Last day before the infamous climb. Met the guide today, Genes, he is from the local Chagga tribe and has been a porter/guide since the mid 1990s. Apparently Tusker (my outfitter) is the best one out there, they pay the best and ensure that their porters and guides have the proper training and equipment(came recommended from a former colleague). So when i told you 6 people were coming with me, i was wrong, only 12 are. Yep, 12. I don't understand either. But Tusker employees carry less gear per person than average outfitters as well as more emergency equipment. Maybe i will just get carried up to the summit, sounds like that is what is happening anyway. But seriously, can i justify it by saying i am supporting the local economy? Who asked you anyway, that is what i am doing. 12 people get to "put food on their families" as a result of my trip (yes, dubba quote anybody).
Genes and i had a nice leisurely man-date in Moshi, visiting the shops, having lunch and talking about America/Tanzania so that we both understood our different lives and situations. Seems that the hangover of George Bush is still talked about today, although there are lots of signs, paintings and stickers of Obama, so the perception is gradually gravitating back to the state where East Africans respect America not only for the money its citizens bring but also the decisions we make regarding foreign policy.
It is difficult for me to take pictures here, being the only white person around feels odd, your every action is scrutinized. Don't get me wrong, everyone is very nice, but you also doesn't want to be disrespectful people. Just need to learn Swahili then it will all be "hakuna matata" (yes, they used real words in The Lion King and yes i saw that show with my parents, stop laughing please).
The whole uploading pictures just isn't going to happen until Kenya, sorry. I will have some good Kili pics by then, so it will be worth the wait).
Also, the setting have been fixed, anybody can post a comment now without registering! How exciting!
Ok, time to walk back home and prep for the hike. Will be out of touch until June 14th.
12 people? You're so high maintenance. Here's some Swahili that I remember from my former "Kenya" days: Niaje means what's up, and if someone says that to you, you can reply with "sasa," which means not much/a-ok/can't complain, or something along those lines. Try it and see what happens. Hopefully they won't all laugh at you b/c you just told them you secretly want to be a woman. (Although in all seriousness, no gay jokes in Africa b/c there's a serious homophobia there.) Have a good climb.
ReplyDeleteDavey, good to hear you are doing well. As usual you are high maintenance and require a lot of people to carry your bags. I'm sure there will be a lot of spooning by the camp fire at night...enjoy it! Hakuna Matata...it means no worries for the rest of your days...just sing that around town and you are golden. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteNicola,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you have finally made it to the promised land! I am looking forward to reading your updates. What is this news of you having a man-date in Africa??? You know that I am jealous, right? Stay on the trail and don't get caught rollerblading in daylight.