Shae's log: Maji Moto

The main pool of Maji Moto

Tanzania has a lot of interesting landscape and beautiful nature.  One such example is Maji Moto.  The words "maji moto" translate to "hot water".  So that was the destination on Sunday... get to the hot water spring.  Little did I know prior to our early morning journey that our trip out to the "hot water" would take almost 2 hours and a detour off the main roads onto 18 kilometers of rough, dusty, rocky terrain.  It wasn't until we were half-way there that the lead driver in our caravan of cars pulls up beside me (while I was stopped by the local Tanzanian police--- this makes #26!) and says, "hey, do you have a spare tire?"  My reply, "no. do I need one?" and he says to me "well, we are going on rough roads for quite a ways".  Great.  Information I could have used a few days ago (spare tires are expensive and not standard for your car. life very different here!).  Anyway, Mt. Kilimanjaro was out for all to see and in my experience with Kili, only good things have happened on the days when I've seen it.  So, I tempted fate and away we went. 

One of the awesome trees on our way.  Felt very safari like!

"Shikamoo!" (Smooth roads + no traffic = Lauren jumped out to get the shot!)

While on our way there and back, I would occasionally greet the people in the villages we passed.  All the children on the side of the roads were so polite and respectful.  NEVER did we hear a single child shout "white woman" but instead they exchanged respectful greetings which inspired me to also extend those same greetings to any elder I saw along the way.  The older men and women turned furrowed brows into big smiles whenever I slowed down the car to minimize the dust they had to breathe from the back tires of my car.  And their faces beamed as I would call "Shikamoo" (literal translation : I am at your feet (clasp your feet).  But the sentiment is this: I respectfully greet you, my elder).  They would immediately call back "Marahaba" (literal translation:  I accept your greeting/acknowledgment/blessing.  But the sentiment is this:  I acknowledge your respect of me, your elder).  There are some negative origins of this greeting. However, I have been told by many of my Tanzanian elders who speak English that they appreciate the greeting to them by a younger person-- nomatter the nationality.  I have seen older Tanzanians shun younger Tanzanians who do not offer the proper greeting.  I have always heeded the sage advice given to me by those who have lived a bit past myself.  So extending this respect is something I'm proud to do.

The banks of the springs-- can you see the rope swing?  I SOOO wanted to jump. But alas, with baby on board... not a good move!

Happy wasn't keen on the springs so she took refuge with Megan.

 

 

 

Happy loves hanging with Auntie Loz and looking at her "pichas"

Most of the good pictures Lauren has on her camera.  I will get those from her later and add to this post.  But in the meantime, I hope you've enjoyed some shots I took from my little point-and-shoot.  Maji Moto was not necessarily hot water, but the water WAS warm and crystal clear!  It was absolutely beautiful. Happy didn't enjoy it, but had fun with my other friends who were there while I took a little dip.  Again, I'll show those "shae in the water" pictures later when I get them! 

~Shae

"I'll drive us home, mama. I have the keys!"

"See, I'm an excellent driver!"