While individual events over the past week have not been particularly post worthy, I felt that I should still inform the facebook world on what I have been up to. Monday we were busy in the classroom, with our free time spent playing soccer, volleyball, and working on our baboon research paper. Tuesday, we hiked up Moyo Hill to identify local bird species. On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to interview two local poachers. That talk was extremely interesting, as it is always important to see both sides of an issue. Essentially, the two men poach because unemployment is high and its a quick way to get cash. A kills earnings will range from about 40,000 shillings (around $24) for an Impala perhaps, to 400,000 (about $240) for a giraffe. While they recognize they are contributing to possible local extinctions, they claim to feel no guilt because they need the money. The next day, we headed back to the scene of the great poop study (see last post) to study grass!! Friends, if you thought identifying poop is exciting (because it actually is), try your hand at identifying grass. In all seriousness, being out in that environment is extremely cool, and any excuse to see a hundred Thompsons gazelles gallop across the plain is worth it. While we didnt see as many cool things as last time, I did partake in a giggle session with two Maasai boys. On Friday, we had the honor of speaking with an Iraqw woman to help us prepare for our Iraqw homestays this coming Wednesday. This very interesting lady is also a mother, wife, and head mistress of a secondary school. Gender equality has a long way to go in Tanzania, and the fact that she can balance a family and a demanding job is simply amazing. On Saturday, we gave back to the community through community service. Some students headed off to an orphanage to read books, while others helped out at Project Rhotia, an organization that educates students on computers and other relevant skills. A large group, however, went to the local primary school and helped to build a new outhouse. A giant, 40 foot hole was dug by professionals and it was our job to remove the dirt to create space for the building. We carried buckets and wheelbarrows of dirt to fill in the heavily eroded road leading up the school. Finally, after days of hard work, on Sunday we could play. In the morning I created a batik with two local artists who are largely responsible for making this art form so popular in East Africa. In the afternoon, we headed back to good ol Happy Days for some drinks, and then the Kudu lodge for some swimming and relaxing. This coming week will be intense as we lead up to our first camping expedition in Tarangire National Park. We are in the thralls of midterms as I write, and the energy here is happy, stressed, and excited for the adventures to come.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:53:22 +0000
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