Maasai, Kili & Hippos

Jambo friends, The week has been laced with various interesting experiences, and a whole heap of laughs. I apologize for the lack of pictures, our internet connection is sub-par at best, and cannot handle picture uploads, so I will have to keep you in suspense. Located about 6 hours south of Nairobi, we are right on the Tanzanian border, outside a little town called Kimana. I am officially here for a research project on water and its use. Initially, I will admit, I thought it a bit dull, but the issue is real and apparent here. You look at Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the snow is visible depleting. The Maasai, a fascinating tribe in and of their own right, have severe inadequate access to basic things like water. Our job is to inquire why. In the mean time, I am learning, by being thrown in. In the last week, I have been ripped out of my comfort zone in a National Geographic meets Troop Beverly Hills type scenario. We have gone to Maasai bomas (traditional cow dung homes), gotten acquainted with the people through markets and such, built water furrows (tried to rather), safaried through Amboseli National Park (hippos abundant), trekked to a suspect Maasai Manyata, hit up a version of a Kenyan bar, coined Club Kimana in which the song selection included Barry Mannelow & Ace of Base accompanied by beer & chicken, took part in the World Environmental Day/Marathon, learned to throw a Maasai spear,  and laughed a whole lot along the way. The girls and I have been entertaining ourselves by daily ridiculousness, it has certainly been challenging. Due to the elephants, we are unable to leave the camp walls without an escari (Maasai guard), yes, I did say elephants. It is a total T.I.A. experience (This is Africa friends)