Hiking the Taita hills

So this last week I had my friend Daniel up visiting me. We had a great time. It was nice having another American around. We did alot of hiking. The 1st day of hiking we went to this big rock with this great view. Well we tried to...After trying to find our way and getting lost a few times we gave up. In the way back we went through this dried up river. It was cool bc there was all these rocks to climb. Coming back the next day I found out the reason we could make it up the rock is bc it is a very sacred protected place that I was not supposed to find. I have heard of the place before but just did know it was right there. I have heard only elder males go there. Before they go up they must take place in many rituals. I think one is not eating meat before you come or not eating at all. Rumor has it a guy did follow one of these rituals and went blind. I have also heard when you enter this sacred place to are not supposed to wear any clothes.

The other days we hiked to the forest, went to Chumbololo(the awesome view point) and when out the waterfall where there are skulls. Daniel to say the least he was pretty tired. I am getting so used to doing so much walking. My legs have probably never been so strong! I really want to climb Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro before I go. A lot of the other time Daniel and I played ultimate guess who were you have 2 people instead of one.

Yesterday I was back on the forest for a walk for my project to brainstorm the way forward. One guy that came had a tour company and he want to promote us. But first to really start the project of eco tourism we need to talk to people who own the land tourist will go on, talk to all the people that will be involved (homestays, leather group, basket group, tour guides) and get a few people to organize for tourist to come.

I am meeting with the fish farmers tomorrow and hopefully will also be meeting with some others to start talking about making the world map. I am looking forward to this PC workshop for HIV/AID it will be good info but also I will get to see friends. We are going to beach resort for it too! Last year we had the same workshop. So after the day is finished it is pool and sand volleyball time!

Thank as always reading this and writing. It means so much to me!