Out of Afica

Africa oh Africa. Where do I begin and how did it ever end. Im sitting here in the Juggle Juice Bar in Amsterdam having a cold beer and reminiscing. But as my new adventure begins I cant help thinking about the one I have just finished. I will begin with the end. In the last week I have been with the Masai just at the base of Mount Meru and in Arusha celebrating. The Masai were fantastic. i went walking in the bush with them. Shot arrows with them. And threw spears. While most Masai are polygamist, only half this family was. They were revolutionaries on the front of Masai education. Preaching against the commonly practices female circumcision, spreading Christianity, and educating farmers about caring for the land. After plenty of Ogoro (the Masai snorting tobacco that is used constantly) they took me into one of their dung/mud huts for a ceremony. I was going through the procedure of becoming a warrior. The great grandma of 98 set a fire in-between three rocks and then placed a piece of metal in the coals. After more Ogoro it was time. When the Masai are anywhere from 8-18 they become warriors. A process that is finalized when you are branded. They usually do it on the cheeks but I chose my fore arms. After about 30 minutes of heating up in the red coals grandma took the piece of metal and held out my arms. Before I knew it I could smell burning flesh. I could hear the skin boiling. Then the other arm. The entire time I could not blink or show pain or I would be useless. Now I am the MZungu Cache Unguelelo Rasta Masai qua Arusha. Crazy, relaxed, white Masai. The rings will stay with me forever. They are healing now but will soon be black circles. And although im not really a Masai all the Masai that have seen my marks are impressed and curious to know what I did to receive such an honor. Well it may be a honor, but so was this trip all together. And although the ring hurt now. Leaving Africa does as well. And like the rings, the memories will last forever. Out of Africa and in Europe. Loving it.

Keep it real Readers. Love you.


- Chad