This was our second time attending. The first time we had only been in Tanzania for a couple of days, so it was a very different experience. Having known no Swahili the first time, it was fun to see how much more I understood when I listened to people talk. It was also fun to greet people properly upon meeting.
When we arrived we walked a short distance to where the cattle were auctioned off. Maasai men were gathered around in conversation and watching the small herds that they were hoping to sell. For some, the trip to the market is a long one. If I remember correctly, one man had traveled 60 miles. At home, that doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you are walking by foot with your cattle, it is not a short day trip.
We walked through the cattle and stopped where the cattle would be auctioned. Pastor Hafermann bought us each a coconut. We drank the milk and then ate the fruit inside. As we ate, some of the cattle would get restless and run around. Young Maasai men would chase after them hitting them with sticks to try to keep them in line.
After finishing we walked back to the market. We passed booths with beautiful fabrics and beadwork. People continued to greet us as we walked and we eventually stopped at the place we had Chips Mayai on our first visit. We sat on wooden benches under a thatched roof and drank a soda. A couple Pastors and Evangelists that were with us cut the piece of beef that we had purchased and we sat around eating it. After finishing, Chips Mayai was served- my favorite Tanzanian dish. Chips Mayai, is fried potato wedges with egg cooked over them. It sounds weird but is very good.
After eating we walked back to the car and made the drive back to the school. That evening we went to a friend’s house in Morogoro and played cards.
The rest of my week will be like most others. Next Monday we are meeting with a nutritionalist from Faraja, an HIV/AIDS organization. We are excited to talk to her and begin working with them. Take care and thanks for reading- michael
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