Kilimanjaro: Days 8-Home

Day 8: 3rd September 2010

We were woken early by the now familiar "jambo, mambo vipe?" from the early morning tea boys. We all took advantage of the clear views of Kibo from camp and many photos were taken. It was wonderful to look down from camp as it appeared we were floating in the clouds.

Kibo


Above the Clouds

It was an early start as there was the tipping ceremony to perform and all the porters were eager to pack and get away home to their families. Breakfast was the usual mix of porridge, bread, pink sausages and eggs with a hot drink which was rapidly eaten by all.

Once breakfast was over we all assembled outside for speeches from Dave and Whitie followed by the tipping ceremony and a speech on our behalf from Mark. It was all quite emotional, especially when the porters started singing.

Thanks from all of us.

We soon headed of on the 6 hour trek from camp to Mweke Gate where we would formally sign out and our trek would officially be over. The going was pretty tough as the entire 6 hours was over mud paths with uneven steps and was very hard on the knees.

Bee, Meera and I tried to kid ourselves that we only had half an hour to go but kept being disappointed by porters saying "only 3 hours" or "only 2 hours". We caught up with Mark about an hour from the gate. he had been in the front group with Libby, Ellen, Fraser, Dave and Bikram but had slowed his pace considerably due to knee problems. We spent an interesting hour discussing the group dynamics and the best and worst bits of the trek so far.

We were lucky enough to see loads of Columbus Monkeys in the trees as we neared the end of the path. They were really cute but we were more interested in the possibility of a cold beer at the bottom. As soon as we reached the rangers hut Mark had procured for us a Kilimanjaro beer each. I have to say that was the best tasting beer I have ever had! We were laughing at the fact that every other person that was selling something was haggled with but the beer boy made a killing. "How much for a beer?", "3 dollars", "OK - I'll take 2".

Lunch and Kilimanjaro beer

We went into the garden of the ranger station where a hot meal had been laid on for us. The food was fantastic. After purchasing our souvenir T-shirts and some of the team getting their boots cleaned, we headed off to the Hotel via a cash machine (to pay for our celebration dinner).

The hotel was even better than the first one we had stayed at. I had a room to myself again. No sooner than I had shut the door, I was in the shower and scrubbing for 45 minutes to get a weeks worth of ingrained dirt off my skin. My hair felt better after 4 washes and a condition and clean clothes made all the difference.

My room and the beautiful grounds of the hotel.

We had all arranged to meet at the bar at 6pm for a quick drink before heading off for the celebration dinner.

Arriving at the celebration dinner and me receiving my certificate.

The dinner was lovely with soup, grilled cheesy vegetables and garlic bread followed by BBQ chicken and pork, loads of veggies, chips and satay sauce. Dave and Whitie made speeches to thank everyone for taking part and we were all presented with our certificates and T-shirts. Bee, Sherrill and I were so tired we headed off to bed at 9.30 but some stayed out partying until the early hours. Libby and Ellen only arrived back at the hotel minutes before their taxi picked them up to take them to the airport.

Day 9 - Time to go Home

After a leisurely breakfast we assembled at reception as some of the group were going to the orphanage and some to a local warehouse complex where disabled people who would otherwise be outcast were employed to make souvenirs by hand. I decided on the latter and had a really interesting tour around Shah Industries. Everyone employed to produce goods made from local cow horn leather and wood was either suffering from polio, blind or albino - all of which are shunned by society. these people had built a great reputation and been able to support their families into the bargain.

After the tour we went back to the IndiaItaliano Restaurant for lunch followed by a bit of shopping then back to the hotel for a relax by the pool. The trip back to the hotel was interesting - 6 of us in a taxi made for 4. I had to sit on poor Sherrill's lap in the front with my head against the windscreen.

View from the restaurant

A little bit tired!

We all got changed and went a lay by the pool in the sun. I had a quick swim to cool down - bliss. the rest of the group arrived back from the orphanage with tales of how little the children had, only 2 books between 50 girls and the boys had none. they had very little to play with and their accommodation was really ramshackle. Such a shame.

Before we knew it, it was time to head to the airport. They have a funny scheme there where everyone queues outside the airport to have their luggage X-rayed before going inside the airport to check in. We had 4 hours before our flight so Bee, Sherrill, Steve, Mark and myself pooled our remaining money and paid to go into the business class lounge where you could eat and drink all you liked until boarding. The food wasn't great but there was plenty to keep us going.

Our first flight was flying to Dar es Salaam first with an hour to refuel and change crew, then onto Amsterdam. The plane was nearly full so we didn't have the luxury of multiple seats to have a kip. Most of us managed some sleep on the way back so we all felt a little more rested when we reached Amsterdam. Sadly, as soon as we landed my stomach began to hurt and I spent the whole time we were there rushing to the loo.

It was such a relief to land at Heathrow but very sad to say goodbye to everyone - we all got on so well. I couldn't wait to see Chris and the children. Chris had come to meet me while the children stayed at home to do their chores.

How lovely to get home!