Jambo! Today we got a jump on our Swahili vocabulary with the help of our drivers that were quite kind to us on our excursions. First we stopped at the Mt Kilimanjaro trekking entrance! We got to see porters weighing in their gear and leaned about how Mt Kilimanjaro effects the local and surrounding ecosystem. The drive to the entrance was quite high in elevation and our ears felt the change in pressure. The air was already quite cool and we could feel the effects of this great mountain/volcano, which looks even larger in person than via photograph. Then we were off to see the Chagga caves and learn about the dark and troubling history these people endured and how they survived rounds of ambush attack by nearby enemies by hiding in caves. They even hid their cows with them! The caves were fun...until the light bulbs went out because of a downpour! (Not to mention the bats flying overhead!) A heavy rain came through as we took cover under a corrugated rooftop while we ate peanut butter, jelly, and MAYO sandwiches and "chips" (fries). Then we took a hike down the steep path to the base of the beautiful waterfall and took a refreshing dip to cool ourselves before heading back up the 200+ft elevation gain. After our return to the lodge, and a much needed shower, we were pleased to see that our bags arrived!!(the SIXTEEN bags that were lost). We are all ready and excited to assist those in need of our medical training and support starting early tomorrow morning. We just finished a beef stir fry and curried sweet potato dinner and are enjoying each other's company and the warm breeze that surrounds us. We love you and thank you for all your support.
Merissa Lauzon, RN and Kristin Brzycki, RN (publishers).
Laura...I found you in the picture...Lisa had me fooled (thought she was you). And your shoes look like they are fifty pounds.
ReplyDeleteJon...please bring me back a walking stick.
Lisa...here is your challenge...sneak your awesome Bucky hat into the pictures. It can be like a where's waldo experience.