April 2009
Safari News
The cultural diversity and gap between modern life and tradition never cease to amaze me even after all these years in Tanzania.
Whilst scouting a new kayaking route last week I gave a lift to a Maasai woman walking 20 miles to take her baby to hospital. After being terrifiedthat we were going to end up in the river because she didnt know that cars had brakes, it transpired coincidentally that we had a mutual friend who'd had a hip operation due to eating too much goat - but what was the connection?
According to most Tanzaqnians, eating goat will give you gout unless you drink special Maasai soup with it.
This Maasai lady claimed that although most Tanzanians know this, they dont know how to make Maasai soup and so just aqccept gout as a way of life.
Fascinated, I went to a Maasai soup and goast eating session where they brew up various types of bark with intestines until they get a broth that they can then eat with a clear conscience and several kilos of goat meat.
The intestines put me off a bit but my young son who doesnt have my hang ups loved it and asked for more. Lets hope he doesnt need to go in for a hip operation any time soon.
Conservation
With three serious enquiries now from previous clients about helping with education programmes in Tanzania it might be time to all join forces and start a school project.
Anyone interested in participating in this can contact us to help get this project off the ground.
Planning Ahead
After a slow start to the safari season we are now getting a lot of interest for August- October to see the wildebeest cross the Mara River. Those wishing to go on safari this year should enquire about options soon.
We will even include a Maasai Soup Ceremony.