Day 3 - 'The Second God' (Okabili) and Bujora Cultural Centre

Guess what I never got to enjoy this morning? A hot shower! To make it worse, I forgot to mention it so I will likely be having another cold start to my morning tomorrow. I think perhaps the power is off in the morning because I can only get my bedside light to turn on. Anyway, I was ready to go at 9:00 am but while I waited for Delphine, I practised my Swahili with Nuru, and took some pictures. Delphine arrived with her friend Mary but we couldn't leave right away because they wanted to pack some food for our trip and arrange for a driver. Once we had everything, we then drove to an ATM to get money, and we also had the vehicle checked before taking it on the road. Moses offered to let us use his car for the journey - and what a journey it was! Unfortunately I was in the back of the van with a window that was fogged and did not roll down so I couldn't take pictures along the way. We travelled for a few hours along the bumpiest 'road' I've ever experienced. We stopped along the way for some 'chipas' - basically French fries and grilled corn on the cob - but not like the juicy grilled corn we enjoy during the fall harvest. We also stopped to visit the gravestone of Cool James - a famous African singer from the region who died at the age of 32. We met his grandfather and walked behind the home to the field where the family graves were. This moment was a particularly big deal for Delphine.
We continued on our ways to visit the compound where 'the Second God' had lived. We had to meet the elders who sat in a row next to us but chose not to speak in Swahili so Delphine was in the same boat as I was - having no idea what was being said. Our driver translated and we were able to speak with the chief's grandson. We took a tour of the compound, saw traditional homes, toured the rock where 'the Second God' made plants grow, and saw the 'pond' of green bubbling liquid where it is said an elephant fell in. We visited the original chief's home and saw the tin 'vehicle' the grandson would drive with the chief inside so they could collect the plants and herbs he used for his special medicines. Some of us (not me, because I was wearing a skirt) then slid down the rock - the African version of tobogganing. There is one area that has been worn smooth from people sliding - even the very elderly elder slid down! Eventually, after much waiting, the chief called his people together in traditional clothes (all black) and they performed for us. They sang, danced a bit, and played drums. When we gave him a donation for his performance, then they got really energetic. We had to excuse ourselves, or we would have been there for a very long time and it was 4:30 already. We then had to give information about each of us. They were particularly interested in me and wanted me to welcome all Canadians to visit them. So . . . Consider yourselves invited. Pictures from visiting the home of 'the Second God':

Before we left the area we made a pit stop at a nearby home and asked to use their latrine out back. It is official. I peed in Africa without the use of a toilet - just two blocks for my feet on either side of a hole. I guess the stick on a block in front of it was for balance. There was a bucket of water to wash waste down. Luckily I was prepared with toilet paper!
We then made our way to the Bujora Cultural Centre. We thought it was closed but they allowed us to go for a tour. Since it gets dark early, we could only see half of it - but enjoyed the traditional dances, particularly the snake dance. I especially loved the little children who were mimicking the dancers throughout. Sadly, my camera's battery died so I was unable to get many pictures or video. The centre's history involves a French-Canadian, but I need to find out more. There are traditional guest houses, as well as a larger group residence for guests. We will be returning to the centre to see the other sites. A picture of the dancer putting the head of the smaller Python in his mouth:

By this time it was dark - after 8 pm - when we finally made our way home. Delphine will give me a break tomorrow, and we will go out at 10:00 am. I am aware that time is not an issue for most - they don't rush. I just find it exhausting trying to figure out what is being said - and when meeting the elders, I couldn't remember how to address them. People are very curious about me and I don't know what they are saying.
Really cool things I saw today - but didn't get pictures of - very large storks wading through burning garbage piles on the side of the road; very strange rock formations; 3 men on a motorcycle; and herds of cows with very large horns crossing the road, with little children herding them.