys! Wow the last few days have been pretty amazing! Tuesday we went to Moita boys boarding school where we were paired off with two sponsored children and spent the day with them; getting to know them, experiencing lessons, playing games and having a packed lunch. I was paired off with two young boys named Godson and Lowasa. Lowasa was only in his first year of secondary so he struggled a little with English but Godsons English was fantastic! So he helped us communicate. I thought they were both amazing kids and Godsons art work… wow! It was incredible! He also had a great passion towards his art which was inspiring because he knew he didn’t have a great deal of opportunity with his art as he wants to be an artist but he still draws everyday and is hugely creative. Yesterday night was eventful as we stayed in a boma. At first I was very worried about sleeping with all the bugs and being in a dark cold room but it turned out to be quite the opposite as Lisa was great bringing us all some sweets and everybody in my boma was fab! However, we did all come back smelling not the best and jumped straight in the shower! But it was definitely an amazing experience. I cant wait to see you guys as I have so much more to tell you! X

 

Felicity Holden

Yesterday we went to a primary school and I was able to interview some children to decide who gets sponsored for secondary school. Some of the stories were really heart wrenching and suddenly makes you realize why we are here and how much of a difference we make to the people who have so much less than us. Last night was boma night and I felt the most relaxed, happy and without a care in the world while looking at the stars. I tried some of the goat which wasn’t the nicest meat ever but I’m glad I tried some. The sleeping in the boma was much like the goat but I got through it with a strange rustling sound next to me which its stimulus is still unknown!!! It was sports day today which was eventful and I took part in the 100m relay which was fun. Hope you are all well, love you lots, kisses xxxxx

 

Daniel Appleton

Yesterday we went to a few places. First we went to another school to meet some sponsored students. They were interesting to talk like the other students we have met from other schools. Some of us then went on to have a volleyball game against them. After that we went to visit a Vocational centre that teaches people different skills. One of the more popular courses is the driving course. The most eventful part of the day was definitely staying in the Boma which is a Massai’s house. We got to meet our meal for the night before it was actually killed and cooked. It was a Goat that we named “Chewy Downing”. The fact we got to see it a live first made it even harder to watch it killed but we felt like we had to watch it because it was all part of the experience. It wasn’t as bad as you would expect but it still wasn’t pleasant and some people couldn’t handle it. Only a few of us stayed around to watch the goat get cut up which was disgusting at some points. On the bright side it taste good. Afterwards we had to sleep in one of the houses which I didn’t have high expectations for. There was about 8 of us in the small room that turned out to be a kitchen but we still had a good laugh. None of us really got much sleep because it was extremely uncomfortable and smelt bad. Today we organized a sports day for 3 different primary schools. I had the best job as I was the person who started all the races. It was a really fun day because all the kids involved were crazy. We have a lot of time to prepare for tomorrow now. I’m trying to make the most of it and relax because apparently we don’t get much relax time after today. Hope you are all enjoying Middlesbrough still and miss you all.

 

Josh Cooper

Last night was an extremely interesting experience. We slept at the Maasai Boma. Firstly, we met the goat that we were going to sacrifice and a couple of people took pictures with it before the walk. The goat was taken to the Boma by car, whilst our group walked, which took approximately 30 minutes. Once we arrived, we were met by Alex, who took us on a tour of the site. We then gathered in the central area of the Boma, where we met a few more of the Maasai tribe and their children. A few of us watched the killing of the goat, which was much milder than what I had expected. They took maximum care of the goat during the procedure. Our group were given two, very large cow’s skin to sit on, whilst the goat was being prepared and cooked. The goat was served to us by three men, one man for each duty group. The man who served the meat to my duty group was called Moses, and he was the Maasai Pastor for the Boma. The goat wasn’t too bad, it tasted similar to lamb. After the meal, we settled in our sleeping areas called Bandor. I didn’t get much sleep. Now, we are just about to prepare for the sports day and it should be brilliant. Missing you lots, speak to you soon.

 

Lewis Jefferson

Last night was probably the worst night sleep I have ever had! It was Boma night so the whole group went to stay in a village of mud huts for a night. It was a brilliant experience; looking at the stars and watching a goat get killed then sliced up into chunks of meat for us to eat. It was delicious!! After a strange evening which was incredibly different, we went off to our Bandor’s (Mud huts) to sleep. We slept in the kitchen…. On the floor…. In a cramped room. The cow skins didn’t exactly make it any comfier but it was a funny night as we thought we were sleeping with the chickens but they soon fled. We talked and laughed for hours and eventually fell asleep and I somehow got 4 hours sleep! Back at camp now waiting for sports day to start, it’s suppose to be one of the best days so I’m really excited! Bye for now everyone. Missing you all millions, I love you lots.

 

Helen Roberts

Well the last two days have been jam packed. Yesterday we visited another school einoti secondary school where we again met more sponsors and talked to them for a bit then we split off. Some went to play volley ball against the school team whilst the rest when to interview some primary school children to see if they were eligible to get a sponsor. We then visited a vocational centre and a super market where we stocked up on essentials. After we got back from the schools we had to prepare for the Boma dun, dun DUNNN. Many people bought traditional Massi blankets but I just took my sleeping back to stay in the Boma in. I didn’t enjoy the experience but I’m glad I can say I have slept in a Boma. We walked there which took 40 minutes and I’m glad we didn’t have to walk the goat. I didn’t watch or eat any of the goats because I felt it was too cruel. I might of eaten it if I hadn’t of seen it at all before we went to the Boma but it was tied to a tree bleating which really put me off eating it. The night in the Boma was cramped and it was an unpleasant experience because of the bugs and the heat but I did mange some sleep. This morning we woke at six and got all our stuff together then walked back to the camp. It was longer because I was not awake and slightly hungry but when we came back we were greeted by beans of toast and pineapple (not all together). After breakfast I jumped in the shower to get rid of the smell of dirt and Boma off me and then went to a meeting about the sports day we are preparing for the surrounding schools. I can’t wait for the sports day to be able to reward sporty children for their achievements. Hope everyone is doing well at home and all is well lots of love and hugs X

 

Jake Hardy

Yesterday was boma night. We bought a goat. We named it Chewy Downing. The goat was killed and made for a lovely evening meal. Sleeping inside the boma wasn’t too bad we took the bigger hut and elevated beds which was wood and cow skin. Using massai blankets as duvets and bags as pillows me and three others enjoyed a nice tight fit with a few cuddles. Overall a great night sleep. During the day a volleyball watch was going on while me and others interviewed children in standard 7, last year of primary, but us mizungos provided a ruckus within the ground and I did heads, shoulders… to settle them down away from the classroom. Thanks for the opportunity and enjoy the boat. 

 

Sophie Sidgwick

Last night we stayed in the bomas, I wasn’t thrilled about the whole killing a goat and eating it part but otherwise it was ok. We stayed up quite late talking and managed to get a reasonable nights sleep. We were laid on cowskins and I took my sleeping bag although other people just slept in a maasai blanket. I used my backpack as a pillow which ended up being too hard to be a good pillow. During the day we went to Einoti Secondary School, they sang the school song for us and some people stayed there and played a volleyball match which we lost. The rest of us, who didn’t want to play volleyball, went to Kisongo Primary School which was next door and interviewed some of the standard seven pupils for sponsorship. Miss you all at home and love you lots.

 

Lorna Davison

Last night was really good! I watched the goat get killed which didn’t freak me out very much which surprised me. And then I watched how they skinned it and cut it all up for us to eat, I really wanted to have a go but they obviously wouldn’t have let me, I also took a few photos of it. While it was cooking we were laying under the stars and I fell asleep for a little bit and got woken up for tea. It was so nice! One of the men was cutting the meat straight of the bone and the meat was so juicy and nice. Then we went to the banda which is the hut thing we slept in and I fell asleep fine, the cow skin wasn’t very comfortable but I managed to drift off and I started snoring which apparently kept a few people awake but never mind. Then today we’re doing the sports day for some of the primary schools which starts at one o’clock. I think that’ll be good because so far the day has been quite relaxing. See you soon xxx

 

Aaron Jardine

Yesterday we went to the boma on the night which I thought was really nice. We bought a goat and attempted to walk it there but it did not want to move so the goat was given a lift in a car. Once we got there some of us watched the goat being killed by the maasi which was an experience, it was then skinned and then cooked on a fire. I thought that it tasted quite nice and the whole night was way better than the last time I did it as I did not have to get up numerous times during the night. We had the smallest banda and it had four chickens in, however, we got them taken out and then all of our duty group crammed in and then stayed there for the night. I did not get much sleep but once we got up we headed back to camp and then I have had a shower and currently sat writing this. This afternoon we have sports day which should be good, hope you are all well, see you soon.

 

Jordan Mace

Yesterday, I had an amazing experience as we stayed at a Maasai Boma. Before we went to the Boma we met the goat that was going to be our food for the evening. We called the goat Chewy Downing after Stewy Downing. When we arrived at the Boma we took the goat to the place the Masaai people prepare the goat and watched it been killed and skinned. While we waited for the goat to be cooked we look at the stars which were spectacular to see. After we had Chewy Downing for tea we went to stay in a Bandor with my duty group so we could experience how the Maasai people sleep. I thought it was better than I first imagined it to be but it was still bad as we only had cow skin to lie on and my Masaai blanket which I bought especially for the Boma night. Anyways I can’t wait to see you all back at home I miss and love you all. Bye <3.

 

Abigail Pentney

Last night was interesting.. we bought a goat (named chewy downing) and cooked him on a BBQ with a massai family. It tasted amazing!! Then we had to stay in a banda with Peter and we had the biggest room. I wimped out and brought my sleeping bag which was a decision I did not regret. I was very pleased to walk home at 7 in the morning and have beans on toast before showering and getting organised. Today we are organising a sports day and it is very stressful! I am missing you lots- see you soon x

 

Elizabeth Huck

Yesterday we went to a school and had a volleyball match; I played as a punch bag. I got an elbow to the eye and the ball shot at my face. I am currently walking around with a black eye, it’s quite sore but I am okay. Yesterday we bought a goat ready for the massai BBQ, it was surprisingly nice. We then stayed in a banda with Lisa and when we first got there, there were chickens in the corner of the room which Lisa kindly asked to then be removed. Our banda was a kitchen and was quite smoky. I had a few hours sleep but it wasn’t great as we were all so close together that if one person moved everybody else woke up. We woke up to the sound of chickens squawking which wasn’t pleasant in the slightest. We then walked back to the snake park this morning to have breakfast and shower. We are organising a sports day today which I am looking forward too. Missing you lots, love you x

 

Josef Ramsay

Yesterday we went to stay in a Boma and had Chewy Downing (the Goat) for tea. Peter brought chewy to the camp site were we got photos etc. with him and then we took him to the boma, once we arrived we got shown around and then we went to watch the goat get killed. It was a weird experience but after I watched that we were all laid out on the skins the put down for us while the local massai people were cooking the goat over the fire.  Chewy downing was delicious and we had a good night. When we went to sleep in the boma because I was in Peters group we had the biggest one but it was still a tight squeeze because there was 4 of us in one bed then the 4 girls and Peter in the main bit, it was definitely a weird experience but I’m sure I don’t want to do it again because it was uncomfortable and it scared some of the girls.

 

We woke up this morning to everyone else who were in the smaller bomas shouting and sinning so we would wake up, after we eventually got up we walked back to the camp site and had breakfast and a shower before organising the sports day we will be having soon for the local primary school kids. Ill let you know how it goes in the next diary, love you x

 

Jenny Readshaw
Yesterday we went to Moita Boys Secondary School and I met and spent the day with Meja, who I sponsor. We made two teams for volleyball and the first team played the schools’ team but the ball landed on a thorn so the next team (which I am on) didn’t get to play. We’re going to play at Kipok Girls School and hopefully we will win. After we came back to camp we had to get ready to walk to the Bomas where we spent the night. We also got a goat and named it Chewy Downing which we gave to the Masaii who lived at the boma and they killed it and cooked it for our dinner. I was impressed to see the skill that the Masaii had when skinning and cooking the goat, and how they didn’t waste anything because every part of the animal had a use.
I managed to sleep quite well in the Boma despite only having a Masaii blanket as a cover and a cow skin as a mattress. We got up and had an early walk back to the Snake Park and now we are organising a sports day for the schools which is taking place this afternoon.

 

Kieran Potter

Today was sports day for the local schools, and we organised it all. We had a range of races that they had to compete in and the winner won a bag of maize. There isn’t much I can think to say today but I just have to say that im glad that I got the chance to come on this holiday, so thankyou mum and dad for letting me come. I miss and love you all so much. x