Of Meetings and Weddings

Sitting under the trees with Julius [on a stool] and the women surrounding us, we had a great discussion about their talents as beaders and sense of colour.

While we were chatting [with Julius as translator] once of my friends answered her mobile [yes, we all have one in the Mara] with a 'Karibou' - 'welcome'. A new bride was arriving with a welcoming party and suddenly I was involved in a Maasai wedding! I was bedecked with beads and was immediately drawn into the women's welcoming party. The bride, surrounded by her greeters and the rest of the women in the village walked as slowly as she dared, eyed down and looking very solum. Each time she stopped the women called out 'we will give you a cow' and a step forward was taken. As she stopped from time to time throughout the walk to the entrance of the manyatta the same call was chanted 'we will give you a cow'. However a few times the call was 'we will give you a goat', with much laughter from everyone except the bride. She became even more reluctant to enter her new abode and took two steps back.

After much stopping and starting the bride reached the entrance to her new home and great ululations were trilled. I was escorted to meet the young woman who shyly dipped her head and stooped through the archway to her new home.

The men slaughtered three goats under the trees where women are not permitted and where only men are allowed to eat the juiciest portion of meat. Those being 'taboo' for the woman. We [Julius, I and the driver Daniel] were graciously given three portions of meat which was collected by Julius while I remained in the vehicle. You can imagine how, I as a non-meat eater I felt at the honour!

I certainly learned again the value of being a woman and where my place is. What a wonderful experience. Badai [till later] must see the Masai dancers in about 30 minutes and cheer on the highest jumper!

Village Visit

Some of you may know that we visit the same village annually. I have also been planning to visit the women with thoughts and ideas of how to work together so that their incredible talent for beading can be directed and used in another way.

Julius, the community worker at Kichwa and I were given a meeting one morning. The women gathered under the trees with the two of us - ceremoniously perched on all too small stools with the women comfortably sitting on the ground around us.

We discussed business principles and once they have agreed to procedure I will let you know how we will go forward.

Second Home??

Arriving back in Kenya is like returning home. The airport is familiar, the customs officials as grumpy as anywhere else in the world - especially if you have enough camera equipment to open a store or look like the official BBC team.

Even after the flight [which leaves at 12:40 in the morning] which is short but at a crazy hour - the breakfast shared with our friend George Gituku from Custom Safaris was welcome and friendly and made up for any subversive customs attention.

We had a short transfer to Wilson airport and no sooner that we arrived there than we were put onto the Dash for Kichwa,

Our friends were on the runway to welcome us with a delicious punch and open arms.

David. Tokkie and Frans have taken some amazing photographs, with our first crossing on arrival!

of Farewells and Preparation

As always just before a tour there are moments of panic - trying to recall that everything has been planned and confirmed - and then more concern that all the day to day running of house and home will continue without hitch. So family members are briefed and staff know exactly how to continue.

We always have a Sunday family lunch and today was no exception. Family enjoyed a roast with veggies and pud and we toasted the Mara and all that we hope to see there. of course we look forward to meeting our friends and re-establishing our friendships.

We arrive in Nairobi next Saturday in time for breakfast and leave for the Mara from Wilson airport at 10h00. We hope to keep you updated on our tour. We go to the Mara for a week and then onto Lake Nakuru, Ol Pajito and Samburu.

I have added some photographs of some of our Kenyan friends.

Of Interviews and chat

The phone rings, the interviewer introduces herself and you and before your know it your voice enters the airways and away you go.

Questions pepper the air, you respond - and think, did I really say that? Did it make sense? Did I talk about the Mara, did I mention the wildebeest and the tents - were they luxurious or comfortable?

Yes to all I am told. The interview is done. Let's hope the people respond.

Only two weeks till we see our friends in Kenya again.

People & Places

As always, if it weren't for the people there would be no tours. Here are a few 'shots' of our guests in Lesotho and Fouriesburg on the July Snow & Ice Creative Escapes weekend. From the icy chill in Lesotho to the warm conviviality of Fouriesburg everyone had a great time.

July Ice and snow weekend

Well, I obviously did not do a wild enough snow dance to call up snow, but ice, clear skies and frozen water were what nature presented for us over the weekend.

We began the weekend with a dinner on Friday night and a few of David's audio visuals began the weekend in a convivial way. The 'AV's' included beautiful images of icebergs in Antarctica, the Tango dancers in Buenos Aires and exquisite images of ice and snow from a trip David did into Lesotho to find the best photographic spots.

An early morning start on Saturday found us at the border for an easy transition into Lesotho. The drive up the mountains in the early morning light is always spectacular and the sun clipping the tops of the mountains is a magnificent start to the day, even at that early hour.

We arrived at the Malibamatso River in time to capture beautiful early morning photographs of sun reflections and icy streams. Breakfast picnic packs were warmly welcomed and we enjoyed sitting in the sun at the bridge near Oxbow.

Photographers continued their enjoyment throughout the morning and shared another picnic pack at lunchtime. The afternoon was left free to meander home in the late afternoon. This was in time to share another delicious meal and much sharing of 'photo tips and locations'.

Another early morning start was in store for Sunday with the group walking to the Sangoma Cave which is the biggest overhang in the Southern Hemisphere. Here sangomas are taught by elders the skills of divining and healing. Special photo journalist shots were captured with the sangomas as most co-operative models.

The weekend ended with a brunch where tired but contented guests shared final conversations and all agreed that this was a special weekend indeed.

Comments from guests:
Peter van der Bijl
I certainly had a great time over the week end, and found the areas visited to be fantastic fun with wonderful photo opportunities. So many images were taken and I am still in the process of working through them. Peter van der Byl

Karin de Jager
Dear David and Anne-Marie
Thank you for a lovely weekend. Coenraad and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank you for great opportunities to learn and experience nature. We will
definitely keep in touch.

Johan Brits:
Thank you for the weekend. Elsa and I always enjoy our time with you. It is always good to meet new faces and re-connect with 'old' friends.

Alice Gundry:
Mum and I had a fantastic time in Lesotho and Fouriesburg, both photographing and meeting new people. Many thanks for this weekend.