The experience I had when visiting the traditional Chagga hut on the slopes of Kilimanjaro was made special because the hut had been reconstructed by Mr. Sadikiel Kimaro. Mr. Kimaro is from that region and had many fond memories of his childhood.
He grew up in such a hut in a village nearby with his parents and his siblings. He later met and married his Korean wife, Young when they were both studying in the U.S.
They went back to Tanzania and as part of their well deserved retirement they constructed the Chagga family home.
My husband and my son and I were honored to be invited to visit our friends there and we spent many happy hours in the Chagga hut with Young and Mr. Kimaro, who recounted many interesting stories about his childhood. Even the traditional vessel used in making the local drink was there. The hut was very spacious and yet cozy with the traditional hides on the bed and the space where the domestic animals were kept.
For a Canadian family this was one of the highlights of our three years living in Tanzania where my husband was the Canadian Ambassador.
Bente McAlister
Ottawa, Canada