Now they have this beautiful little church to worship in.
They love getting visitors. The children surrounded us.
In the afternoon we visited the village where the Asaro mudmen come from. As the story goes, back in the days of tribal warfare and cannibalism the Asaro’s were a weaker tribe, always being preyed upon by their enemies. In desperation they came up with a brilliant tactic. They made hideous masks out of white clay and covered their bodies in white clay as well.
The next time the enemy attacked the Asaro men came sneaking out in their new disguises and to their great delight the enemy fled in terror, believing them to be ghosts! Today the masks are used mainly for traditional dances.
(Betsy wearing a mudmask.)ADRA has recently helped the Asaro tribe start up a tourist business as a way to help the villagers generate some income. They have built several little guest huts where for approximately $10.00 a night you can stay in a hut, eat a traditional meal cooked by the village women, and experience a mudman dance performed by the men. Anybody want to come for a visit?
The tourist compound resides at the top of a very steep road going straight up the side of a mountain.
The cars can only go so far, then you have to hike the remainder of the way.
It is a gorgeous hike and definitely worth the effort. Along the hike you come upon a fairly large cave where we were told the women and children would hide when the enemy tribes attacked. Here you see Betsy crawling out of the cave entrance.
When you reach the very top you have an incredible 360-degree view.
Apparently during WWll American soldiers use to hide out up here because they had a clear view of every mountain pass and could observe and report on any enemy action taking place.
The little tourist huts are built with the traditional thatch roofs, matting for walls, and dirt floors. 
Inside the huts there are three sleeping platforms. Two along the sides and one going across the back. There is not much room for walking around.
Outhouses are provided...
....as are shower stalls. These are communal – to be shared by all. There are no doors or shower curtains. You simply take a bucket of cold water and enjoy your bath looking out the door at the marvelous view. (And hoping nobody comes walking by.)
I LOVED it. I can’t wait to go back and actually spend the night next time. If you are truly seeking an adventure I highly recommend the Asaro Mudman Village.
The tourist compound resides at the top of a very steep road going straight up the side of a mountain.
The cars can only go so far, then you have to hike the remainder of the way.
It is a gorgeous hike and definitely worth the effort. Along the hike you come upon a fairly large cave where we were told the women and children would hide when the enemy tribes attacked. Here you see Betsy crawling out of the cave entrance.
When you reach the very top you have an incredible 360-degree view.
Apparently during WWll American soldiers use to hide out up here because they had a clear view of every mountain pass and could observe and report on any enemy action taking place.
The little tourist huts are built with the traditional thatch roofs, matting for walls, and dirt floors. 
Inside the huts there are three sleeping platforms. Two along the sides and one going across the back. There is not much room for walking around.
Outhouses are provided...
....as are shower stalls. These are communal – to be shared by all. There are no doors or shower curtains. You simply take a bucket of cold water and enjoy your bath looking out the door at the marvelous view. (And hoping nobody comes walking by.)
I LOVED it. I can’t wait to go back and actually spend the night next time. If you are truly seeking an adventure I highly recommend the Asaro Mudman Village.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO VISIT THIS ASARO VILLAGE CHECK OUT MY BLOG SPOT DATED FEBRUARY 17, 2011
