Today we visited a man's house where we learned a ton about his tribe, the Irangi (sp?) tribe. They are very different from the Bantu, which make up the majority of Tanzania, and are very interesting. They used to live in underground homes, which stay cool and protect them (and their livestock) from invaders- mostly Masaai men. This particular man, remade one of these traditional homes so he could preserve his culture and show it to visitors like us. He took us inside and it was surprisingly large! Much like the TARDIS, it's bigger on the inside.
He also talked about marriage and symbolism. He explained that the goal of marriage is to obtain people, then land, and all else will follow. Men of his tribe look to have a large, strong family and to be able to provide for their family. However, marriage is not arranged or forced and women are the ones who choose their husband. Many men will propose to a woman, but she will pick the winner (or, if she can't decide, she will send a few to her parents and have them pick their favorite). He even let me try on the traditional marriage skirt, which I looked very good in if I do say so my self (he thought so too).
He also showed us how they use their spears and clubs for protection and hunting. He's 70 years old, but can still throw a club across a field with little effort. It was so cool! After that, he showed us how they harvest methane and use it to power their lights and stove. They use a mixture of cow dung, urine, and water which is sent through a pipe system and efficiently powers their home. They don't have to worry about running out or paying an electric bill. It's such a smart and reliable resource.
After that, we went to the African Galleria, a large Americanized market where they sell tourist-oriented African wares. I didn't care much for it because I did not know that it supported the artists, and it was crazy overpriced. However, they had a section of jewelry which was made from silver that had been mined at Mt. Kilimanjaro. I found an elephant bracelet that I fell in love with. The man tried to sell it to me for $75, but I got him down to $50. I never would have paid that small of an amount for a silver bracelet in America! When Baba found out about this, he vowed to teach me how to think about money like a Tanzanian. I told him it was a steal, but he explained that just because it would have cost way more in America, does not make it a steal. He's going to take Amber and I to the Arusha market on Wednesday to teach us about money and bartering. We're also going to have clothes made.
Anyway, after the market, we came back to Arusha and were returned to our host families. I played with the kids for a long time. I chased them around the house and spun them around. They are so quick and never have to slow down to jump over an obstace. They really gave me a workout. Then, we compared flexibility. The kids would do the splits, then I would; they would do a cartwheel, then two, then three, then four, and I would follow in suit; they would touch their toes, then I would; and so on.. It was so great to have them really open up and take to me. I enjoyed hanging out with them immensely.
After playing, we had dinner and talked for a while. I showed the kids my camera on my iphone and they took a few selfies, then Glory fell asleep in my lap while playing with my hair. They are so cute and I adore them.
Frank being a G
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