60 PHOTOS from Amboseli National Park: think Mount Kilimanjaro, elephants, Maasi warriors, villages, hippos, and all kinds of birds…..
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Monthly Archives: October 2012
Information…..
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The interior of our cabin-tent with a large bathroom, shower, etc., at the back.
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Two handsome elders met us. They did NOT know that we were coming. But they could hear us, if not see our dust cloud, as we approached. They were the most gracious and friendly of hosts. It was a real treat and a real insight into this ancient culture that hangs on against all pressure to “modernize”.
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A Maasi village from the outside. A protective wall (against lions) of brush, thorn bushes, and other shrubs surround the entire village. ½ mile away it is all but indistinguishable in the landscape. Usually these villages are semi-portable as they follow the grazing of the cows. This village is more permanent, drawn to permanence by the presence of a school and a NEW Christian church nearby. You can barely make out the roofs of the houses inside the enclosure. We had the privilege to get a tour from one of the two elders.
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Bunny sitting outside of our fairly luxurious, quiet, private, cabin-tent. Very comfortable, incredible food, amazing staff, and great safaris added up to a great visit.
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Somehow they had the impression not only that Guy would know what they were going to do—but that he would also be able to do it….. fun all around as Guy tried to second-guess what they were going to do and then (badly) copy it….
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The young men follow their welcoming parade/chant with a series of dancing…. Which is really about how high they can jump rapidly in a straight vertical stance. Then they jump and run forward shaking their walking sticks as if in a war-like attack. Very colorful, welcoming, friendly, and intimidating at the same time. The historical context of the dancing—jumping, and running forward is probably very much to intimidate strangers—especially strangers thought to be dangerous. Probably no real contact actually happened. Certainly didn’t with us. Fun!
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The girl’s turn for a welcoming dance (jumping up and down while singing). The village is behind them and behind the protective barrier fence of brush and thorn bushes….
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All inside the protective thicket of brush and thorns, the neighborhood of tiny mud houses, the kids, and their playground…..
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