As any great vacation comes to an end your gut says, “just a few more days”. I can’t imagine how I am going to bring myself to leave this haven of relaxation tomorrow. As I shared yesterday the owner here came on holiday 12 years ago and decided not to leave. Is that such a bad idea? If I did stay I would have to have one of you mail me some Kraft Mac n Cheese. Stat. Just another day in paradise.

This is F_€k!#g Africa

It’s a movie quote from Blood Diamond (2006) that has been used a lot on this trip. Africa has been amazing but it is very different then the life style i am used to. Not in a bad way at all. Time here has little consequence off the mountain. The people just have their own way of operating especially off the main land. When on our spice tour yesterday our car was stopped by local police asking for a legal bribe from our driver as he was carrying tourists. Yes I said legal. T.I.F.A. The drivers often just stop at road side stands and handle business while you wait in the car. T.I.F.A. Just to give you a few examples. So on to my story for today…

I woke up at 7:30 to the hustle of Katy and Ryan packing their bags to head to the ferry to Dar Es Salam. We said our goodbyes and now I am the lone survivor here in Africa. Naturally I went back to bed. The crashing of the ocean and the wind through the palms is such a soothing sound.

I woke up at around 11 not feeling so hot. Just a few too many Vodka Clubs last night. So I put on my suit and sunscreen and laid by the pool. All of the hotel staff are super friendly, Joseph is the front desk guy and Chewney is the resident surfer dude who is always smiling and dancing. I got talking to Jospeh and he assumed because I didn’t eat breakfast I was practicing Ramadan. Most of the people who live on the island here are Muslim and this being the ninth month in the Muslim calendar it is Ramadan. It is a month long fast during the day time from 5am to half past 6. I told him that i didn’t practice but I was intrigued to learn more. So with the fabulous internet and all the free time in the world I started reading. Today is the 19th day of fasting and the lesson for today is learning humility. Being fortunate enough to be on this trip and see the things I have seen is an experience that will change me forever. I have a plethora of blessings in my life and humility is something i never want to lose. So today I decided I will take part in Ramadan and remember to keep humility in my day to day being.

Joseph and I spoke more about how hard it is to do for a month and the sacrifice it is. I really admire these guys, after all there are other guests they are serving delicious food to all day long. Chewney the came over and said they were planning a special BBQ for tonight’s fast break at 6:30. The owner was here and he agreed that it would be poa (cool) to have it out on the beach. About an hour goes by and I am dozing in and out of sleep on the lounge chair when I hear a group of men talking rather loudly. I can’t tell what they are saying in Swahili but it doesn’t sound good. Being here alone I am a little more aware of my surroundings and who is around. I feel totally safe but still. The owner comes out and the guys keep yelling, two more guys show up and they all have big books in their hands. The owner of this place came here on holiday about 12 years ago and never left. He looks a lot like Johnny Depp. Not important but I wanted to paint the picture. This goes on for about 30 minutes and the owner finally says a few words in English. “It will be fine, we won’t start until 6:30 and we invite you and your family to eat.” Money was exchanged and the guys all left. My best guess is they are some type of local officials who wanted to make sure they got their share of tonight’s BBQ. T.I.F.A……4 more hours to go!

Let’s just say this group knows how to party. Thursday we finally made it down to the gate at the end of the mountain (about 4 hours) my feet were bleeding, I had rolled my ankle more then 10 times and the terrain was like walking down a ice rink made of mud. But there was a great feast and all our porters were waiting to greet and congratulate us. About 20 of them. We gave out tips and donations and said our goodbyes. It’s amazing how close you come with these strangers over the course of the hardest week of your life. One of the porters I became close with broke one of his trekking poles twice on the mountain. Fixing it each time with some tape and knots. I decided to leave my poles with him so they will be making the journey over and over again and so that he no longer has to worry about his breaking. At least for a month or so. These guys are just amazing!!!

It was finally time to head to the hotel and shower for the first time in 8 days. Yep eew. It was the most amazing 30 minute shower of my life. The tub was black after the water drained. Make-up , hair dryer and I was feeling semi normal now. All that was left was a normal meal. After 8 days of porridge and stale bread I needed pizza. Boy did I get it. We all headed to a really nice hotel in Arusha. We got there and it was a slap back into “western reality” a cool lobby, lounge singer and I could smell the pizza I was about to gobble down. Drinks were flowing and soon it was time for the speeches. Shots, speeches,shots and certificates. Jeff gave a great talk about each person as he handed them their official summit certificate.

Back to the hotel for more drinks and some dice/card games. It was a late night and at one point I was attacked by a sharpie and woke up with this. I think it’s supposed to be a mountain…..

You all have no idea how much each of your messages have meant to me on the blog. I don’t always get them the same day but reading through them at night in my tent helps me believe I can take on the day that lies ahead. I can truly say this is the hardest thing I have ever done to my mind and body. Digging deeper and deeper each day as the air gets thinner and thinner. Today we made it to 15,000 feet and I trekked the whole why listening to your songs. Thank you again for all the kind words. I’ll be thinking of then as I climb the wall tomorrow.

Well Katy came all the way to Africa and managed to get me the best gift ever. Now I don’t have to go outside the tent in freezing temps to pee! Thank you Boop! I love it!!!! Now it’s time to practice.