We Have Arrived!
We're in Africa! After a very long 14 flight from Washington DC to Ethiopia and then a connector into Kilimanjaro Airport, we have arrived safely and sleepy.
On our way in, our airplane flew right next to Mount Kilimanjaro and we had the opportunity to see its daunting peak above the clouds. In that moment, it all felt very real.
We spent the day today driving around Arusha, a town near by, with a very kind Tanzanian- pronounced "tan" "zany" "en"- named Jimmy. (Did that pronunciation blow your mind like it did ours?). He took us to the mobile phone store and a yummy "beef burger" shack where we dodged unruly vehicles, busy Africans, and saw the famous Clock Tower- which marks the exact lateral center of the African continent. It was a lot to take in after directly coming from 24 hours of travel.
This evening we met with our master guide, Frederick, who proudly informed us our journey together would be his 537th climb up Kilimanjaro. Yes, you read that right. Our cook was there as well and although quiet, seemed to enjoy our goofy questions. It seems that Frederick knows us already because his main piece of advice was "DON'T THINK TOO MUCH!!". He assured us that it is very rare people don't summit with him and that we would work closely and honestly for maximum success.
Feeling excited and nervous, we set back to our room to do our final bag pack and elevate our swollen travel legs.
Unfortunately, it seems that despite all of our phone efforts today and previously, we will not have a cellular device to use for texts/blogs/tweets while on the mountain. Both our plan and back up plan have been defeated by Africa's rurality and isolation. We have a few unlikely last minute options, so keep checking this blog for updates, but it's safe to assume our communication will be delayed.
However, not all is lost and you can still follow us on our journey day-to-day. We will be carrying a GPS unit that will update our coordinates to the Internet via the following we address:
Also, the guide company we are climbing with will be blogging with updates on their website: http://www.teamkilimajaro.com/blog
Our route is the 8 day, TK Lemosho Route,
advantage series, led by Frederick and named
something similar to juli's first and last name
Initials (Or a combo there of).
We promise to write full blogs and stories as
Soon as possible, under the circumstances.
Again, we thank you for your love and support
And we'll see you from the top!
Good luck! Today I was telling Tammy's seven year old daughter about your adventure - climbing a big mountain in Africa - and she asked, with furrowed brow, "How long will it take?" I said six or so days. Then with a bit of panic in her voice she asked, "Where are they going to sleep all those days??" In a tent, I replied. She still seemed a bit concerned. Looking forward to future updates. Cheers, Jefe.
ReplyDelete