Christmas in Kenya was yet another fascinating cultural experience. We were fortunate enough to join people at Elephant Watch to celebrate the event with them. Festivities began with a sundowner soda and plenty of goat meat with chappati. Once the sun went down, the warriors grouped together and started singing one of their celebratory songs, towards the end of which the highly energetic dancing began. The first dance involved forming a small circle and jumping as high as you could but with the aim of landing at the same time as the others. This was followed by the distinctly African head-and-shoulder-forward-thrust dance also performed in a circle sometimes, or opposite a partner, or in a line which moved like a train, winding its way through the camp site. Shifra and I got in on the fun enthusiastically and it was a wonderfully unique Christmas experience!
Unfortunately, my days here are drawing to a close. I’m finding it very difficult to tear myself away from the peacefulness of this place. The tranquility combined with the constant stream of adventures makes Samburu and in particular, the STE camp, a place I’m hoping I’ll have the pleasure of visiting again. Just last night I woke up around 3 am to the sound of grass being ripped from the ground, the creaking of tree branches and heavy breathing somewhere near my head. There were elephants all around my tent!! They grazed for a long time and I even watched one of them from my tent window as I lay in bed in awe! I really can’t think of any other place where I could enjoy such an experience…
Time to go I guess. One of the things I’ll miss the most is the random face planting by ele calves, generally in the middle or side of a road. Why you ask? Just because they have to keep up their reputation of being unbearably cute of course!
Tutaonana!