More adventures

Today was a really fun day! The CCS folks arranged for us to have a day excursion to Marangu, a Chagga village near Mt Kilimanjaro. We first stopped at a blacksmith's to watch them make spears and cowbells (and, of course, to purchase a few things). Then our guide took us to a traditional Chagga hut - a round hut made of banana leaves. This one was atop the entrance to an underground cave system! We climbed down into the cave and explored (and fell in the mud several times) - it was really neat and REALLY dirty. We were all caked in mud by the time we got out of the cave. So much for trying to stay a bit clean today! Next we visited the local market and then drove to a beautiful area with a waterfall. Because of recent rains, the trek down to the waterfall was quite treacherous; I didn't have on the best shoes and slid through the mud several times. It was hard, but coming out of the rainforest and seeing that waterfall made it worth while! The trek up the mountain trail took longer but was actually a bit easier, since we weren't sliding DOWN the steep inclines. It was a beautiful sight!! Next we went to a Chagga Museum where we sat in a Chagga hut with two cows. Our guide was trying to explain the details of the hut while one of the cows was noisily eating and peeing behind him - too funny! That cow must have pee'd for at least a full minute and had us all chuckling. After the museum we stopped at a lovely resort-type hotel for a refreshment, then on to a batik shop where I purchased a couple more skirts to wear at my volunteer placement. A very full and fun day today - it's nice to be able to experience some of the touristy things of Tanzania while I'm here, and get a break from some of the sadness that I feel.

When we returned to home base the cooks had a lovely surprise for us - they had a barbeque grill set up in the garden and tasty kebobs for us to eat! It was a delicious dinner, and now I need to go wash today's mud off of myself and settle in for the evening. Much love to you all!