During my stay in the Maasai village, I spent some time hanging out with the old village chief. I didn't speak much Swahili and I only knew a few phrases in the Maasai language, but he had a great time explaining the process that they made their alcohol to me.
They had a large barrel that was filled with water and maybe some other liquid (not quite sure) but then they add some sugar and then they drop some big root thing in it and let it all ferment in the sun for a while.
It didn't smell too great and there was a lot of floaties in there. He offered me a glass, but I had to decline. I didn't feel like spending the next few weeks sick because my immune system couldn't fight off the bacteria that was in the barrel, the dirt on the root, or the water, or even the stirring device. I was honored that to be learning the secrets of how the Maasai elders get drunk out in the bush, miles away from civilization.
He was a soft spoken man with a very kind heart and he had done a great job raising his son, who had taken over as the village chief in his place. I am looking forward to the opportunity to return to his village one day, but this time, I will bring a bottle of my favorite liquor and we will knock back a few drinks.
@derangedvisions,
If there is one thing that is nearly universal, no matter where you go on Earth, is that somebody will have improvised a way to make some cheap hooch. The number of ways human beings have invented to get a buzz is breath-taking, and Africa is ground-zero for its brilliance in boot-legging. Often nasty, bordering upon insipid, their concoctions nevertheless give truth to the maxim, "Where's there's a will, there's a way."
It sounds like it was a great trip. I wish I'd been there.
This trip was life changing. I can't wait to go back.
Amazing experience! I want to see more. I was i Africa last year, but i wasnt able to get to this kind of villages. Even like that it changed my life too and i cant wait to go back! @derangedvisions
Africa really is a magical place. What part did you get to see?
I only visited South Africa, most of the time along the coast. But i can say the beauty is beyond the words for each part. I also met some special people i townships but what i really wish is to visit such kind of places like this one. Thank you for sharing