| Summary: | This is a unique story of a leap across cultural boundaries as a Masai warrior from the pastoral valleys of southern Kenya adapts to life on the fast track in suburban Massachusetts. At age nineteen, Masai warrior Mpeti Ole Surum, met an American tourist on a safari in Kenya. This meeting changed his life forever. The American encouraged him to get an education and learn about the world beyond his valley. Changing his name to "Tom," he went to school and learned to read and write English. For several years he held different jobs at a resort, where he impressed guests by speaking about the Masai culture. Possessed of the courage and strength needed to kill lions, he also had the talent of a natural showman. Sent abroad to encourage tourism, Tom quickly became a sought after lecturer, entertainer and talk show guest. Today he has several agents booking his performances at schools and universities across the United States. Even the most complacent high school students sit up and take notice when Tom bellows tribal incantations across the stage while dressed in full hunting regalia. A self -styled cultural ambassador, Tom also shares what he has learned of America with young Masai. While he partakes of the bounty of American life, including Armani suits, a luxury car, and credit cards, he is still strongly attached to his tribe and its traditions
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