Nov 28, 2007

Metafari Ya Kwanza - Day 4 - The maasai village

It is the fourth day of the Metafari. Life is good.
Some of us are up with the sun to re-experience the water walk again.

Before we leave we have a dialogue with our Maasai watchmen about the Maasai, their culture and what to expect in the Maasai village. In a sudden hunch, we ask the massai "Do you have any questions for us" and get two very interesting ones:
  1. Why do (white people) you travel so much?

  2. Why do you like to help us?

Can you give an answer to the questions that would make sense to a Maasai? Please give us a comment below with how you would answer.

We started driving towards the northwest and the Nanyoki Massai village, passing the Usambara mountains to the right. Maybe "the mountain" will be an object for another metafari. In the car we did group interviews regarding our Golden Moments from yesterday. The person sitting next to Rajabu got private lessons in Swahili.

The road narrower and narrower, he ground redder and redder. At the river, we got out of the car to a symphony of drumming and the singing.

Across the rickety bridge we saw the school children waiting for us, putting on quite a performance. Touched by such a warm welcome, we stumbled towards the village.

At the village we made a circle. The elected chairman made an elaborate and elegant speech and Ruth replied in a similar way, also addressing the children. She told that the group was here to learn. Leif also rose to the challenge and told the story about one of his sons almost being a Maasai as his job is to protect people without having any fear for himself. Just like a Maasai. His speech was translated from English to Swahili by Ruth, and then to Maasai by the village priest. The nods from the villagers told us that the story was approved.

After inspecting the mud huts, we sat down with people from the village council. We talked about leadership and what its like to be a Maasai. When asking about the meaning of mobile phones to them, we got the answer, that essentially it made it easier for them to be Maasai. Mobile phones are used by the massay for transmitting knowledge about the weather, thereby increasing their ability to take care of their cattle properly.

We asked if they had any questions for us. Here are some interesting one

  • How do you manage a difficult divorce?
  • When do you stop take care of your children?

  • Sometimes if a couple can't have a child, a brother who has many could give one child away. Do you do that too?
  • Sometimes a newly wed couple will be given a child as gift from someone. Do you do that as well?

As usual we had many good talks during dinner, and we learned a story about a wicked stepmother through a song we all sang together. It was amazing to brush your teeth watching the stars and then go to bed in complete darkness.

Inspiration Focus: The Maasai Village

Lessons Learned: The importance of good translators. How much we have in common, although we live so different lives. How to keep you culture and be open to innovation at the same time.

Method Toolbox Contributions: Q-storming to formulate questions. The power of "Reverse Questioning" i e when you ask the question "Do you have any questions for us?"

Metaphor Treasure Chest Additions: The Bridge. Lots of talks around the meaning of this as the bridge was very rackety. There were crocodiles under it. We had to leave our car on one side of the river and walk over to the land of the Massai

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