This morning was spent in the classroom with lectures about the ecology of the common wildebeest and lion pride dynamics! Wildebeest were an animal that I can honestly say I never thought about much before coming here but they are slowly becoming one of my favorite African mammals (after zebras). I really hope we get to Serengeti National Park when they are coming through for the Great Migration. We should be there right when it is supposed to start. Getting to see a huge herd of hundred and hundreds of wildebeest and zebras would be a dream!

 So we had a break after lunch where I was able to get some laundry done. They do not have washing machines here. You get a bucket and I had a scrub brush and biodegradable soap. Then you sit for hours cleaning your clothes. It is kind of relaxing if you listen to music. You can pay for a local  Maasai mama to do it for you for 5,000 shillings (only like 3 US dollars) but I think it is a character building experience. I will never complain about doing laundry at home ever again!

Here is a picture of my new banda (room). It is very spacious and fancy compared to the bandas in Kenya. We have an electrical outlet and even our own bathroom with HOT water! No more freezing showers outside in the cold wind! I share it with Meg and Vivien. They are awesome roommates and I am excited to get to know them better this half of the semester. 

This afternoon I also got a chance to go into town and go to the tailor. She has all sorts of beautiful fabrics and can make anything you want. Many people have already had pants, skirts, sweatshirts, and dresses made by her. I think I going to get a sweatshirt made out of Maasai warrior cloth (called shuka fabric). It is thicker than the kangas and softer too. 

Rachel and I did not notice until we were walking out of camp to go to
the market that we were completely matching and completely patriotic.
'MERICA!

Then for our Environmental Policy class we drove to Mto wa mbu to talk with the Mahande Irrigation Scheme leadership committee. We first listened to the head chair person describe what they do to supervise irrigation practices in the community. Then we had the chance to ask questions. Our assignment was to ask questions in order to identify strengths and weaknesses related to their leadership, management, human resource feedback, and strategic direction. They did not know this though. So when we asked questions like "How are women and members of different social classes represented on your board?" they would give us weird looks or laugh at us. It was very interesting hearing about their plans in case of a drought or for farmer conflicts. 

I had RAP tonight and for my presentation I did musical jeopardy. I had 5 categories: Musicals, Country, Pop, 80's, and Rock. I would play a clip of the song and the first team to have a member stand up and answer correctly got points. It got a little nasty between the groups because the score was close. In the end, the final jeopardy question was the deciding factor. I played "Tennessee Pusher" and asked for what band sang that song. Everyone here knows Wagon Wheel, but only Reiva knew that particular song.

Then as a final treat to my day, this evening I was sitting in the chumba doing homework and I had a little visitor drop by. One of the night guards found a baby hedgehog wandering around outside near the door. Apparently he was here last night too and they fed it warm milk and so tonight he came back. He is very friendly and we named him "Sonic." I had never held a hedge hog before. It was really neat.