As I am writing this I realized I took over 140 pictures from this day. Correction there are over 140 photos on my phone. The guides that we had were great in taking our phones ad getting pictures of us in the various settings. I promise not to post all of the photos.
from left to right: our main tour guide (who's name escapes me), Katherine and Eugen:
Wow that's a big tree:
I have to say that this was a long and exhausting day. I started the day with a meeting at 8 am then left TTB office in Arusha before 9 since the guide for the tour was there to pick up Eugen (from TTB), Katherine and I. We arrived at the main office for the Njoro village around 10 ish and we started our hike. Yes, this was a hiking day in all forms. This village has two levels, the level at the bottom of the mountain and the upper level in the hills. Even though there is 2000 people living in this village, it didn't feel cramped or small, it actually felt peaceful, spacious and vast.
As we hiked on small dirt paths through trees our guide told us about the different types of trees that were native (indigenous) and which trees were exotic. He continued to explain that the village was originally a settlement for Germany and the exotic trees were brought over by the Germans. We came across a stream that flowed from a near by river. Traditionally boundary lines between villages are set by river locations. When you cross a bridge you are now in the next village. (Cool!!). Along our hike we came across so many streams, creeks, and rivers. These villages are full of lush green landscape because of the water resources they have.
First stream:
Some of the original buildings from the original German Settlement are still in use like the church and school. Apparently in when building settlements, German architects always had the church beside the school and are apparently the first buildings to go up. The things you learn!!!
The Church and School:
Teacher's building (old and new):
As we walked and talked with our tour guide I didn't realized we had climb so high on the hill. Well when you go up you have to go down. This is when the tour took us to the first of two waterfalls. For those that are afraid of heights I honestly don't know how you would fair. Don't get me wrong, for me the hike down was well worth the stunning visual of the waterfall but others may not think so. During our walking through the village heading to the waterfall we have three locals from the village join us and it was a good thing they did. They helped guide me and Katherine down the step climb to the waterfall. From what I can tell two of our three new friends are fellow tour guides while the third one was maybe a guide in training or just there to help along.
The climb down:
The climb back up at the bottom of the path:
Halfway up- looking behind me at three of the guides:
Looking ahead of me:
The reason for this steep path:
With TTB staff member Eugen:
After the waterfall we then were taken to the area where they do the Banana tree planning lesson that was fascinating and they even let us take turns shoveling dirt. They explained the process from digging the hole (60x60 m), to cutting the baby tree from it's mother, to adding the cow manure, then sticking in the tree and covering it with the dirt.
New Banana Tree:
We then headed into the village towards the central spot of the village. Here there is an old brick building that use to be used by the Germans as a courthouse but the local village does not use it. Their tradition is to use trees. There are three large trees that if you have an issue or something you want to discuss you are to sit under the appropriate tree. One tree is for political issues, the second on one is family or town ( I can't remember) and the third is for all other issues.
on the way ( it's so pretty):
Village houses:
The village center and the three trees:
Remember this field!
The village children were so cute!!!
The village hospital recieving supplies:
Then we had an amazing traditional meal that was made by local women from the village. The idea of soup with meat and banana was a new one for me as well as the stew like dish that had potato, beef and bananas. I was surprised that the bananas were not sweet, it actually shocked me a bit. The bananas they use here for cooking are not sweet but the smaller ones that they peel and eat are sweet. The food was amazing. I know I keep saying that but it was. The avocados are soft and have this great texture to them and the rice is yummy too.
Lunch is served! the two small brown bowls in the front are traditional bowls they use to use before utensils were introduced.
My plate:
Avocado juice! So yummy and apparently good for energy.
After lunch they showed us how to make traditional coffee and actually made some for Katherine to try. She said it was the best coffee she had ever tasted.
As we were leaving the house and heading to our next destination on the tour we walked past the field where the three trees were. Well instead of children playing like earlier it was occupied by cows and goats. I thought this was quite interesting and a bit funny. I guess cows and goats should get to enjoy the field too.
We hiked a bit more and were taken to our second waterfall where the swimming hole is. The climb down to this one was a lot more stepper than the last one and the path is new. In time it should become an easier path to navigate. I was too afraid to stop and take my phone out to take pictures of the climb.
They finished the day off with a stop at the local pub to try some Banana drink. It has 10% alcohol, and tastes like a cross between a cider and a beer. I'm not a big fan of beer but this drink I was fine have a few drinks. It is hard to describe. It's not sweet, doesn't have a banana flavor that we were expecting and it's smooth like a cider but still has that hoppy feel of a beer.
We trekked back to the car and arrived back at the office after 6 pm. We were all tired but it was that great tired from spending the full day outside in the fresh air. When I got back at 7 to our hotel all I wanted to do was have a shower and sleep however the other volunteers had arranged to go out to dinner and were waiting for a cab to go. They waited for me to changed and we went to a local place called Nick's pub for BBQ chicken, chips and wine. The food again was yummy and filling.
Next post......the rest of my week and possible a safari or two.......stay tuned!
Spectacular day! You're getting quite a workout too :)
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