Maasai Souvenir Shopping

September 4, 2005

After we had bid farewell to our camels (some of us with reluctance, some with relief), my family and some others in our group returned to an area near the Meserani snake Park where local women were selling beaded crafts, jewellery and red and black checked Maasai blankets.

Each woman had their own little shop which had a number painted on a board above the the door.

Before going on the camel ride I had looked around in hut #12 and spoken with the woman there.

When she saw us all ( me and Jeff and Heather and Jen) returning and making a bee-line for her shop, she grinned from ear to ear.

I am not really on this trip to go shopping, but I did need a few light souvenirs to take home to friends, and besides I have a soft spot for homemade, sparkly, beaded things.

I bought five beaded bracelets at 2000 schillings each ($2) and Jeff's mom bought two blankets, some necklaces, and a few other things for Christmas presents.

Besides, this is much more interesting than buying your souvenirs at an airport gift shop.

After this shopping expedition, we just had time for one last cool drink in the straw-walled lounge of the bar in the Snake Park before boarding the truck again and heading off.

This time we are bound for Arusha.