week 2, day 2

I thought today was really great, but I think I’m the only one. First we went to a man’s studio where he makes Batik paintings. He explained his technique and then we shopped for a bit. He took a lot of custom orders for us that he will bring to CCS next week.
After seeing him we went to a traditional Chagga blacksmith, which wasn’t that exciting. It was a lot like something you would see in a living museum in New England. We felt kind of weird because when they saw our car pull up men starting bringing out tons and tons of boxes of carvings and things, but no one was interested in buying. They were also selling Chagga spears. We walked to a Chagga tunnel, where people would live for as many as 10 years for protection during the tribal wars against the Maasai. Next we went to a Chagga market, where we weren’t allowed to take pictures. They were mostly selling produce, and I negotiated for two Katinge. Then we drove to the waterfall and had some nasty boxed lunches. I was really disappointed because I was starving.

After eating we climbed down this REDICULOUS path to the waterfall. It was insanely steep, and the ‘railings’ came out into your hands when you tried to grab them. It was really dangerous and some people got really freaked out. At the bottom we crossed a stream on rocks to the bottom of the falls and took some pictures. I sad on a rock and put my foot in an ant hole, and the cuff of my pants was black from being covered by so many ants. I thought it was a little interesting, but the guide flipped out and ran over and started hitting them off. I thought he was over reacting, until I felt them bit my ankles. And then my thighs. And then my butt. I probably got bit about 30 times, and the bits stung. I was slapping at my pants for hours after. We thought about going swimming but decided against it because we heard stories about some nasty parasites. Then it started pouring, just in time for us to climb back up. There was so much rain it was difficult to see and we were slipping around a lot. The railing slipped right through my fingers a few times. At the top people were pretty upset, but I thought it was really exciting. I’m very surprised no one got hurt.

We went to a Chagga hut for a short lesson, and then through a museum. The hut was very smoky and I couldn’t really breathe or see, but it was interesting. They’re bigger and nicer than Maasai huts, and the cows live inside with the people. Then we went to a hotel next door to order some food, and the sisters and I sat outside in the sun to dry. I ordered a cheese and tomato sandwich which was great because I was able to eat it. I still have diarrhea.

At 8 we went to a nearby volunteer hostel run by a man who used to work for CCS. It’s much more modest and only $15 a night, but it looks to be well run. I am so disappointed I came through CCS. Afterword Mike, Leah and I went to meet Saad at a bar and catch up. At some point today my camera broke. I’m going to have to rely on the others for pictures from now on, and hope that someone in Zanzibar can help me fix it =[