Tuesday, June 19, 2012

We left Oloika early this morning after a quick breakfast and heartfelt goodbyes and headed back to Masai Lodge. Upon arrival we ate a quick lunch and then relaxed for four hours, appreciating toilets, beds and showers more than we ever thought we would. As we went downstairs for dinner, we noticed men dressed in the Masai garments, and who engaged in a conversation using the Maa words we had learned throughout the past week. We ended up parading around the lodge with the Masai men and the rest of the hotel until we ended up at a manyatta, or Masai party space, in the woods. They entertained us for a bit, translating the Masai speaker for the other guests of the hotel and then we all ate the biggest meals of our lives (No joke! Some men asked when the last time we ate was!) Apparently this wasn't just a dinner... The festivities included a mock wedding, and Ms. Smith nearly got remarried as a third wife to our host, Ole Mombasa. Fortunately, Mr. Blakley swooped in and saved her. Lily was engaged to his son! Just when we thought the night couldn't get any more interesting, they believed that Adam (Simmy) was a famous rapper from the U.S.A. They proceeded to have "Adam Simba" rap for them. This was followed by lots of music. Yes, we had a dance party in Kenya. Imagine a bar/bat mitzvah/disco club- with music by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, LMFAO, etc. (it's the annoying songs your kids all listen to, such as 'PARTY ROCK IS IN THE HOUSE TONIGHT'). Now add Brandon (Mr. Clarke) fist bumping. Who ever thought we would end up rocking out to this music in the middle of Nairobi?  It's an early night for everyone (we're 7 hours ahead on Kenya time) because we have a 5 hour drive to start our safari tomorrow.  Goodnight! Go OKC Thunder! (the only connection we have to the outside world is the NBA finals...priorities...)  Becca and Simmy