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