Leera the #SkirtGirlHikerOf Villages in a Far Away Country
I recently visited the Maasai Community in Maji Moto, Narok in Kenya with friendships after our Mount Kenya climb, goodness how is it that I haven’t shared that experience? Hold that thought, let’s get back to the Maasai Village. Yes I had to learn that it’s not Masai nor is it Masaai, its Maasai. And their language is Maa. Maji Moto is about 204km away from Nairobi. Talk about a roadtrip in a far off country… I done ticked and ripped that that box apart!
In an attempt to immerse ourselves in the Maasai culture I was taken aback by the humility of the Maasai people. No doubt the first thing that stands out is how tall they are and don’t forget how stunning they looked in their multi-coloured traditional garb. We were welcomed with song and dance, smiles hugs, the Chief of the Community Chief Salaton later joined in the celebrations and was there for the duration of our stay. Their warm embrace no doubt made us feel immediately at home! Each person took pride in the little portion of task allocated to him/her to help around and make us feel comfortable.
The entire stay we had forgotten he was Chief, he was one with us, with his people and told us stories around the fire about his people, his culture, certain practices that are carried out and the pride they have in upholding their Maasai Culture !
We took a tour on foot around the community, waved my hand around greeting as most looked at me smiling yet confused 😂😂. I loved how they all dressed, even school kids, you couldn't miss them from miles. We went to the hot springs (omg boiling hot I kid you not - jaw dropper), found girls filling buckets with water and loading on donkeys, others doing laundry on there.
We visited a school that houses young girls kept from being married off by their families, an emotional but victorious journey. This part of the journey deserves its own full page to share the amazing work that Mme Helen and Chief Salaton are out there doing for these young girls and young boys.
I learned so much about their daily challenges and the amazing outreach programmes the community is doing to support the traditional ways of living while empowering everyone, especially women and young girls. Their culture is rich and would urge anyone visiting Kenya to not miss an opportunity to spend a night with the community.
I come back home and think of this quote by our former President Nelson Mandela "it is in our hands to make a difference" and not wait for the next person to do it... Africa is rich in culture and it is in my hands to teach my offspring about his and to respect others cultures and learn about them !
