Whats so bad about cows blood?

As i have explained in an earlier post, i have nothing wrong with trying new things. This coupled with the fact that im most certainly a little bit crazy, i kinda like the idea of trying it. Hell it might even taste good, and if not then i won't have to have it again because ill already know what it tastes like. Im sure everybody has cut them self before. The first thing most people do (i think) is to suck on their wound. Well if this is the case, then we all know what human blood tastes like, (personally mine tastes like rusty metal, at least last i had the opportunity to find out) so if you mix that with a little sour milk, couldn't be that bad. although ive been wondering the ingredients of this drink. Is honey beer and this cows blood drink the same thing? or are they different. if they are the same then a little honey will make it taste better i would imagine.

On a completely seperate note READ THIS ARTICLE
http://www.bluegecko.org/kenya/tribes/maasai/articles-saitoti.htm

A bit o' info

First things first. Thanks josh for the shout out, im glad you think so highly of me. Im not so sure id ever be able to kill a lion by myself, (lions are know to be very dangerous if you weren't already aware) but im definitely crazy enough to try. Read the post bellow in case you have no idea what im talking about.

I am also interested in the Maasai diet. I love food, and meals are always one of the most important parts of the day. luckily for me, unlike my friend Sam, i am not a picky eater. Ill eat practically anything. I like experiencing new things and while the idea of drinking cow blood doesn't please me, i look forward to trying it.

As i was doing some research, i came across the Maasai mythology which i thought was pretty cool. In the Maasai religion there are two greater gods. Enkai and Olapa. Ill talk about Enkai, who is the creator, is the guardian of rain, fertility, the sun, and love. Enkai is one god with a duel personality, one is benevolent (Enkai Narok) and the other is vengeful (Enkai Nanyokie). It is Enkai who is responsible for giving the Maasai people cattle. Cattle are a very important part of Maasai culture. The Maasai people believe that cattle possess the qualities of Enkai, and are used at many ceremonies. Although there are a couple versions to this story it is generally believed that Enkai once a human who had all the cattle in the world. When the sky and earth split he sent all the cattle down from the sky along a long bark rope. This is how the Maasai got there cattle which, they believe were all for them.( i think this is a bit selfish but then again we all are) One day a group of hunters got jealous that they didn't get any cattle and cut this rope. This separated the earth and heavens, and also cut off the Maasai's supply of cattle. The Maasai believe Enkai created 3 groups of people. The Torrobo, (hunters and gatherers) the Kikuyu, (cultivators and farmers) and the Maasai. Enkai gave the Torrobo wild animals and honey. He gave the Kikuyu seed and grain. to the Maasai he gave cattle.

For more on Maasai mythology and Olapa check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai_mythology

A bit of information

So, all of us have been doing some research in preparation for the trip, and Josh recently touched on some of the cultural traditions and lifestyles. I decided that I would take a look at the diet of the Maasai, and how I'll transition into their diet. I'm a pretty picky eater, if I see anything green or spotted on the food, I'll spend the next ten minutes picking every little speck out of the food. Their diet is made up mostly of meat and dairy, although they do drink blood for special occasions like a circumcision or a birth. The blood is also used to alleviate intoxication, and is a purifier for the Maasai.

The thought of drinking the blood makes me squirm, but I think when there is a sense of spirituality and community attached to the ritual, like the Maasai have, it becomes something special and important to do during our time with the Maasai. However, they aren't oblivious to foreign diets, and have adapted potatoes, rice, and vegetables to their diet. I'm interested to see if they have any thoughts about outside diets, and have ever heard about any American novelties, ( Hot Dogs, Chicken Wings, etc.) so I think that will be one of the interesting aspects of their lives to document.

We've got about a month left until the trip, but it still seems surreal to an extent. I don't think I'll realize exactly what I'm doing until I step off the plane, and get to experience Africa. People keep telling me, "It's going to be a life changing experience", but I don't really know what that means. What will the experience be, will I be horrified by disease and despair? Or maybe will I be empowered and motivated by the Maasai's sense of community and family? Who knows, but in less than a month, I'll find out.

Information about the Diet of the Maasai is from:

http://www.maasai-association.org/maasai.html

First Post

Hi my name is Mac and am also in 11th grade and a student of Hastings High School. Sam Josh and i will be going to Tanzania and spending a month with the Maasai people. We will be getting to know some of these people during this time.
although we live in very different places and ways i think we will be able to find many similarities across our cultures as to what makes us who we are. 
Feel free to comment or questions

Welcome

Welcome to the first post for The Six Young Men Documentary Blog! My name is Sam and I am in 11th grade as a student of Hastings High School. Along with myself, you will being hearing from two other Hastings High School students, Mac and Josh, and we will anticipate, document, and recap our experiences while making the documentary in Northern Tanzania. Be sure to check back for posts as we will constantly be updating, and If you have any information or questions about what Six Young Men is, be sure to send us an email, or comment to the blog.

Thanks!