Just outside the Serengeti National Park we stopped at a local Masai Village. The people in the village demonstrated the local dance of jumping and singing traditional music. They also gave us a tour of their village. 
The Masai are a nomadic indigenous group native to northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya. They wear the color red and purple. The red color is used to spot each other easily against the brown backdrop of the landscape. As we drove through the arid country, it was possible to see a single Masai herding cattle from literally miles away. The color purple they wear is to represent peace.
Meggan and I both gave the jump dance a try and weren't nearly as graceful as the Masai. They told us that the traditional dance of jumping evolved from an exercise to strengthen their legs to withstand the miles of walking necessary in their nomadic lifestyle. They seem to effortlessly glide upward into the air while I grunted and panted to keep up. If only I could have trained with these guys back during high school basketball… no that probably wouldn't have helped either.
We also visited the village classroom. The little ones recited the ABCs for us with a little artistic interpretation. I hope to have that video posted soon. It was really a great experience getting a small peek into the rich culture of the famous Masai.
Man! I think you got about 3″ off the ground!
Great jump ~ and in flip-flops even!
That was indeed a high jump! Thank you for sharing this post with such beautiful pictures! With posts like this, readers get to see the beauty of the world. Thanks again! 🙂
I agree, I think your jump was pretty darn high. What beautiful people. Thanks again for taking me with you on this fabulous adventure.
I agree, I think your jump was pretty darn high. What beautiful people. Thanks again for taking me with you on this fabulous adventure.
White men can’t jump. Aldo would have a hay day over there, grill work aplenty. Those pics are epic. heart you.
i am struck by the little boy in the green shirt. Do you know his name? Thanks for the adventure!