2017 Trip – 29 July

James Proud

Yesterday was beyond words. We went to Tarangire safari park and saw so many things up close. Everyday of this trip seems to top the last. We saw a cheetah and its cub up close which amazing because they are so rare. Before that we saw a herd of elephants crossing the road and they were so close you could hear them breathing. When one trumpeted it shook me to the core it was so loud. We also saw two lionesses one was stalking her prey and the other was sunning herself by a river. The river one was extremely close and I got some amazing photos. The amount we saw would take too long to write about but I took loads of pictures. We also stopped at the safari lodge which was out of this world and only $100 a night apparently. Also apparently it wasn’t even the nicest one which blew my mind because of how nice the view was and how nice the facilities were. I would definitely consider staying there when I’m older.

Also there are two families of ginnyfowl that are at war with each other at camp and they literally fight between themselves and as such I’ve nicknamed them the Jets and Sharks. All they need to do is start synchronised clicking and we’ll have our own West Side Story.

Today, we visited Amos, a person who’s sponsored by the Meserani project and looked at his Boma – it was incredible. It amazes the amount of modern things they’ve got as the exterior contrasts so heavily. I got loads of great photos of people and all the individual Bandas. I also got great photos of Amos’ dog ‘Simba’. I have to get photos of every dog I see.

 

Jack Beckley

Yesterday we visited Tarangire for a safari and it was beautiful. We finally saw Lions but unfortunately no kills and I can safely say that I’m bored of seeing Zebras because they’re as common as sheep back at home so they’re not that special anymore. We saw a Cheetah sat on a rock and after two minutes, its cub came along and sat next to it, when it yawned it was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Our driver on safari was by far the best and had a knack for finding animals and had the instinct of where to go at the right time. Both on the way there and on the way back he was the fastest which was amazing and let us turn the radio on which was brilliant for a good dance and sing. On the way there we had a puncture which wasn’t great but at least it didn’t happen while we were in there with the lions. An elephant charged our car but luckily it heard another engine so it was scared away. The view from the lodge was absolutely brilliant and there were loads of elephants at the bottom which was cool. Today we’re going to see Amos’ boma which should be good and then we’re going to the market for a shop. Tomorrow we’re going to the market for my last chance to buy anything I want which should be fun. When I get back we need to get a godfather coz I’m craving one now. Talk to you soon. Love Jack.

 

Georgia Linton

Hey people,

Today we had a sleep in which was refreshing as we got up at 8:00. It’s been a nice chilled day as we went to the shop for some snacks; I got some crisps and biscuits (im’ coming home fatter than I came btw). We also went to visit a man’s boma who was one of the first 9 children of Peters project to ever be sponsored but he is now 24 and working at the snake park as a mechanic. He’s called Amos. We visited his boma where him and his family lived and he was so proud as he built his house himself. We were showed around the whole boma which was great to see how they live. Now we are just chilling and helping sort some cases out in the lock up for the children.

I love you all so much, G xxx

 

Abigail Pentney

Hi!

Today some of us have gone to Tarangire so we got a sleep in until 8am, which I am very happy about. We had to clean our tents out and air out our sleeping bags after the night in the banda! We all went to the shop to buy chavvy snacks as Peter calls them! We also had a tour around the snake park here and I touched a snake whilst Joe held it’s head. After lunch, we went to Amos’ boma, who is one of the first pupils to be sponsored by the Meserani project. He showed us where he lives and his banda, which he built himself. It was amazing because he was so proud of such a basic home. In the maasai culture the youngest brother has to stay and live wit his mother so he stays with his family and supports them whilst working in the workshop at snake park. We’re just chilling this afternoon and helping sort out some project equipment to make Monday a bit easier. We’re visiting our last tomorrow which is the one that Chandlers Ridge supports so I’ll take lots of pictures for you. Hope you’re enjoying your holiday; it’s exactly two weeks until my birthday now! I can’t wait to see you all. Love you lots,

Abi xxx

 

Polly Dowdle

Sorry I’ve not written a diary in so long! I decided to watch the goat being killed and cut apart which was really interesting as they just slit its throat and collected all the blood for drinking. The care the maasai took skinning the goat was incredible, and they had a use for every part of the goat, even the stomach. It was really nice to eat but the fat was too chewy after a while. I actually got more sleep than I expected in the boma as it was bigger, but there were huge cockroaches on the walls so I had to curl up in a ball in the middle of the room as I was paranoid about them crawling all over me. Someone else used their shoe to kill them all so by midnight I was able to sleep. It was quite chilly so I woke up a few times before we all got up at 6, which meant I was really tired the next day.

The next day we set up for sports day which was really fun as the kids were so competitive, although I did have to run around a lot preparing equipment. It was strange seeing boys our age competing with little kids as in Tanzania you don’t have to start primary school at a certain age so some children were practically adults. In the boys sack race only one boy won a prize as all the others cheated, even though he was the last to finish. I went to bed at about 8 that night as we had to be up at 5 the next morning for safari.

Yesterday we got up for safari at 5 and ate a simple breakfast due to the early hours and the land rovers arrived in the pitch black. While we were on the way there I fell asleep as I still needed to catch up on the lost sleep from the boma. The national park had so many wildebeest they became like sheep in the British countryside, and we saw lots of zebras, impalas, and giraffes. There was a giraffe right next to our car and it was huge! We also saw so many elephant families and one elephant actually charged at our land rover, although it thankfully changed its mind last minute. I also got a good shot of a cheetah sat on a rock with its cub while looking for lions. Our driver drove at over 50mph along dirt tracks so we were getting thrown around and the wind was so strong, but it was really fun. We eventually found lions although they were so far away I couldn’t get a good picture, so we went to have a look elsewhere. There was one just by the side of the river we drove next to so we got really good close up shots of one female lion relaxing in the shade. I went to bed at 8 again so that when Lisa’s group woke up at 5 to go on safari it wouldn’t matter if I was disturbed.

It was our latest wakeup time yet this morning at 8 but I woke up early just before 7 so I played some solitaire by myself. We visited one of the pupils the Meserani project used to sponsor, Amos, at his banda, which is one individual house, while a boma is many bandas. He was very proud to show us his home as he has been at all the school visits we have done so we know him quite well. He told us about his sister Lucy who was married after primary school but her husband didn’t take care of her so she came home, and was then sponsored by the project too. He has to stay near his family as in Maasai culture the youngest born son is required to stay home and look after the family, and his father is dead so they rely on him a lot. He works at Meserani snake park and so does his sister in the holidays and they work as mechanics. Their bandas were more modern than the ones we stayed in over night and it was interesting to see a more personal family area, and their kitchen.

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello! Today has been very chilled. We even had a sleep in! that is if you count 8 o’clock as early. First I cleaned up my tent and put everything that I wanted to give to the slums in it. My bag is almost empty now its incredible especially since iv realized I could actually live of the small amount left in my bag. Its made me appreciate what I have a lot more. After we had a tour of the snake park it was great but the best part was when I held a snake. We also went to visit Amos’s Boma and he gave us a tour. It was a lot more updated and personalised than the ones we stayed in, I wouldn’t of minded staying there instead. I found out that amazingly the Maasis here can have multiple wives, a man even has around 30 wives which is unbelievable. In some ways I find it to be a little disheartening as they don’t care much for the girl’s feelings. Finally Peter and I ordered 19 bags of maize for me to buy with the rest of my money, to hand to the school Losingera. It amazing to think about how much it will contribute to their lives.

I’m very happy and thankful to be on this trip but im more excited to come home to see my family especially since it only 5 days left. I miss you and love you lots xxxx Ellie

 

 

Sam Matthewman

Jambo! It has been two weeks. To think of everything we have done so far is amazing and I am so grateful to have been able to experience this journey. After yesterdays great safari we got to have a lie-in and relax. The morning breakfast was good with toast and plum jam which I like very much. We have cleaned the tents today and I have been able to sort my stuff out. Hot dogs were for lunch and then Amos took us to his boma to show us around. It was a very unique and special experience seeing how he lives. He gave us a tour of the different bandas, including the kitchen and his relative’s houses. It was like seeing how the other half lives, but it is their way of life and they follow tradition so it was interesting to see how their culture is different to ours. We arrived back at Snake Park and are chilling until tea. Tomorrow is Arusha market again so I am looking forward to that, then soon we will be back in Nairobi then home.

I am doing great and I think I am healthier than ever as I keep eating pineapple and watermelon nearly every day. I am not missing home but I am missing my comfort zone and being able to relax with what I am used to. I am excited to arrive back home but I am also excited for the rest of my time here. It has been a great experience which has changed me and my perception on life. I hope you are all well and are enjoying your holiday.

Lots of love, Sam x

 

Joe Carter

Jambo everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying your time without me. I have to say I am missing you all very much and I do miss home but im not homesick as I am really enjoying myself here. Everyday has been incredible here and I am so grateful to of had this experience and your going to love the photos I’ve taken. Please show nana and granddad all these so they know what I’ve done each day, will you also give them my love. So yesterday the 28^th we woke up at 4:45am to start the day. After breakfast we got into our safari trucks and set off on our travels for the day. We travelled to tarangire national park and seen so many amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Since our time in Africa I have been lucky enough to see all the amazing animals that I wanted to before coming. So yesterday we saw loads of elephants up close, Zebras and many more animlas. There was three amazing parts of the day that were some of the best of the trip and the first was seeing a cheetah with her cub on a rock, the next was seeing two lions and a cub. Later on, we went down to were the lion was and we managed to see one sat at the edge of the river about 20 yards from where we were in the truck and the final part of the day was going to the lodge and looking out across the park. At the bottom of the hill there was a group of elephants feeding. However, today has been such a chilled and laid back day as we haven’t done much. We had a sleep in till 7:30am then at around 10am we walked to the shop and had a look around. Just before dinner we had a guided tour of the snake enclosures and found out so much about each one and at the end of it we all held a snake and had a photograph taken so ill show you when I come home. We then walked to Amos’s Boma and had a look around his home and his family’s home. Since then we have just been sat around having down time, a group of us walked up to the clinic and spent time with the amazing children.

Hope everyone is doing great and ill be home soon enough.

Love you all

Joe xx

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

So today we had quite a chill day as one group was on safari. We started the day with a sleep in till 8:30 and we had toast for breakfast. We then cleaned out our tents and aired them because they were probably smelly. We then had a walk to a posh market where everything was like 10x more expensive than at the market we went to. We only went to compare prices. We then went with our friend Amos who was one of the first sponsors in the project to his Boma and he gave us a tour. We then went to play with the kids at the clinic and they were so cute I have lots of photos. I then washed mine and Joe’s clothes and he hung them up it was team work. Now we are just waiting for tea and then will go to the bar after. Tomorrow we are going to the market and sorting out ready to leave on Tuesday. I miss you all so much and cannot wait to see you all. I love you all and will talk tomorrow.

Izzy xxx

 

Joe Readshaw

Today was more relaxed after a few busy days, Wednesday was Boma night, it was alright, a goof experience and our group had a lot of laughs but it was full of giant cockroaches which were the only negative. So we didn’t get much sleep and then on Thursday we hosted a sports day for all the Primary schools that we have visited throughout the trip, it was a very warm day and I didn’t feel very well, but it was so amazing to see how competitive all the kids taking part are. Then on Friday we visited the National Park called Tarangira, it was so so good, we went in land rovers in the morning at about 6, then drove around the park all day, we saw so many animals including a cheetah and its cub as well as lions finally, the views and scenery there are so beautiful it doesn’t seem real when you are there. Today we woke up a bit later than usual because we didn’t have anything to really do until 1 when we visited Amos’ Boma, it was so amazing to see how he has built them for his mother and sisters as well as himself. They are so nicely decorated and you can see that a lot of effort has been put into it and that he is appreciative of all the help that the Meserani Project has provided him with. Then we walked back to the SnakePark and had the rest of the day to relax.

 

Ameer Ali

HEY GUYS! Im back with more information. So today the group went to a souvenir shop which was to much compared to the markets. But anyways we went to the shop to get some stuff (chocolates, biscuits and more) when we got back to the camp we went to Amos bomas which was very interesting. OH! My camera started to work again the day AFTER the safari trip, but I have mates to send me the photos. At Amos bomas was amazing three houses one for his mother, one for sister In-law and one for him. Whilst I was there I interacted with his Amos niece she was so adorable. I cant wait to show you the photos when I get back. Im missing home but I don’t want to leave this place! It has touched my heart so much and I would definitely come back! Love you X

 

Erin Williams

Yesterday was an interesting day – we started planning what we were going to do and we were all really excited to be able to spend the day together. We made a checklist of all the things that we were going to do and we didn’t stop all day. I’ll show you the list when I get back but one of the things we did yesterday was go to Amos’s Boma. He is one of the first guys sponsored by the project and calls Lisa his Mzungu mum so it was nice to be able to see how he lives and it was amazing to see how modern his buildings seemed compared to the ones we slept in. His family were also extremely friendly and it was really nice to be able to play games with them all. My favourite part of the whole day (and possibly the entire trip) was visiting the kids in the clinic as we gave them the bubbles that I brought. At first they were scared as they had never seen them before but very soon they were all playing with them and it’s always amazing to see how happy the kids are despite their situations. The kitchen crew were talking to me last night and they were saying that they love Africa because people always have time for each other and are always friendly, plus the fact that they always find something to smile about. In other news, I got my first bee sting yesterday and it was an African one so I guess I’ll remember it

Today was amazing for very different reasons as the six people in our group got to go on the Safari today and it was insane to see how close we were getting to some of them. I think we were quite lucky to be able to go today though because we got to see a male lion and his pride all eating and they were so close to us I think I forgot to breathe while I was there. We also had an elephant that walked straight towards the truck and the photo’s were amazing but it was almost scary to see how close it got. Our truck driver was also really nice and today was just an amazing day in general. Now that there’s only a couple of days left though, I really want to be able to stay longer as I don’t want this experience to end. I am looking forward to speaking to you all though, Lots of love, Erin x

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Today was the best day ever. We went to the Tarangire safari park and the elephants were so close to our truck it was amazing and made me so happy to see them that close up. Then we went near the water where the lion’s were we saw a male two female and 3 babies which was amazing to see as they were really close as well and the people who went yesterday didn’t get to see a male lion which made seeing one even better. We also saw giraffes and they were close to the truck as well which made the day even better. We saw all the animals we wanted to before it was even 12. The only down fall was we had to get up at 4:50 which was far too early. In the truck going round the park there was these fly’s that bite which were called tetzy fly’s and the guide told us to catch them and pull the wings off them so they cant fly anymore. Well I tried to do that and pull the poor fly’s legs and wings off oops! Hope you are all doing well and really not many days till I’m home now love you all so much and hope youse are not too bored without me.

Love and miss you liv xxx

 

Elodie Saha

Jambo!

Only a few days left till we go home!! So I’m really bad at finding the time to write my diaries so today is the only free time I’ve had. Wednesday we woke up really early which I’m still not accustomed to and visited lesera primary school. Overall the behavior was great, then all the school sang for us and we handed out supplies. I’m still not used to seeing their faces light up when they see a pen. Later on we visited the maasai museum and it was fantastic, their culture is so interesting I could have listened for hours…yet when they talked about drinking the blood of animals to make them strong, I felt really faint and had to leave. After a maasai tribe preformed the traditional goat killing that I did’nt participate in as it wasn’t for me. But that didn’t stop me from eating the goat after it was cooked! Finally the night ended with the overnight stay at a boma 20 mins away from camp. I was really dreading it, surprisingly I slept really well- I had brought a blanket and camping mat and didn’t regret it. Next was Thursday, sports day gosh the children were a handful. Apparently Peter said it went better than previous years. I was in charge of Meserani Juu- the school with the worst behaved students, yet they were on their best behavior and set an example to the other students. I did enjoy the day at certain parts yet I was too tired to give all my attention, so I focused on the little ones which made me smile. Yesterday we visited Tarangire national park- home of the elephants. We woke up at 5am which was a struggle and then got picked up by 4 land rovers. By the time we had made it, it was 8am and our roof had been put up, we were able to stand on the chairs and get the best view of the animals, it was so cool. In total we had seen 20 hurds of elephants, a cheetah and her cub, 3 lions and lots of giraffes, zebras and pretty birds. And I have so many photos!!! Many people were impressed with my massive lens that nearly gave people concussion, when I took it around the truck. Today we will visit Ammos’s boma, a true Maasai warrior who is very kind to us. He has been with us to a lot of schools translating where he can and showing us around the Snakepark where he works. 6 days is going to fly by. Can’t wait to see you all at home. Love you all elodie xxxxx

 

Lauren Dalton

Sorry for not writing a diary for a while, it’s been a hectic couple of days! Today’s entry will be a long one…

On Wednesday morning we went to Lesiraa Primary school, the first school that the Meserani Project got involved with. The kids were extremely well behaved compared to some of the other schools, but they were still lovely, and the pre-school kids were doing dances for us and singing us songs. Then we went to the Maasai museum which was interesting, and it gave us an insight into Maasai culture, which was useful for what we were about to experience. We had a traditional Maasai goat barbecue which was delicious as the meat was extremely fresh (I was present for the killing but I couldn’t watch it directly! Fortunately it had a quick and humane death), and the Maasai soldiers cut the meat directly from the bone and handed it to us which was interesting. Then, we spent the night in a boma. Apart from it being smelly, uncomfortable and teeming with giant cockroaches, it wasn’t as bad as I expected, and I managed to get a decent(ish) sleep!

Thursday was sports day, and it all ran surprisingly smoothly, although one school tried to cheat and then complained when they were disqualified! The kids treated it like the Olympics and got really competitive, but there were no major issues and the day ran smoothly. Then we had an early night ready for our early start Friday.

We had to get up at 5am on Friday ready for our trip to Tarangire National park. What a day it was! There were a few mishaps along the way (our land rover suffered a punctured tire about 10 minutes away from the entrance!) but it was probably my favourite day so far. We saw 3 lions, 2 cheetahs, lots of elephants, giraffes, zebras monkeys and more, all in their natural habitiat. We ended a day with a cold drink at the lodge with the most amazing views (I’d love to stay there one day, it has such a nice pool and rooms and everything- it’s probably expensive though L).

Today (Saturday) has been a chilled day. I’ve done some washing (believe it or not) and replenished my stash of Pringles. After lunch (which was hot dogs with potato fritters and was extremely tasty), we had a tour round Amos’ boma (Amos was one of the first sponsored pupils and has been really helpful to us whilst we’ve been in Tanzania), and it was lovely to see how proud he is of it (he built it by himself!) and how proud his mother is of him. Now, we’re spending the rest of the day relaxing in the sun.

I’m missing everyone loads, but I’ll see you all in 5 days! Can’t believe how quickly the time’s gone. It’s been hard sometimes not having contact with you but I’ve been having the best time which makes up for it. I hope you’re all well, thinking of you!

Love, Lauren xxx

 

Rachel Smith

Soz guys haven’t wriiten in a few days I’m all good we’ve just been really busy and I’ve been enjoying and taking everything in rather than writing my diaries. So Wednesday we went to Lesiraa primary school which was great. We did the usual of handing out pens and prizes then they sang their national anthem for us which was amazing, they all sang it with such passion. A group of us went into the pre-school class to teach them songs like Old Macdonald and they ended up teaching us some songs in Swahili, it was so cute! When we got back to camp it was the goat barbie and boma night. A few Masaai men came to our camp and the top man Kamesha (not sure how he spells it) killed the goat, it was really quick and I’m glad I watched it. They drained the blood into a bowl to drink it but muzungu rules said nope so we couldn’t join in, I was sooooo disappointed ;). They cooked it on sharpened sticks which they stabbed into the ground in front of us and they kneel down and cut bits off for you. I tried a bit of neck meat and I actually really liked the taste of it. After the barbie we headed off to the boma. 7 of us were all packed in like sardines laying on some tarpaulin on the floor… super comfortable haha. The stars were incredible to see though because there were absolutely no lights whatsoever. I’ve got a cold so I tried my best to stay awake so the rest of my banda could sleep but as you can all imagine that didn’t last long. I was snoring my head off all night apparently. I was getting hit by pillows, torches shone in my eyes but no nothing could stop me. I felt so bad when we got up in the morning and everyone was shattered bless them L. When we got back to the Snakepark we organized the sports day for the primary schools. It was a really fun day, everyone got involved and the winners got bags of maize. Yesterday was Tarangire National Park which was fab and … we finally saw a lion… 2 of them. I think we’ve seen everything except a leopard now so I’m considering myself very lucky indeed. We went up to the lodge there to get a drink and the view was honestly insane. Right beneath us was a herd of elephants and the park looked as if it went on forever. This morning we went to visit Amos’s boma. Amos is Maasai and he’s been helping us whilst we’ve been going round the schools and sports day etc. He’s such a good guy, he’s really funny and he’s so appreciative of The Meserani Project for everything it has done for him and it does for other people and he’s doing really well for himself now. He showed us round his boma which was so interesting to see and he showed us his ‘ghetto’ as he called it haha which he built himself. They were all built really well; they use a lot of solar power to light the bandas which Amos fitted himself. His graduation pictures were up on the wall and they were so good to see. He also showed me the pictures of him as a Masaai warrior after he was circumcised (it’s a big thing for the men and they have to go off on their own for a while straight after and wear all black). Also he had a feather which means he was really brave and didn’t flinch or cry at all. Anyways I’ll shut up now. Love you all x

 

Stephanie Julier

Sorry I haven’t spoke in a while it’s been very tiring recently. On Wednesday we did a lot of things I can’t actually remember, but I do remember that we bought a Goat and named it Stew at 5 we killed it which was actually very quick and it didn’t look like it hurt. E then watched the maasai people skin and amputate it which was fascinating as they made it look so clean and easy to do. After that they cooked it for 1 hour and after that they gave us it to try, it tasted just like lamb it was amazing. They cooked it on sharp sticks which they stabbed into the ground in front of us and they kneel down and cut bits off for us to eat. After that we headed off to the boma which is a little village with mud huts. I was in one with 6 other people and we were packed like sardines. I didn’t expect to sleep that much that night and I was correct I felt claustrophobic so I didn’t sleep as much as usual but don’t worry I still got some sleep before we went to sleep we told a bunch of stories and some were really interesting. On Thursday morning we made our way back to camp and most of us went and had a little nap in our tents. At 11 we had to go and get the equipment to set up a sports day for the kids from all the schools we’ve visited. We were all given jobs during the sports day and mine was that I was in charge of Lesera School. Half way through the sports day the teacher from my school started complaining that their kids were being disqualified and it wasn’t fair so Peter told them that if they didn’t like it they were to leave. They stayed though. Then near the en I had to go over and collect the kids who were competing in the relay race. He then decided that we was going to complain to me but I stopped him before he could. At the end he complained again and Amos a person who has been helping us with the language barrier stepped in. Yesterday we went on our final safari in Trangire and it was incredible! We didn’t go in the big truck this time instead we went in little Land Rovers.. When we went we saw all sorts of Animals. I understand now why the sign said the Tarangire is the home of elephants because we saw more elephants than any other animals. But my dream came true! I saw 3 Lionesses! I got some really good photos of all the animals we saw. After the safari we went up to the safari lodge and there was an incredible view of part of the conservancy. I got an instagram worthy picture of me Sam! Today it’s been a sort of lazy day this morning we got up at 8 the latest we’ve ever got up after breakfast we tidied up our tent but my tent paener wasn’t there and neither was polly’s so we helped each other with ours. Then we visited Amos’s Home which was amazing to see. He has a dog and he’s called it Simba! I really miss Ginnie and Bodie and seeing the dog today just made me miss them more. And yes I miss all of you too but I’ve been so busy there hasn’t been much time to actually think about home or anything but because today has been a sort of lazy day I’ve had a lot of time to think. Apparently tonight we’ve got beef stew with a Rocky Road dessert (I swear they’re trying to fatten me up more) and I’m really tired so it’s probably another early night tonight. I miss you all so so much and can’t wait to get into your bed on the 4^th (and cuddle up to all the pets) haha. See you in 5 days! I’m really enjoying myself, thankyou so much for letting me come. That’s me for the day. BYE!

 

Josef Ramsay

Hey everyone!

Today we weren’t up to much. We got to have a sleep in which was ideal for most people as we haven’t had much sleep the last few days. It was a half 8 breakfast with a free morning so we took the opportunity to clean out the tents and air out our sleeping bags and mats. To our surprise Peter had decided after we had finished to take us to a shop over the road to look at products similar to the market to see the price difference, then to the shop so we could buy snacks! Later in the afternoon we went to Amos’ Boma. It was only a short walk away which was ideal but in the hot weather it was still hard. We went round and seen everything there including, his mothers Banda, the kitchen area, his sisters Banda, his own Banda as well as showing us where his father has been buried. It was amazing to see what this great lad has achieved and built for his family, as the youngest boy he has to stay at home and look after his mother until he marries himself and brings his wife other. We were back to the camp after that and we’ve just been helping Peter sort some things for the project but apart from that were not up to much today. Tomorrow is our last chance to shop in Arusha and our second last day overall in Tanzania. The place is amazing and really can’t wait to come back in a few years as a more mature adult to experience it in a different way. That’s about it for today but ill speak to you soon!

Love Joe xx

 

Eeman Dad

Genuinely believe that the last three days have been the most amazing, exciting and tiring days of my life…

Wednesday was a day destined to be good, because I showered in the morning when the shower was warm! We started Wednesday at Lesiraa Primary school. We did the usual handing out of pens and pencils. We then each awarded the top three students of each form a prize.  Prior to this, the children sang the national anthem as their hands were held over their heart. Amos, who has spent the majority of the trip with us, also joined in, which made many of us look on with awe. We then spent some individual time with different age groups teaching them nursery rhymes (many of which I forgot existed until now). The children then taught us a nursery rhyme in kiswahili, which almost brought Lisa, Rachel and I to tears. The afternoon consisted of camel rides and long hugs with Stewy the goat. I actually believe that I had a connection with him. But sadly, a few hours later the Maasai men arrived with Stewy in a rope and 3 machetes. I didn’t really want to watch the killing of the goat, and I turned around numerous times with the intention of leaving, but was encouraged not to go by Rebecca. I hid behind her shoulder as they held him to the floor. Within seconds it was over. I am really glad to have watched it, not because of the act but because of the motive behind It and the culture. The goat was then BBQ as more Maasai men arrived. They handed out the meat as we sat in a circle joining in Maasai culture. Baraka, one of the men laughed as I ate a butternut squash soup, referring to it as a Mzungou meal (that is now my name). The event was amazing and brought everybody together. I was encouraged to drink the blood of the goat, but wasn’t allowed. A traditional Maasai dance took place to end an amazing evening. In fear, we grabbed our bags and blankets and began our journey to Kamesha’s boma. Reliant on torch light, the walk was very silent as we all imagined the night ahead. Lets just say, Peter’s group were summoned to sleep straight away. But, I couldn’t stop giggling.

Thursday consisted of a tiring walk back to camp, wrapped in our Maasai blankets, as we all reflected on the night before. We returned to camp at 8am and devoured our breakfast in a tired silence. Many ran to the showers whilst others fell asleep in their seats. The evening was eventful and we had very little sleep but it was a great insight into how tradition in the Maasai culture has remained strong and has modernized very slightly. The maasai are very proud of their culture and tradition – things which we would find extremely strange and almost prehistoric. My night consisted of being hit with a pillow which was meant for Rachel (the snorer). The afternoon of Thursday was sports day for the primary schools that we have visited. It was arguably stressful, but the experience was amazing. The children were like machines, completing an almost 100m race in 13 seconds.

Friday began at 5am as we began our journey to Tarangere National Park. The Land Rovers left at 6am and our car were asleep almost instantly. Upon arrival, we saw almost every animal and David wasn’t lying when he said it was the hub for elephants. We enjoyed lunch at the swamp where heards of elephants were grazing. The view was unbelieveable! The hunt for a lion consisted of extremely fast driving and a lot of silence. We eventually saw 2 lions hunting for either Zebra or wilderbeest. The safari lodge which was a surprise blew us away! I can’t count how many times I asked Joe if this was real.

 

Anna Waddington

Hi everyone at home! Today we DID go on safari! We got up early again to have breakfast and make our packed lunch. The truck came at half past five- it was one of those that you can stand up in and take amazing pictures. It was an hour and a half drive to Tarangire. It was probably the best experience of my life, I can’t wait show you all my amazing pictures. We saw giraffes, elephants, wildebeest and impala really, really up close. Then Dennis, the driver, got a call saying there was a surprise for us so he set off like a madman to get us there. It turned out to be a Cheetah and her cub! I got some incredible pictures. Then he got another call about LIONS! Oh My God Dad we got within like five meters to a WHOLE pride of lions! We’d obviously arrived after the kill but the male was feasting on a dead wildebeest and then two cubs joined in and there were three lionesses laid to the side. Honestly, it was incredible to see! Our group was buzzing because yesterday they didn’t get to see a male lion. Later we saw a carcass being circled by vultures so we hung around a while and eventually we saw another lioness stalking the carcass and then going to eat it. We had lunch overlooking the most incredible view, I can’t even describe how beautiful it was, and the pictures I’ve taken don’t do it justice. After lunch, we went to the Lodge, which is a posh hotel place, for a drink. Oh My God we have to come and stay here we sat out on the balcony area and the view was breathtaking! You could see the whole park, the river and there were elephants drinking. It was amazing- I can’t thank you enough for letting me come on this trip! When we got back we had a delicious beef stew, rice and cabbage and then rocky road- and I did have thirds I’m not ashamed to say lol! Unfortunately, when we got back we were informed that we would not be allowed to go into the Kibera slum, because of the current election politicians are stirring things so it would be dangerous for us to go in. I’m really disappointed because I really wanted to visit the school but we know Peter is doing what’s best for us. Anyway, not long to go now. I don’t really want to leave but I’m really, really missing you all. Love to you all X