Day 6 - DAY 4 OF THE CLIMB!! - 26th August

Baranco Wall!

Jambo! Today has been a pretty rough day if I'm honest. Woke up feeling ill again and with very little appetite (to the extent that Simon forced me to eat some orange slices just so I'd gotten some sugar), but that all went away when we started walking. (Trekking up a beautiful mountain is a pretty valid distraction!)

Selfie at the top of Baranco
Wall!

We began the day with a climb up Baranco Wall (the one bit of the 'climb' that is actually climbing!) and it was great fun!! It was hard though as there was also hundreds of porters trying to get past us, so it kind of makes you feel a bit pressured to get a move on, and sometimes they took different routes, which was pretty scary to see... But I suppose they're used to it... Rather them than me! But nonetheless it was great fun, and really satisfying to complete!! And when we were at the top, we had sooooo many photos! And the girls all had a 'sports bra' photo, which I couldn't really participate in because my layers were a little tight... My bad!

After we had our little break at the top we continued on our walk to the next camp site, which is where we were going to have lunch at. That's when it got hard - we were high up and could see the camp, but little did we know it was going to take 2-3 hours to get there!! We had to walk down into the valley and then back up again - going down was so painful, it really got me down, when we got to the bottom, we had a break and I had a little cry as the frustration of my pain got to me and I started doubting whether I could really climb Kili. But Daudi advised me "stop crying, it'll give you a headache!" and I stopped anyway and then we cracked on, up the hill to camp for lunch!

Once we got up there I felt a little better, just by sitting down for lunch, and we even got a little cheer from the team when we arrived (as we were about half an hour behind everyone else).

Carrying on to camp!

Then we cracked on to camp, which was about another 4 hours away, and it was still rough, with ups and downs along the trek, along with a headache I had coming and going, which was delightful. But we finally got here after a painful slog and got some dinner and our briefing before heading to bed. So I'm currently sat in my sleeping bag, knowing that at 1am I'm going to be woken up, ready to set off up to Uhuru Peak at 2am. I am praying I wake up feeling good, as headache/sickness is last thing I need!

Dinner was great tonight, as even though we were all tired - we were all having a good laugh... Asin we'd laugh at something simple and then couldn't stop laughing until it hurt - probably from the lack of oxygen we have!! But it was fun nonetheless =)

I'm going to try sleep now. Biggest day of my life so far tomorrow, requires energy!!

La la salama!!

Day 5 - DAY 3 OF THE CLIMB!!! - 25th August

Jambo! Today we've done around 10 hours of trekking!! Woke up this morning not feeling too well and with very little appetite, so although breakfast was lovely, I just couldn't manage to eat much. So, therefore I got hungry real quick when we started walking, just to get to lunch 6 hours later, and lose my appetite again!!! (annoying!)

Our photo with Lava Tower!
Photo credit to George Murphy

The first 6 hours of the walk was very steep uphill, and then the 4 hours after that was very steep downhill... We did this to try and acclimatise, so lots of us felt quite ill when we got to Lava Tower for our lunch, but were blessed to have lots of oxygen back in our lungs as we walked back downhill to our current camp - Baranco Camp.

At one point while we were walking we were having a conversation (well I was kind of listening in to Simon & Will having this conversation, kind of joining in :P) about what we couldn't live without doing... And it got me thinking - as I don't have a clue! I don't really have any hobbies that I'm so dedicated to that life would be hard if it was gone... Is that sad? I don't know, maybe I'll get one some day! (Or just discover what it has been all along...)

Pretty picture of the mountain! With the moon there
too (if you can see it!)

Another thing I thought about was how music is awesome! - It can literally connect anyone! Like, the porters and I speak completely different languages (well, most of them knew pretty good English) but anyway, when I played 'Happy' on my phone Daudi and I were both singing and dancing along - it was great fun!

One last thing that occurred to me today is pride. I am proud of myself for getting this far. We are now over half way through our time on the mountain and I'm still going very strong. I think I deserve to feel proud of myself after struggling for the last 7 years, and figuring I was never going to do anything great. Well I've decided that even if I can't conquer Kili - I've still done something great, because I've tried - which is more than can be said for a lot of people. And also, I know a lot of people doubt me (even if they wouldn't actually tell me that!), and also some people believe in me (which is awesome!) and it's both of those that are driving me up the mountain! I want to prove the doubters wrong and the believers right! So, it can be done!

Anyway, end of the deep soppy stuff, after dinner (of pumpkin soup, rice and chicken! -yum, again!) Ami chatted with a few of us about the history of Kilimanjaro, he told us things like how 'Kilimanjaro' translates to 'small mountain with snow' which is hilarious seeing as it's the biggest mountain in Africa! He also told us about the different routes and why the glaciers are named what they are. The best thing he told us about was how Kilimanjaro is 'female', which is why everyone becomes so nice and caring during the trek - because we take on her femininity - but also, if you disobey her main rule of 'pole pole' she will punish you with altitude sickness! Because Kilimanjaro, can be a bitch! (funny!) He also told us some of his own stories of the mountain, like about the time he ran half way up Kili in 2 hours, and also the time he climbed with a guy who was completing the 7 summits, and the guy underestimated Kili because he'd done Everest (silly!)

After that we left for bed and saw, possibly the most beautiful view ever! The summit of Kilimanjaro, lit my the moonlight and surrounded by so many stars! (I've never seen so many at once!) It was truly beautiful, but I couldn't get a picture unfortunately as my camera couldn't see anything except darkness, but it's a view I will never forget! 

Anyway, time for bed, another long day ahead tomorrow!!!

La la salama!! =)

Day 4 - DAY 2 OF THE CLIMB!!! - 24th August

Jambo!! Once again, a 6am wake up call today! (4am UK time!!) Greeted with a lovely hot ginger tea, which I didn't particularly like the taste of, but it was lovely, as it was FREEZING last night/this morning! Also because I didn't really get much sleep last night, probably because I've never properly camped before!

Our guides & porters!
Photo credit to Angela Carrabotta

Once we'd woken up and had a lovely breakfast of porridge (which is so good!), honey on toast, and egg, we had a talk from our head guide - Ami, who introduced us to the fellow 70+ guides and porters who were making our trek possible. It was so nice to hear what they all do and all of their names as they all really are amazing people! I couldn't ever even begin to imagine being able to do what they do!!

Beautiful morning views!

Then they all sang us their national anthem and also the anthem of the people of Tanzania - which they all looked so passionate about, it was touching to watch. Except it was a bit funny during their second song - as a couple people there did what we do as soon as we've passed the first verse of the National Anthem - kind of guess the words/ make noises that go to the tune so it sounds like you know the words - it's great to know it's not just us!

Once we finally set off, the sun had risen and it was getting a bit warmer, and the views were just beautiful!!! (Insight: I'm going to say this a lot!). 

Yeah, a little bit steep (but not that bad!)

Today was quite a steep day, we did a bit of scrambling up rocks and went through another change of terrain, although it's still kind of desert land kind of terrain, it's a lot different to our last camp - as that one was a bit more muddy and this one's a bit dry and dusty.

Had to have a picture with the amazing view!
Photo credit to Gabbie Majer

There was a point today where we'd all just finished walking up this really steep rock bit and we all just stopped to look back at where we've come from, and it was just amazing!! It felt amazing, looked amazing, and was insane to know how far we'd already come! (pictured below!)
One really funny bit of today was a point when Simon stopped to put some sun cream on, and the guides we were with found it really funny and we didn't really have a clue why, until they told us it was because of Simon's arm hair! We forgot that James had previously told us that out in Tanzania they don't grow arm hair, so they find it kind of funny to see! Which is great! and bizarre at the same time!

Couple photo in Shira Cave
Photo credit to George Murphy

After 6 hours of steep trekking we arrived at our new camp for the night and had some late lunch at 4pm - before chilling for an hour ready to do a little acclimatisation trek for about one hour and a half - on our way we saw Shira Cave and everyone took loads of photos in the mouth of it after Ami had told us about it and about how the porters used to camp in there, but they're not allowed to any more.

We then carried on up to Shira Peak, and when we got there the views were so beautiful, we could see Uhuru Peak in one direction and the rest of mountain immersed in clouds in the other direction and it helped a little with the headache and bad mood I'd gotten from the altitude. We hung out there for a little bit and took some more group photos (naturally) before trekking back down to camp! (Which, absurdly Simon & I led...)

When we got back to camp we had 'washy washy' and then our dinner - the food up here really is great! MORE amazing soup before pasta with beef sauce. Yum! 

Now we've just packed ready for tomorrow - expecting to be getting a bit chillier as we go further up - we're doing 6km up and then 4km down tomorrow - so it'll be another long day again! (obviously!)

So it's time to try and get a good nights sleep!!

La la salama!!!

Day 3 - Day 1 OF THE CLIMB!! - 23rd August

The Kilimanjaro National Park sign!

Jambo! Today we began our ascent of Kilimanjaro!!! We arrived at Machame Gate and then checked in and waited a while, and then we got a lovely lunch of sandwiches, soup, chicken and muffins! It was funny because while we waited for our lunch we saw one of the cheeky monkeys steal 2 muffins from our table! Which we thought was cute but I imagine it was probably not too appreciated by the chef!

Us at the 'Starting Point' sign!!
(Photo courtesy of Rory Orrell)

We then had a long wait while the guides organised all the stuff they were carrying - so naturally we took a lot of pictures with the Kilimanjaro National Park sign, so people definitely knew we were here! After lots of pictures we finally set off at about 1.30pm (to then stop again, and take another picture with another sign!) - which was important though, it was the starting point, and everything starts somewhere so it's best to get a picture of it!

George, Paul (one of our guides!)
and Simon

It was such beautiful scenery setting off through the rainforest, we saw some black and white Colobus monkeys jumping through the trees, it was bizarre because they just looked like skunks jumping around - which is kind of crazy! All the trees and vines were amazing - I just had to keep reminding myself to LOOK UP!! I just kept staring at where I was putting my trekking poles - which was really annoying!

We were all excited to see the "toilets" along the route (a.k.a. a hole in the floor in a hut!) Just for some shelter to pee in! Slightly more luxurious than squatting behind a bush!

We walked very 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly) because of my rubbish joints, so had some time to talk to the guides - we met Dennis, Paul, Ronald and Nixon - who are all amazing people. They've climbed the mountain hundreds of times and it's just so interesting to talk to them!! The strength they must all have is insane!

I learnt how to say 'my name is Molly' - Nina Etwa Molly (probably not spelt like that, but kinda pronounced like that!) and also to say 'Boa' when someone says 'Mambo?' - it's kind of the colloquial way to say 'how are you?' and Boa is 'good'.

The views along the walk were so beautiful (which I know I've already said, but THEY WERE!) especially as we looked back at where we'd been, at all the trees and just how far we'd already come! As we approached camp, the scenery gradually changed to desert terrain/scrubland - And it was equally as beautiful and I look forward to seeing more tomorrow!

It was so exciting to finally see camp after about 5 hours trekking and to get our tents! (I get to share with Simon, yey!) Then we went for another delicious meal - the soup was SO GOOD!! And I even ate battered fish!!! (which is saying something, cause I don't like battered fish...)

Now we've settled down in our sleeping bags before another early start again tomorrow! So, La La Salama!!!! 

Day 2 - Nairobi to Moshi! - 22nd August

One of our views out the window

Jambo! Today has been another long day! We travelled approximately 7 hours from Nairobi to Moshi in a minibus, it was interesting to see how different the scenery and the people looked from place to place - it was amazing how quickly everything changed.

There were lots of street side sellers which was pretty scary when we were at the Tanzanian border as they tried really hard to make you buy things, and it's something I'm obviously not used to. One put a bracelet on my wrist and tried to make me have it, so Simon had to come and give the bracelet back to her and take me to the bus as I got a bit out of my depth! It's hard being a ridiculously polite Brit sometimes!

After we passed the Tanzanian border we stopped off for a loo break at this lovely little shop, they were selling lots of wonderful things, but I didn't want to spend any of my money yet. Simon bought some things and it was funny as he tried to haggle and the man asked for a pen (which Simon didn't have), and then for his T-shirt (to which Simon was awkwardly a bit like "but I need it...") and then for his walking boots!! (to which Simon was like "I need those too!") So the man let him have it at the price he said and told Simon not to forget to bring his shoes with him next time!! (Simon wasn't sure whether he was joking or not!).

Our first glimpse of Kilimanjaro!

 As we carried on our drive we saw lots of little sand storms - which were pretty cool! We also saw lotsss of goats and even some gazelle and camels at one point!
We also saw our first glimpse of Kilimanjaro!! We spent a lot of the drive guessing it was different mountains, being like "do you think that one's Kili??" Until we finally saw it hiding in the clouds and Jo told us that's the mountain we'll be climbing tomorrow!

There was a lot of speed bumps on the way here, so the ride was a bit rough. But I couldn't help but enjoy the casual nature of our driver as he overtook everything in our path! Even the other minibus we were with he overtook!

Overall though it was a good ride with frequent naps and lots of thinking as I compared what I saw outside the bus to what we have in Britain - we're so privileged and we don't even realise it!!!

Anyway, when we got here we put our stuff in our rooms and got briefed on our coming week on Kilimanjaro - exciting stuff!!! We're setting off at 8.30am to Machame Gate, I'm looking forward to it as it will only be approximately 6 hours walking tomorrow, which I'm sure will be blissful compared to the coming days! - I'll say more about the climb when I'm actually doing it!

It's really nice here at Midlands lodge, I'm sharing a room with Tony (Antonia). Our room is really nice! - I enjoyed my last shower not long ago, and tried to make the most of it before baby wipes is the only answer!!

Right, time to finish my packing and get myself to sleep for my early start tomorrow!!!

Lala Salama!!

Day 1 - UK to Nairobi - 21st August

This was a particular point
I got quite excited!!

Today was my first time flying! The day started with us (Simon & I) waking at 4am, driving to Oxford, getting a coach at 5.30am and arriving at the airport at 6.50am for our flight at 10.15am! I was naturally like a big kid in the airport, excited to see all the planes up close and nervous for if I accidentally set a metal detector off or something! In my opinion airports seem like big, posh train stations, but for planes... Obviously.

Nice view out the window!

Our flight was great! (in my opinion) I just really enjoyed the whole thing (especially the food!) We had chicken curry for dinner and then got a yummy sandwich and scones later! I watched Insurgent (which was really, nothing like the book! Annoyingly!!) and Home - which was great, such a sweet film even if it was absurd to hear Sheldon Cooper and Rihanna!  And I also had a little nap (8 hours travelling is a long time!) Asides that, I had a great view as I had a window seat, going through the clouds looked so amazing, and seeing all the places we flew over was also a pretty amazing sight :)

In the minibus, tired & hungry but happy nonetheless!

When we arrived at Nairobi, it was scary checking in, as this was my first time in a place not in the UK, and we got health screened as we walked through and none of us really knew what was going on, but it was pretty simple and we stressed about nothing. I thought we'd all got there okay and got all our bags, then I found out that someone hadn't even got the flight and poor Angela had lost her bag! Then we met Jo, Sarah & Ben (the staff of Dig Deep) at the airport and walked over to our minibuses. The air smelt very petrol-y, which wasn't that nice, but seeing Nairobi as we drove to our hostel was exciting and... THEY HAVE WOOLWORTHS!!!! Which, everyone was excited about - naturally!

At the hostel they have such a cute dog, apparently called Scooby, and he's just so chill!! We got given our rooms and also given some food (which was much appreciated!). I'm sharing a room with Angela, Ro and Gabby and the beds are real comfy! - except the mosquito net which I was constantly faffing with trying to get it over me properly.

Overall, everything's great so far! Time to get some sleep before a long day tomorrow!

See you later!

Kwaheri!