Pony trekking

  Malealea, Lesotho
Sunday, February 4, 2007

The generator at Malealea goes off at 10:00 at night. Luckily we were in bed long before this time. However, we did not have electricity in the morning either. Eventually we figured out that there is electricity from dusk to 10:00 pm only.
 
Today, almost everyone in the group went pony trekking. Lotta was the motivation behind this mass experience. For eight of the group it was the first time they had been on a horse. Imagine beginning your riding experience in mountainous terrain. Michelle later commented that the most frightened people had been the guides, who probably had never seen such a large group of inexperienced riders. Even here in Lesotho there were helmets available although it was not obligatory to wear them. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride and the opportunity to see more of the area around Malealea. I wonder how many have gotten back on a horse again.
 
Malealea is quite a place. The whole village of about 400 people is involved in the Malealea Lodge project. All money for excursions is paid directly to the lodge and no tipping is expected. The founders have worked hard to help improve the community.
 
In the afternoon we both attended the daily concert, which Lotta loved. She couldn't get over the wonderful music the band played using only homemade instruments.