View of the Masai Mara, Kenya at sunrise.

To set the stage, picture the most scenic sunrise over the Masai Mara, Kenya , approximately 6:30 am, pre-coffee (a good indication I am not yet my chatty self).  My knowledgeable naturalist and inquisitive ranger depart from Bateluer Camp for our morning hike up the encampment. 

Ranger:  Are you married?

Me: No.

Naturalist: Children?

Me: No.

Ranger:  How old are you?

Me:  I’ll be 33 in a few weeks.

Ranger:  Hmmm… you look younger.

Me:  Thanks.

Ranger:  I have two wives.  I could have three.

Me: Are you asking?

Naturalist (plainly):  Masai practice polygamy.

Me:  I had heard that.

Ranger: I have lots of cows.

Naturalist (dead pan): This means his first wife would need to approve you, to help with the cows of course.

Me:  Great.  Looking forward to meeting her and my future cows.

Ranger:  How many cows would your parents require?

Me (pausing to contemplate my worth in cows):  I’ve never thought about it, but at this point, I think they might be willing to forfeit the dowry.

Ranger: We will still give your mother a few.  It is respect.  Will she come get them?

Me & my new hubby, over Masai Mara, Kenya at sunrise.

It should be noted that my mother lives in Missouri. I can’t imagine the cost would be worthwhile to ship 15 cattle from Masai Mara, Kenya to St. Louis, Missouri.