So working from home is now the norm for a large portion of people in the UK.
This comes with its benefits but also challenges – like what to wear?
As many people who are working from home are dialling into video conferences daily.
There are typically 3 thoughts
· Dress like you would to go to work – or go over the top and suit up. Really make the effort and remind yourself you are at work.
The smart attire
· Dress in your casual weekend clothes – just ensure if you are on VC you have trousers on or don’t stand up – unlike chimp in his designer t-shirt but not a lot else
This is fine whilst seated
The casual attire
This is not so good when you stand up 🙈
· Don’t bother changing out of PJ’s no one will know and saves time in the morning. Roll out of bed into work. Plus a nice fluffy dressing gown means you don’t need the heating on as high.
The dressing gown attire
Whilst this might be comfy and ok for telephone and emails it might be frowned upon on video calls.
Some teams are also having themed days to liven up the loneliness of VC’s – including hats and masks which allows for some fun but still able to have a meeting. However does require a bit of preperation and imagination.
Anyway you decide to dress whilst working from home is fine.
Stay safe, stay sane.
Monkey 🐒
P.S. this is not sponsored I just really like tea and drink a lot of it.
For any strength based training you want to do for paddling use the things you own.
A boat can be used for bicep curls, weighted squats, lunges, bench press, dead lift to name but a few.
Imagine picking up your paddle
The majority of the time the weight of your boat and kit is the best thing to train with. It also allows you to figure out the best way to awkwardly handle a big lump of plastic, which is handy at the side of a river or rescue. It also teaches you the best way to carry your boat and strengthens the right muscles.
Generally kayaking is less about raw strength but more about repetition, keep using the same muscles all day. So when training you should mimic this by going for amount of reps rather than max weight. You also don’t want to build up Arny style muscles as this hinders flexibility (a whole different article)
So save your pennies on a gym membership, make use of the sunshine and walk around your garden with your boat, practice picking it up. Practice squatting down with it on your shoulder picking up a paddle. Do some lunges with it, imagine crashing through the foliage to get to river. Mimic lifting it on a roof of a car, carry it on both shoulders.
Time for the hike home
With a bit of imagination many of the things you do getting to and from the river can be built into a training session, so next time you turn up to the river after a long portage your fresh and good to go rather than ready to take a nap. It also allows you to figure out if you really need all that stuff in your boat. If you can’t lift your boat in the garden you will struggle to lift it off the water at the end of a day paddling, although this is were paddling friends come in handy.
So next time you have a spare few minutes go and work out with your favourite kayak, just try not to drop it too many times.
For more adventurous activities think of what you might do in a normal work out just add a kayak or canoe. Hint. Press ups are easier in smaller boats
Balance and strength
Disclaimer – if you are not sure how to lift ask someone who is qualified for advice, also if things start to hurt, especially your back STOP.
I wrote this several years ago but now with restrictions on travel thought it might be useful to help keep people active.
Conversation Anxiety,’ Not Fear of Public Speaking, Is the True number 1 Phobia
“I don’t have anything to say” and “I don’t know what to say.” SOURCE Jonathan Berent
Anticipation and fear of a conversation is generally worse than the actual conversation. Is what I try and tell myself however I rarely listen.
For me the anticipation of a conversation or situation where I need to interact with others makes me ill. Even when conversing with people I have known a while. I fear the unknown of what might be said, what if I don’t know, what if I say something stupid, what if they ask me something? I do not feel comfortable approaching people to speak to me as I see it as forcing them to spend time with me which they may not want to. Unfortunately I even feel this way when I really want to talk to someone or ask them something. Why should they waste their time talking to me, when they clearly want to talk to some one else. It takes me a long time to think through what I am going to say, how to phrase it or which key words to use. This usually takes so long that the other person has gone, the subject has changed or I just chicken out and say nothing left wondering what the response might have been. When I say this takes a while, it could be anywhere from a few thoughtful minutes to weeks before I figure out what to say. This is also true about questions people ask me, the response only gets formulated days or weeks after the event, by which time the other person does not care or even know what you are talking about. I realise this might make me come across as uninterested or unintelligent as I do not answer peoples questions but in my head saying nothing is better than saying something stupid or incorrect.
If you read my previous article I set myself an aim to talk to someone once per week.
I have both failed and succeeded this month. I have put myself in social situations where I have had to talk to people on multiple occasions. However I have been so withdrawn to actually make conversation by fear of embarrassment and lack of confidence. I have usually let others do the talking and revert back to my safe observing persona. I have made some small talk or passing comment but nothing that would be described as a conversation.
Over thinking all these things usually ends up in me being silent, awkward or ill and end up leaving the situation. There are many unasked questions and non-vocalised conversations in my life.
During Xmas 2019 I made the decision that I needed to make changes in order to help my mental wellbeing.
The first step was to contact my GP and seek professional help, as it turns out ‘waiting and hoping’ it gets better is not a valid cure for some things. This was actually quite a big step so does not qualify for this article.
The second step was less of a new year’s resolution but more a January aim, this was to leave the house every day during January. I know this sounds small and maybe stupid but as the title suggests I needed to do something manageable but also pushed me out of my comfort.
So as we get to the end of January I can say I have managed to leave my house each day. I do have to confess I did include going to work as leaving my house though. However, I have made conscious effects on the weekend to actually leave my house and get some fresh air. I have been fortunate that the weather has not been too horrible so has allowed me just to walk around the village without having to make too much effort.
I guess my next steps is to continue my efforts to leave the house but also to push myself to actually make interaction with people on a more regular basis. This will certainly not be achievable daily however I feel each week I should do something where I am forced to speak to someone outside of work. So this means on 4 separate occasions during February I am going to try and interact with someone. Find out how it goes next month…
I need exercise to function, it allows me to switch off the negative thoughts and focus on the present.
My anxiety is mainly driven around the “what if” and the details of any event. I struggle to see the big, wonderful picture and positive moments. Instead I struggle with the details and the fear of getting it wrong or failing.
For me I need a sport which uses my brain as well as physical. I need to be fully consumed in the moment. I also prefer a sport which is physically hard as it pushes me to train for it. Even when I am not doing a sport I can train for it or visualise how to improve.
Exercise fills time and makes me tired which helps me sleep. I find to be truly tired at the end of the day I require to both be physically and mentally tired.
Of course sport and exercise can also be the polar opposite and be the trigger of my anxiety. If something is new which I might fail in, look stupid doing or something bad occurs during the sport this can cause negative thoughts to begin. Sometimes even before I have even tried the activity, which can lead me to never try.
I joined a gym several years ago and have only recently gotten the courage to join in with an exercise class. Mainly because there are other people doing and watching the exercises. I did not know how to even sign up for them or what type of people go to them. Let alone if I would actually be able to exercise for a full hour. Luckily the first class I attended there was only 1 other person and it turns out the staff are very nice. 3 months later and now I only go to the gym if I am attending a class, there is a good bunch of regulars who attend and the staff continue to push us. No more anxiety just a lot of hard work and pain.
Anxiety generally creeps into my life when I get bored, overthink thinks or something big is about to happen. It is why I run in the rain, 🏃♂️🌧 kayak in the cold 🛶❄or push myself to go further in the gym or outside. Occupying the mind and giving myself purpose allows me to dampen the anxiety.
According to research by WRAP, In 2015 the UK wasted 5 million tonnes of edible food, plus 1.21m tonnes wasted during maunfacturing and sale.
Why I hate wasting food.
This is not just because I love food but goes a lot deeper. I hate wasting food because I know the journey it has gone through to arrive at your table. A farmer somewhere in the world has spent time and money to plant, grow, harvest and prepare what ever food it is. It is then prepared and transported sometimes only a few miles other times all round the world. It then needs to be selected and prepared for sale, yet more people, time and money is spent on it. You then spend your own time and money travelling to shops, selecting and buying the food. Yet further time and energy is then put into preparing, slicing or cooking the food. After what could be upto a year in preparation, has finally made it to your plate. Only for someone to waste it, this is not just selfish but a waste of resources.
If you think the journey just one item takes and how much time has taken to produce it. Then multiple that by all the ingredients that make up a meal and the time and energy is staggering. 🥗
It is not only food but also all beverages which go on a long journey. Wine takes a year to grow the grapes, then another year being turned into wine, not to mention any aging processes which can be many years, transport, bottling and storage. 🍷
This has made me a lot less fussy what I eat and ensures if food is made for me I eat it. If I make it myself I will save it as left overs or freeze it. I also only buy what I need to make a meal, which makes pick your own shopping so much easier, as you only buy the right quantity and therefore saving waste and money.
In future just give a thought to the journey your food or even drink has gone on to get to you. 🌍
Worked well. • Sleeping/camp clothes. To put on different clothes. This was so nice at the end of the day and gave time for clothes to air out • Water proofs kept out majority of the rain even on worst days, whereas others wrote off entire sets of clothes due to wet and not able to dry. • Sleeping bag. I was sceptical about this but kept me warm really well. Although rated to -18° it is about 10 years old, however as soon as I was in it soon warmed up. However did not get to try it at the coldest camp. • Marino layers kept me warm and sweat free. I think I wore the same 2 layers throughout the whole trip. • Poncho. This was a last minute keep in. And worked realy well in sweaty rain forest. Easy to pull on and off, kept the rain off my bag and cloths. • Dry bags for kit. Although duffels were quite water proof all my kit remained dry whilst others got a bit wet on one day. Also numerous multi coloured bags allowed sorting and organising within the bag. • Talc. After a soggy day ability to dry your feet out was good. Also after a hot day with sweaty feet. Dry your feet and socks out really helped reuse socks and keep feet fresh. • Exxico under wear. So comfy, light weight. Breathable. Quite expensive but totally worth it. • Gaters. Cheap but very useful, kept the bottoms of my trousers dry and clean throughout the trip.
Did not need • Sleeping mat, although super comfy the other matt supplied was good. Plus the inflation was a bit faffy and gave less space in tent. However did not know how comfy the mats provided would have been. • So many snacks. I lost my apitite and nothing wanted to be eaten. • So many portable chargers and batteries held out a lot better than expected. Was not as cold on an evening. • A few too many spares bits and pieces,
Should of taken Ginger -biscuits, chews, tea. Helped with stomach and tasty. Spare torch. Although i was fine others had issues with torches and as this was essentialy for the final night not something you want to break of loose.
Could improve Although boots were super comfy they did get my feet wet on 1 particular day coming down from lava tower through rivers and hail. I think only 1 person with leather boots did not have this issue, so not sure if there was much which could be done. -research a way to dry boots quickly. Also might have needed them slightly bigger to fit thicker socks to keep feet warm, however for 90% of the time they were good and did not get any blisters. 😀
Some socks were better than others. Most the time I wear only 1, however some were too thin so needed 2, which is ok but means you carry around more socks.
Garmin watch does not record steps either because using walking poles or because it was too vertical. Walked for 6 hours but only took 3000 steps. Climbed 291 floors. Someone else recorded about 17000 which felt more realistic.
Overall I used all my clothes and they worked well so quite happy I made the right choices. Would try and cut down on the other stuff but I always say that and never do.
It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world
1345m is the highest place in the UK and we were about to start a hike at 1800m up to 3000m on day 1!
Day 1 of hike
1800m to 3000m 11km 7 hours
For me it started with breakfast and a briefing by the guides followed by our first health check. I must have been nervous at this point as my resting heart rate was 110, it is usually between 55 and 65 at home so probably not a great start.
Each day started and ended with a health check – heart rate, blood oxygen level as well as questions about sleep, appetite, headache and energy. Such simple questions caused panic and stress whilst trying to remain calm and keep your heart rate down.
This was also the first time we met the team we are going to be spending the week with. Team Hippo was born
Quick introductions and all names forgotten by the time I got on the bus. 🤦♂️ The ride to the mountain was mixed with a lot of nervous chatter and looking at all the scenery we missed in the dark the night before on the drive in. Noticed there were quite a few military check points on the road but they did not seem too fussed with us. Then up we pulled up to the start of the mountain. Checking in began, bags unloaded and lunch handed out.
Every campsite had one of these informing you of what lay beyond, the higher you went the list got smaller.
Cocktail stick in our burgers with our packed lunch caused much discussion as did the monkeys trying to steal any food.
We had a late start walking. After an early start from the hotel, as a lot of waiting around at the bottom sorting bags and I think they give each group a time slot to set off rather than everyone all at once.
Once we were going it soon turned into thick rain forest. And true to its name it rained.
Poncho was very good. As it was very humid as well as wet. Although looked odd over my bag with poles in.
Loads of hairy trees and green on green everywhere you looked. Keep plodding up we go.
Today we are going from 1800 to 3000m so quite an increase and as we only set off at 12:00 it meant we would get to camp at dusk.
Our first look at the camp and mess tent arrived at dusk.
Great food of Cucumber soup to start then fish and potatoes, veg then fruit. We quickly realised there was a lot more food than all of us could eat as plate after plate of food kept appearing at the tent door and we had to get creative where to put everything on the table. Don’t worry any spare food was given to the porters so nothing got wasted.
The tents we were sleeping in were a good size for 2 people and big bags.
Did not sleep well, many trips to the toilet due to the amount of water I drank during the day. Also the nerves of what tomorrow was to bring kept running through my mind.
Torch in toilet made it funny. First intro to who we were travelling with and their willingness to share. 🤣
Day 2
3000m to 3850m 9km 6hours
Morning of day 2 and the very first glimpse of the mountain.
First view of the top in the morning before breakfast.. very snowy up there. And still looked a loooong way away. However we now had something to focus on.
Smaller trees today but still very damp today however felt a bit less humid as it opened out. Hairy trees and hairy rocks as well as some stripped mice.
A lot more vertical scrambles up rocks today.
Lunch at camp of spaghetti bolognaise and leek soup
Feeling a bit better. Arrived at camp in enough time for a lie down before an acclimatisation hike later.
No hike, too wet. No point getting wet again, we can do that tomorrow.
Camp 2
Made good progress towards the mountain and had brief glimpses of it.
Slight headache which comes and goes but continuing to drink, the effects of altitude were beginning to show.
Whilst having a lie down a porter cleaned my boots which was a very nice surprise.
Happy hour. Which is hot drinks and popcorn
Then dinner. The amount of food we are eating/they are making for us, is mad but need to get energy stocked up before we lose appetite.
Going to try sleeping without my mat tonight as inflatable one I brought takes up room and the one provided is quite comfy and give me a bit more room plus I don’t have to blow it up or unpack it.
Day 3
3850m up 4600m down 3950m. 12km 7hours
Still did not sleep again last night, warm and comfy enough just too much to think about and annoying head ache. Appetite going down. All mornings start with the health check, before coffee the big breakfast and briefing of what to expect today. Once we are packed the obligatory team photo occurs.
First real altitude today going up to lava tower a height of 4600m. Then dropping back down to camp. Today was a lot more rocks, some low lying vegetation and rain. The morning was horrible. Taking a step was hard work, breathing became exhausting and my head was pulsing. Unable to speak just follow the feet in front of me. Looking around I realised at this point I was the only one suffering as everyone else was chatting away, taking photos and enjoying it. After trying to eat some snacks I threw up, out of no where as did not feel sick at all. This was the lowest point of my trip as I sat on a rock, I was at this point thinking what the fastest way off the mountain. The guides looked after really well tried to sort me out. I got given Diamox as Dee in the group had some spare. A double dose of that some ginger and water I felt better. But we still had more walking up to get to lunch. Nice bit of Queen karaoke picked me up. Had a short nap at Lava tower in the mess tent – woke up to some nice soup. View was non existent as we were in the clouds and rain.
Fun walk down rivers and cross streams in hail and rain. First time I had enjoyed the walk despite the horrible conditions, but that could have been the drugs or the fact we were going down to some oxygen rich air.
De-icing peoples bags become a fun job for me.
Soggy boots at the end of the day were not fun as no idea if they would ever dry. I was glad I brought talc as putting that in my socks made them feel brand new again. Everyone else had soggy clothes as well and no sign of the rain stopping had people searching for any dry clothes. Luckily my waterproofs had done their job and I was only slightly damp in patches.
The moon was so bright during the night did not need head torch to see – other than odd rocks and guide lines from tents. Actual had a shadow from the moon which was cool and plenty of stars. As you might have guessed I spent a lot of time awake at night to appreciate these things.
However due to the Diamox and complete exhaustion I actually managed to get a reasonable amount of sleep, or certainly more than previous nights.
However I still got out of breath going to the toilet during the night because of the altitude.
Day 4.
3950m to 3930m. 5km 4 hours
Putting on soggy boots in the morning was not pleasant. As we were in a valley there was no chance of sun until later.
The brief for today was to the point. The wall! Up and down all day but a short day.
Got appetite back and managed to eat breakfast but everything still feels like hard work. There was a section of the climb called the Kissing rock, which you simply hang on step round and keep your face close to the rock. Was not as scary as everyone says and did not realise that was where I was until I was round it and the guide turned back and shouted to the others this is where we were. Everyone made it round some with slightly wobbly legs. A lot of climbing up, climbing down made me forget about the altitude and what lay ahead as it was a good distraction remembering 3 points of contact at all times.
As we emerged at the top we could see down onto the initial climb and all the colourful bags winding their way up.
Felt good.
On that evening I probably ate the most on the whole trip, I found fruit, veg and soup were the easiest thing to eat and I was beginning to tackle a few carbs as well.
The campsite was at a stunning location with the peak visible in one direction and the flat tops of clouds in the other.
Had the usual disturbed sleep, including the side effect of Diamox of tingling and numb hands and feet which was very strange but was still enjoying the camping.
Credit Emma
Day 5.
3930m to 4600m…
Started ok. Ate breakfast drank lots not a long days walk planned so should be quite relaxing.
We could see the next camp from quite early on as the rain had cleared
The view looking back on where we had come from. Quite a barren landscape considering a few days ago we were in lush rain forest.
Things went downhill as we went uphill.
Headache, exhaustion and chest pains were making a come back. Also the pace of my walking slowed and my focus was reduced to one step at a time. Again none of the others seemed to be affected and were singing along enjoying the sunshine.
That magical 4600m mark came back to kick me.
With stats of 80% blood oxygen and resting heart rate of 110, headache and chest pains as well as no energy to was time for me to go.
As the others headed left and upwards to base camp I headed right and back down.
The last photo of team hippo all together on the mountain
Walking evac off the mountain from base camp at 4600m to Mweka gate at 1800m. Hiked all the way down to bottom through 2 other campsite. Long way, approx. 20km, through all scenery, which we had spent days coming up, but did not really care as headache was so bad I just wanted to go.
Glad I did not have to go on these,
takes 6 people to bounce this down the mountain and is the fastest way down if no helicopter is available. We did hear 6 helicopter rescues fly over as we descended and I was glad I was still fit enough to walk myself off.
My thoughts down bounced between wondering what the hospital was going to be like, would I need my lungs/head drained or spend a night there on oxygen. To realising I moved my passport and money into my other bag the porters carry, in an attempt to make my day bag lighter, however this bag was now at the top of the mountain!
Kept up with Porters on the way down, we were really going for it. However as I was layered up for a slow walk at zero degrees I got quite warm, as the temp hit 20°+ with a 97% humidity
Really well looked after by my guide who carried bag for me and found food at a random camp, I think I had someone else’s pack lunch. He even managed to organised transport to collect us at the bottom.
Did see some monkeys in the rainforest as we were the only 2 people making the decent during the afternoon it was nice and quiet, most people would go down in the morning from the lower camps.
Lift to hospital. Got to health clinic and was straight through to see a Doc in minutes, assessed and pills given. Also heard the funniest comment from the doc as he checked me over “I see you are fresh from mountain” at this point I realised I was slightly sweaty from the massive hike down, boots covered in mud and still wearing clothes I had lived in for 5 days.
Very efficient. Given steroids. Back to hotel, which was only yards from the hospital. Hotel found me a bed and my bag, then found a nice hot shower which felt so good after the long hike down, followed by a good meal of curry rice and bread, my appetite was back. Then a comfy bed 🛏
Day 6
Woke to call to prays at 5am in hotel.
Such a comfy bed – slept for 9 hours straight. Would have slept for more but had to meet the manager for a debrief and also breakfast was being served. 🤤
Leisurely Breakfast (with no health questions) and spoke to Kandoo boss who checked on me and told me to rest another night. Not a lot to do other than look at pictures of the trip, drink ginger tea and rest.
Day 7.
Usual 5am wake up to singing by the choir. Shower and Breakfast. I was feeling almost clean and back to normal now.
Back to the mountain to pick up my fellow walking team and buy them all a beer. The trip back to mountain was a nice drive as I was now well rested I could appreciate the coffee plantations and local tribes which lived on the mountain and made use of the wet and hot weather.
It was also nice to see how the kit, porters and transport is organised. Watching all the various companies pack up and collect everything was fascinating.
Then team hippo began emerging down the path to the finish line. Of course I furnished them all with a refreshing beer.
An afternoon of reminiscing, storytelling and for the others a much needed wash.
It was great to catch back up with everyone. Hear how their summit journey had gone, highlights of the trip. It was great reliving the past week.
Guides were amazing throughout the trip looking after our health but also encouraging and joking with us. Always told us what we needed and answered questions. Also being dressed in bright orange meant you could spot them when needed.
Day 8. Moved to new hotel. It was in the middle of nowhere along a very very uneven unsurfaced road but the reward at the end was a beautiful villa, private pools, large rooms and great hosts. Being the only guests at the place meant lounging by the pool and enjoying the sunshine was no problem.
Was a great end to a fantastic trip.
Side notes
Purple palace – the biggest reason to go with Kandoo.
1 wobbly chair in mess tent was always a gamble who got it.
Every day is different. You do not believe it until you wake up and walk it. Even then you cannot believe tomorrow will be so different.
The weather and views can change within minutes. You can hear a shout of “I can see the mountain”, by the time you have left the tent it has gone.
Always carry layers and full water proofs, for the above reason.
Nutella needs warming up each day to make it more manageable than shavings.
How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh…. Ten tickles. 🤣
The amount of tasty food the chef produced on the mountain was staggering considering what he had to cook with and where we were.
The camps and infrastructure on the mountain is immense. Building at every campsite to check in and out. New and old toilet huts, although all of them should be avoided. Then on some routes huts for sleeping in. Tents of all sizes and colours stretched out. Each carefully put up and drainage gulley’s scrapped round them to funnel any ground water round. Rocks and pegs were used side by side. Big mess tents and smaller sleeping tents. Then the luxury toilet tents.
Ginger tea is awesome here. So strong and tasty. They also grow it on Zanzibar not sure about in Tanz.
The laughter and stories which were told was one of the best reasons for doing the trip. Finding out about other people, reliving memories and making up stories.
The team
Tim -USA big beard. Always had a song for a situation or a story about a tattoo
Shari -USA – knew her science and ran a bar. Rock climbed which helped the scrambles as she was short. Also had many tattoo and bar stories.
Dee -NZ -pills and potions for everything. Picked up languages very well.
Daz – the dad of the group and actual dad of Ethan. Never used his poles. Joined in every singalong
Ethan – tent torch! Always with a funny story
Ben (little) – showing us up with how much he ate and just kept going
Jak -always a happy chap, never saw him complain or down. First times – Boiled eggs, ginger tea, granola
Emma – Always the chatty bubbly one who enjoyed the morning rendition of “Hooked on a feeling”
Ben (big) – had the unfortunate task of sharing a tent with me. Probably the longest he has been without a drink but enjoyed it all the same.
On reflection, my legs and feet did not fail me I had trained them well enough. My mind and altitude were the things which did not let me succeed. I was not positive enough or believe I could actually make it. This led to less sleep and lower energy. My lungs and head did not respond well to anything near 4600m.
It sounds like I reacted and suffered the same as the team which reached the top only they got hit by altitude at the top or about 5500 meters.
I do not feel disappointed I did not reach the top, I am thankful for the time I got to spend with the team and on the mountain. I am also relieved that my health returned and had no lasting effects.
Well done to all those that make it to the top and all those guides and porters who make it possible.
So there are still a few days before I fly to Zanzibar now the nerves and panic are setting in. Have I done enough training? After reading some one else’s blog it would seem not, also the fact I average only 2’000 steps per day this might be pushing it but trying to put that to one side. Have I got all the stuff, is it the right stuff? What happens if we miss the connecting flight or our bags get lost. Is anything going to actually be open when we arrive at 3am! What if the weather is typically British and it rains all the way up with zero views. Then on the flip side I am super excited to see a totally different culture and way of life. Also to climb a mountain which is bigger than anything I can comprehend currently and 🤞 have a view over the entire of Kenya and Tanzania. Also being fully catered for and looked after for a week will be a welcome break and hanging out with 2 friends on a mountain. 🏔😀 Get up each day and know all I have to do is walk. No decisions or hassle, no worrying about this or that, just walk in the wilderness.
1 day to go. How many times should you unpack and repack a bag just to check things. I find that the more time I do it the more chance I might leave something out but also I doubt myself more on what I have and more things sneak their way in, which is not good after carefully weighing everything. ⚖
Hmmm weather looks interesting. Rain and snow all the way up. Waterproofs and poncho are definitely in.
And were off. So far flights have been on time and everything is going smoothly.
Aftershave in the toilets of the first flight was a nice touch. The second plane was slightly less roomy or up to date and unfortunately this was 7 hours long and sleeping was not comfy. The films however were up to date and very good. Ordering the Asian veg food option was nice however repetitive as I think they only have 1 meal regardless of how many flights you are on or what time of day it is.
Istanbul airport is huge with many shops and lots of Turkish delight. Little Turkish Bazaar style shops dotted around trying to give you the impression you are in Turkey rather than an airport.
3am land in Zanzibar very tired, very hungry, very very humid. A lot of helpful taxi drivers however booking one in advance made it easier as they knew where we needed to go rather than trying to negotiate.
Note to self – anyone that is helpful is likely to want money. Carry bag 10 meters open door etc. Granted the bag was 20+Kg but not having any small notes made it an expensive first few meters.
Zanzibar
Day 1. Stone town. Hotel staff are really helpful. Let us in early to drop bags off. Then got our rooms ready really quick once the other guests had checked out. We even got breakfast, although were not officially checked in yet. Very nice and very welcome after 30 hours of travelling.
The other locals were friendly but very persistent at selling you a boat ride or a trip round town or anything really. They might be genuine however walking 100 yards and you are followed all the time from one boat captain to the next made it quite annoying and ruined the nice area. Managed to go for a swim in the sea, during the rain! Water was quite nice, but no one else was in this area. Got a bit of rest after a very long day so far. Still no idea of time and food has been a bit random. Hopefully get reset by tomorrow.
Plan to go see a food stall then boat ride tomorrow to keep the captains happy. Then see what else we can do.
Just outside our hotel we came across a more polite and genuine tour guide wo was working towards becoming a UNESCO ambassador.
Had a tour guide round stone town. Very interesting finding about the history of the town and odd spots of the town. Square doors are from Persia and round doors are from India, usually with spikes on the door to keep out elephants. The more brass on the door shows wealth. The wood carvings show their job and roots. I.e. slave master is chains. Anchor or fish scales for Fisherman etc.
Jaws corner. The cosmopolitan area of the town where all the different cultures come and hang out drink coffee and discuss things. Play board games.
We also found out why there are no traditional food shops like you would find in Europe. It is all fresh and sold on market stalls. The market was a massive maze of stalls selling everything from clothes to food and spices to spare electronics and scooter bits. Open everyday hence no need for expensive shops.
Local lager. Those who don’t climb it drink it.
Day 2. Spice plantation tour. Since our tour guide from the day before was so good we went with him again, he seemed to know a lot and have a network of taxi drivers and spice growers.
Saw a lot of spices in their natural habitat. Some I recognised others not at all but knew what they were when told. Most of the leaves smelt the same, damp green vegetation but the spice came from the bud, bark or root. Cinnamon bark also produced Vicks/olbas style root which I did not realise. There were also a lip stick bushes with little spikey red fruits. Stringer bean style vines which were vanilla pods, Ginger root, turmeric, pepper corns, lemon grass scattered around. As the locals said they have a spice cupboard and pharmacy all in their back yard.
Pineapples only get 2 fruit per year on the plant. And start off as tiny trees with a pineapple on the top.
Tasted all the local fruits, green oranges. Grape fruit, cucumber, Red bananas, tiny bananas, Papaya, pineapple, jack fruit (spikey but not much flesh used a vege pulled pork substitute) melon, mango, passion fruit, fresh coconut straight from the tree climbed by the guide. Flesh was very soft and water tasty. Some local tea. Ginger which was very strong, local strong cinnamon coffee.
All in all a very interesting day and the drive across the island showed us a bit more of the local culture.
Went swimming in the sea again which was nice and warm. Sunset drinks on the floating restaurant.
Then Checked out the local food market for evening meal. Chicken Sharma and pizza were the main dishes along with various fish kebab’s but did not try those. Had chocolate pizza which was just a crepe with Nutella and a chicken Sharma, not in that order. Was very nice and good to see a mix of locals and tourists enjoying food by the harbour.
Zanzibar pizza was the special delicacy onion, mince beef, tomatoes, egg, mayonnaise, cooked in a crepe style pancake. Did not try as were very busy. Tried the sugar cane drink with ginger and lime, did not taste of much which was disappointing.
There were loads of cats around which made sense when the food market was on why they look so healthy. Also there are a lot of chickens in the spice farm, around the hotel as well. Which meant there was always eggs on the menu. The cats and chickens seemed to know their place and did not bother each other. Also they are respected in the community for religious reasons.
Day 3. Rainy. Very rainy The day we planned to go snorkelling and boat ride to the prison island. Quite a choppy ride over but made it. Could not see either island at some points due to rain and waves. Glad I put my water proof on. However, our captain did not get lost, unlike one of the others which missed the island and had to turn round to find it.
Joined a couple from Newcastle on the trip and ran into some one from UEA canoe club, small world. Saw giant tortoise which are very rare and very old. Up to 196yr old. There were a lot more than expected as only started as 4. But large rocks all over the island kept moving.
All the paths had turned into rivers and ponds which we waded through but the tortoises did not seem to mind. Waterproof shells and leather feet.
Also looked at the old prison which then converted to a quarantine island. Where any travellers had to spend 3 days whilst their blood was checked for disease before being allowed on the island. The prison was not very exciting as was closed and still rainy but interesting history. Did not get to go snorkelling as too rough and would not have seen anything. We were also so wet by then not sure it would have made a difference if we were in or out the boat. Another choppy ride back got us even wetter but stayed up right and got back safely.
Eventually the rain has stopped and went out for a snack. All the roads were flooded or free bath and shower as the taxi drivers informed us.
1 more day on the island not much more to do other than pack and sort. Rest before the real fun.
Getting and converting money was quite easy once you found the right door. Always just around the corner!
Day 4. Check out. Do nothing but relax. Just getting used to this view in the morning and the comfy beds.
Mosquito netting if you were wondering
Reading up on Zanzibar airport it might be another stressful and interesting journey. We will see. Calm and humid day with lots of fish to watch by the floating bar. Watching all the tourist boats go out to the island in the calm waters, typical.
Food is dictated by the weather more than anything today. If it rains we need somewhere to hide so restaurant it is
After reading all the horror stories of Zanzibar airport it was a breeze. A little bit of waiting outside as desk had not opened yet but were told how long we had to wait. Then straight through security, checking, passport, security. Yes 2 security scans but walked through no queues. Shops, toilets all you need for an hour long wait.
Ran into someone on their way home who had just done Kili. Although very hard they enjoyed it but did take Diamox 😟 which I currently do not have. However, they went up the hut route over a shorter time. He said there was some very hard struggle and bits he does not remember it was just an uphill plod. However slowly slowly, drinkie drinkie and good mental attitude was needed, 8 out of 10 made it. Not sure if this was encouraging or not. Just hanging out in the departure lounge. 🤞 bags make it and meet up with Emma in Moshi.
Flight was the easiest thing yet and even got snacks on the plane. Breezed through the other end as we were an internal flight, so less checks.
Found driver, very dark drive to hotel, turns out the blacked out windows are useful during the day but impossible to see out of at night. Arrive at hotel with bags. Job done good to go. Mass panic of re packing and weighing before the real fun begins.
I am a big introvert, I actively go out of my way to avoid people and certainly talking to them about feelings or emotions. So to force myself to spend a week with nine strangers with no means of escape was a daunting prospect.
I was about to embark on a challenge which would challenge me physically, mentally and emotionally.
I was going to hike up Kilimanjaro eat, sleep and walk with nine strangers for a week.
What I found was not only did I enjoy the company of others, I needed it. In my darkest points when I would stumble or doubt myself they were there to physically pick me up, lift my spirits or just give me footsteps to follow. They encouraged, pushed and distracted me to go further than I myself was willing to go. I owe a huge gratitude to these people. These people, I was afraid of, turned out to be my saviour and companions. We will share memories and stories together which no other person can comprehend or understand unless you were there. These people showed me how much I have missed out on due to fear. They also shared stories and allowed myself to open up about life. We shared highs, lows and a lot of laughs.
The best thing for me was there was no technology on the mountain, no internet, no way to escape into the digital world. It forced human interaction and discussion, recounting the day’s events and anticipations for the next day or just finding out about the people we share the mountain with.
In order to embark on such a challenge like climb a mountain you need to have a positive mind set and willingness to succeed, even better than this is a team mentality to succeed.
Each individual in the team had their own reason for being there and characteristics which built the team. Along the journey we highlighted each person’s strengths and drove this back into the team to lift us up. Each day brought new challenges and changing circumstances but were tackled one step at a time, leaving no one behind. This was even more important for me as I struggled from day two and by day three was ready to quit. However, the team would not allow this and looked out for me. Gave me what I needed to continue and checked up on me. It was this moment when everyone was concerned by my welfare which I realised the true team spirit and drive by my companions. This lifted my health and spirit and for the first time I enjoyed the walking, took in the views and even joined in the singalongs. It was one of the worst conditions we had walked in all week, hail, rain and streams, but I was loving it, why, because of the people.
My journey started with strangers and finished with one of the best groups of people I have shared a holiday with.
A journey is nothing without people. A walk turns into an adventure and a memory turns into a story when shared with others.
The whole team just before base camp with the top in sight. Team Hippo
Mike's Travel Adventures 