‘Traveling – It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” – Ibn Battuta
Four years ago, when I was contracted to work in Kenya, I had my first introduction to the Maasai community. Prior to meeting a real Maasai, I remember having Google Searched them; however, I never, in a million years, imagined that I would be traveling for a living, nor that I’d have Maasai Warriors as colleagues. It all still seems surreal; pinch me now! From the very start, I was impressed at how colorful, vibrant, proud and elegant the Maasai community truly was. Their poised nature has taught me a lot, throughout the years, about PAUSING and taking the time to look around, instead of always looking ahead.
“Maasai people are an indigenous tribe occupying the southern region of the Great Rift Valley throughout southern Kenya and north-central Tanzania. Maasai live as traditional pastoralists, herding mostly cattle, but also sheep, donkeys, and goats. They are semi-nomadic, meaning their livestock is moved on seasonal rotation and in response to environmental factors, particularly drought.” – My Massai Life (Robin Wiszowaty)
Some of my fondest memories have been in the Maasai Mara. Seated under the Kenyan stars, with a Warrior as he shared traditional stories, ways of life and cultural staples. These were some of the most powerful moments and ones that I will carry with me for life. I feel fortunate to have become friends with many people from the Maasai Community. From these stories, I have learned many lessons that helped me to realize the world is not black or white; there are so many shades of grey and beauty interwoven into traditions.
This past trip, I decided to extend my time and fly to Zanzibar to visit friends who were working at a kite School in Paje. From the moment I arrived, I was flooded with emotions from the pure beauty of the area. My accommodation was steps from the gorgeous white sand beach, filled with kites in the sky and Maasais walking about. I felt as though my love for the culture & kiting were being merged together.
For a week, I kited as well as watched Maasai’s walk the beach and launch kites. The opportunities that traveling bring never cease to amaze me. The world is beautiful. Now go kite with a Maasai; it will change you!
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