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Published: October 3rd 2007
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Quarry
A view of the volcanic quarry Today we had the day off from volunteering for a group field trip to the Marangu waterfalls. Marangu is on Mt. Kilimanjaro but not too far up. Seventeen of us piled into the CCS van for a day of adventure. First we stopped at a local batik maker to order custom batiks. Next it was on to a volcanic rock quarry. This was unbelievable. People working in flip flops carting out volcanic rocks on their heads to be made into bricks for construction. I'll post pictures so you can see how amazing it was. Apparently the person who works inside the cave chopping the rocks makes 25 cents per rock while the people carrying and carving it make 5 cents. I don't know how these people don't screw up their necks by carrying everything on their head. I told my students that no one can do that in the US and they were surprised. They kept telling me it's easy so I've been practicing and let me tell you, it ain't easy.
So we continued on our trip and next went to a blacksmith shop. They sold spears and bells which I bought for Tommy and Tripp. :D I know
SuperWoman
That's right, women are tough. mom & dad will love me for that one. The funniest think happened at the shop though. I saw a guy working there who was wearing a Cleveland Indians hat. I was so excited that I got Ibra and made him ask the guy if he would take a photo with me. I also had him explain that the team was my favorite and very good and in the playoffs. I don't think he really care but he was nice enough to pose with me so I was thrilled. Sidenote here - you would not believe the things I have seen people wearing here. It's blowing my mind. So far I have seen 3 KC Monarchs hats, 2 Indians hats, 1 Priest Holmes jersey, 2 Nebraska Cornhusker t-shirt along with a variety of other football and hockey team hats and jerseys. I also see children wearing shirts like Lakeview Highschool Basketball and other shirts. They sell them at the markets here or are donations the people get. Too funny.
After the blacksmith stop we were able to go into the banana forest and tour a Chagga cave. The Chagga tribe has been in this area forever and they built
Indians fans
We're everywhere. I've decided that he's a fan whether he knows it or not. extensive underground caves to protect them during tribal wars. A guide took 3 of us down a ladder into a dirt underground. Claustaphobic people do not attempt this. It felt like forever we were crawling around pitch black tunnels and viewing the different rooms. The Chagga families and their animals would all hide down there so you can imagine it was pretty extensive. Tunnels leading to a kitchen, a bedroom area, a place for them to put dead bodies of the invaders (no joke) etc. Next we went to the local market which was great. Rows upon rows of fresh produce (and not so fresh fish) for sale along with clothing, shoes and fabric. I got in trouble for taking a photo of the food because they lady then asked me for money. Many people here expect to be paid if you photograph them, especially the Maasai people. But I just took a photo of the food so when the lady asked for money I pretended not to understand and I moved on to the next row. I got some awesome fabric so I was happy.
Ok, so now we move onto the death hike part of the day.
Chagga cave
Me crawling through the tunnel. Good thing I'm not claustaphobic! We went further up the mountain to hike to the famous Marangu waterfalls. We were given a walking stick to assist us but we really needed that and a bucket of prayers. This place would not be open to the public if it were in the US. Basically it was a hike down the side of a mountain with steps carved into the dirt and strategically placed rocks. Some of the steeper parts had rickety bamboo railings to help. It was rough on the knees going down but once we got there the waterfalls were beautiful. We rested for about an hour and then commenced to hike back up. It took almost a hour with several breaks needed to make it. I was beet red and drenched by the time we make it back up. I know I'm out of shape but geez, I didn't think I was that bad. I'm now rethinking my decision to do a similar hike this Saturday. I may have to bag it.
So you can imagine how pleasant our van ride home was. Again, 17 people all sweaty and hot and tired for the drive home. We did stop at the clothing shop
Local Market
So much color and vitality. I loved it! and I picked up the dress I had made. It turned out perfect and tomorrow I will be dressed like a real Tanzanian! I'm excited about that and I'm sure my students will get a kick out of it.
Some other random thoughts: I will be happy to breathe clean air again. There is so much dust and smoke and exhaust in the air here that it is sometimes difficult to breathe. You get used to it after a while but it takes a toll on contacts and clothing. My roommate is planning on throwing away all of her clothes and shoes when she is done. I have to tell you that is not a bad idea. We are never really clean and even after washing out clothing is still brown from the dirt. I cannot wait to get home and take a shower and have a washing machine. I will never take those things for granted again.Several people here are sick but I am doing my best to avoid it. Two girls went to the hospital to be tested for malaria but luckily they were negative. Several other here, including my 3 roommates, have been suffering from a
The hike
Ummm, thank goodness for those sticks. head cold. I'm trying to sleep more and take vitamens to prevent getting sick and so far, so good.
The other volunteers tease me about how well prepared I was for this trip. Mama Sandy likes to quiz me on what I've brought. She thought she had me the other day when she asked if I had toilet seat covers but thanks to Mom I had them. They keep telling me that I am so organized which is nice to hear because it's not often I get that. I have to say that I did a good job of packing. I'm surprised that some people here said they just through stuff in their bag at the last minute. I'm slowly working my way through my food and I think I will be okay on that front. I saw an ad in the local magazine for a restaurant in Arusha that showed an American looking hamburger so I can't wait to go there and try it out.
The children here dress in western clothing. Many times you will see little kids wearing suits or communion dresses. It cracks me up. Also, another interesting sight is men holding hands. In
I made it!
I did not look this good after the hike back up. Tanzania adult males Mosquito bite count: 8
Shout outs: To David for the new Vincy Flynn book. I've been taking some time out lately to read up on Mitch Rapp's latest adventures.
Sorry about the randomness of this post. Now that I've rambled on this long I'd better wrap it up before I bore you to death. :D I hope everyone is doing well. I do like it here but I will be glad to come home.
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Nancy
non-member comment
Wow!
Reading your blog is really getting me excited to be there! I am a little worried though. I am 56 yrs old and way more out of shape than you; you look great! I am wondering how that hike will feel on this old body! But I really want to do it! You will have to pass along your packing secrets when you return. I hate being unprepared. Well, have a great day and I am looking forward to reading more!