Mararianda

Due to the recent rains that appear daily at about 5, our usual climb up the escarpment was deemed a little too dangerous. However our walking partner, Alfred had an slightly longer alternate... The hour walk to the nearest shopping centre, Mararianda. The walk in comparision to the one up the escarpment was very flat and easy and it wasn't long until we arrived at the town. Mararianda is a small but busy town composed of many shanty shops, where many of the Olonana workers go to socialise. We were welcomed warmly by the locals, some of whom recognised us from our visits to their camps in our first few weeks. Xaver bought a sim card whilst I headed hastily to the candy shop, after weeks of being deprived of sweets I had a craving. On the way back we were accompanied by some of the Masaai elders from our neighbouring villages who were keen to find out more about us. We chatted for the majority of the journey back whilst cleaning our teeth with the "local toothbrushes" which is a well chewed piece of wood! Much to our surprise although they didnt taste great, they definately did the job leaving our teeth feeilng freshly brushed. The conversation turned towards my welfare as the Masaai worried that I would unable to cope with the journey being a girl -  a common mistake. I assured them that I was feeling fine infact very energetic... To which I was challenged by a spritely women well into her 70's!  We raced in short spurts along the road for a good 500m before the elderly women gave up soon after dropping her gin and accepted defeat. Xaver and I have learnt from this women that Gin is obviously the solution to a long and healthy life!
Caitlin