The World of a Maasai Warrior |

Photo credit: wwarby

I enjoyed reading about the life of pygmies so much, I next read Tepilit Ole Saitoti’s The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior. Another great book–wow. How other people live while I’m snug from the weather with plenty of food is amazing. Tepilit grew up on the Serengeti, drinking milk for breakfast, herding cows all day, and feeling lucky to eat at dinner. He was happy–content. Didn’t feel put upon or less than the city folk in their cars and clothes. Simple life. He did grow to love learning, a passion for education, which got him a Bachelors and a Masters. I’m not sure if he was happier–I think not–or just changed. More civilized, with no negative connotations to that observation. The books ends with his plea, “the only key that can now open locked doors is education. The Maasai once resisted education, afraid of losing their children. Now…the Maasai have come to accept it.”

I didn’t realize the Maasai had a reputation as warriors. When their youth grow to adulthood, they want to be of the warrior class. Not because they fight, battle, or war with their neighbors. It seems more of a strong, competent designation for mature males.

Baobabs are great trees, aren’t they. Tepilit would consider it an elephant tree–a place to flee when chased by an elephant. I need a safe haven, from all sorts of my life’s elephants.