Kilimanjaro

Yesterday we trekked the foothills of Kilimanjaro. My earlier inclinations to have a crack at climbing Africa's glacier-capped highest mountain were quickly dispelled after experiencing just one day of uphill climbing. I think they call it Kili cos the climb nearly kills you! But of course, like everything else in Tanzania, the walk is always worth it, and awaiting us at the end were caves, cliffs, waterholes and scenery like something out of Aavatar.

After trekking to the first two waterfalls we had a gourmet beef burger for lunch at a luxurious hotel at the bottom of the mountain. Then it was off for more trekking, this time to a stunning secret water hole tucked deep in the valley. A 10cm wide track led us there - a place our volunteer company has exclusive mzungu access to. We screamed like kids as we bravely jumped off the highest rock into the waterfall, then dried ourselves by the fire the guide had built under the cliffs. Cheeky moneys came past to check on us, and a pair of horn-billed birds guided us home. Our guide taught us the traditional song of the mountain, and you would have though we were drunk we were singing and laughing so much!

We went to a local home and tasted the local brew, but a highlight was making Tanzanian coffee from scratch. We separated, roasted, ground and brewed the coffee beans from scratch. The girls said it was the best coffee they'd ever tasted. Must've been good since it was the only coffee I've ever taken 2 sips of! We then drank honey straight from the hive, and finally piled our lethargic bodies into the rattletrap for the ride home. Our guide Hillary was a star and we tipped him generously.

The volunteer house was buzzing as everyone shared stories of their weekend. Some had been on Safari, some had been invited to a Maasai village for the day. We told of our Ramadan and Waterfalls days then excused ourselves for bed.

The other volunteers are fantastic. We all went out the other night to a nightclub called Kool Bar and had a wild time! Volunteers with other organisations in Moshi kept coming up and asking why all I-to-I people seem so fun. I think it is what you make it and we've all thrown ourselves into it 100%. Yes it is physically and mentally exhausting, but we're absolutely living the dream! Even when your feet drag and your eyelids droop, you still have the energy to smile. This trip has exceeded my most optimistic expecations and every day seems better than the last.

Love to everyone, and a big bum scratch for my Harvey Bear

xxx