Lamu is a 12thcentury town. It has roots stemming from the Arabs, Chinese, Indian, British, and African influences, so the population is very diverse. Lamu is 70% Muslim and 30% Catholic. There are no motorized vehicles in Lamu. All Lamuans get around by walking or donkey (yes Jen, I got on a donkey just for you!). Today we toured the town of Lamu, by foot, of course. The tour allowed us to glimpse into the ancient Swahili culture. The Swahili Muslims in Lamu are extremely focused on maintaining the cultural richness of their ancestors. To that end, the Lamu Museum holds an esteemed place on the island and all aspects of the town's culture is lead by the Lamu Museum.
After the tour (it only takes a few hours to acclimate to the high temperature), we had nearly 7 hours to relax back at the luxurious Lamu House. I indulged in a massage on the deck of the hotel...the best massage I have ever experienced. My fellow delegates lounged by the pool and listened to music. This was our first day we had time to actually sit back and relax.
At 7pm we were distinquished guests of the Lamu Museum and the boys and girls put on a show for us at the Lamu Fort. The kids sang, danced, and recited poetry. It was almost like a girls v. boys competition and I must say, the girls rocked. All of the delegates danced with the kids and it was one of the most enriching experiences I have had in my life. I felt like I belonged to a culture and a race that was so much larger than what I have lived. I am sure the other delegates felt this way as well based upon their body language and self-expression. Everyone, and I mean everyone makes you feel welcomed. All of the singing was in Swahili, the dancing and music was ritualistic (rhino horns, animal skin drums, etc.) and the outcome was nothing short of miraculous. Don't get it twisted, however all of the kids are required to speak English while in school, so the program could have been in English, but we would have missed the whole point of cultural expression ("In Their Own Voices")that crosses boundaries of nationality, race, gender, etc.
We, Americans, still have a lot to learn. Enjoy a bit of Swahili culture on me.
RW
