Iraqw Boma

We had our last community service this morning here at camp. We each planted three seedlings and then transplanted a larger sapling into a hole on campus. Once the trees are bigger, they can be distributed throughout the community. I then visited an Iraqw boma with a few other students as part of our last non-program day. The leader explained how they make local brew and he passed around a sample. It smelt pretty similar to a wheat beer but Johanna warned us not to drink it. Apparently it's pretty potent stuff. We got to try balancing a water jug on our back and head. It wasn't extremely difficult but I'm glad I don't have to carry water for two miles like that. We were also shown how they make traditional wedding outfits with beads and animal skins. It takes them an average of 4-5 months to make one skirt! We also participated in a few traditional dances. They mostly involved a lot of jumping and moving in a circle. Jumping gets tiring after awhile! He also explained how the Maasai and Iraqw tribes used to be enemies because many Maasai stole Iraqw livestock, but an agreement was reached 50 years ago and they coexist peacefully now. It was interesting how different the two tribes are even though they are found in the same part of Tanzania. After the boma, we went back to Happy Days for a little fun before we have to leave. Can't believe tomorrow is the last day!