It’s been two weeks since I returned from my Kilimanjaro climb and it’s taken me that long to recover. To be honest I still haven’t. For starters, look how ill I was!
To those looking in it was only 10 days and my friends and family probably don’t understand why I’m acting all peculiar and haven’t been in touch yet.
But to me (and I suspect my fellow team members) it feels as if it’s been more like 10 months. I have this odd feeling of claustrophobia when indoors; I’m still existing on African time, waking up at stupid o’clock and ready for my bed by 7pm; and being separated from my team mates is……….pants!
When I initially signed up to climb Kili a year ago, it was something I had always wanted to do – a ‘bucket list’ item that I could cross off whilst also raise some badly needed money for Sparks – a children’s medical research charity responsible for funding the medical technology and knowledge that saved my mechanic Paul’s premature baby’s life. But no amount of research and training could have prepared me for the incredible journey and challenges I actually faced, and I’m struggling to put into words how I feel.
Throughout the expedition, the technology allowed me to post periodic brief updates on both my Blog and on Twitter on how we were getting on (see previous posts). But to try to describe the whole experience, not to mention the highs and lows and the laughter and tears, I have decided to share with you some extracts from my personal diary.
Although we have returned, we are still actively fund raising until mid-March. I have almost reached my target, so as you read my diary, please also consider donating just a couple of pounds to a worthy cause and help me achieve the £4,000 needed. Thank you so much.
Thursday 3rd February
8.20am Our gas boiler broke down last night so I had to strip wash this morning. Good practice I guess but not the best of starts. I’m starting to panic now. I haven’t slept properly for the last 3 nights, I don’t feel ready, and am worried I’m not fit enough. I wish I’d done more training.
11.10am Picked up Sarah and Nicole and then met the remaining South-West teamsters at my garage at 11.00am. My partner Paul then drove us by minibus to Heathrow. I’m dreading saying goodbye to him.
4.30pm Met Rupinda, Fiona and our trek leader (and doctor) Kirsty. We are complete! Gobsmacked my bag checked in at only 15.2Kg - that wouldn;t happen on holiday! David and I set off the metal detectors going through airport security. It’s easy to explain my bionic feet to UK officials, but I wonder what it’ll be like in Africa? I then waited for Sarah who got selected for a full body scan. Only someone like Sarah could be thrilled at this prospect! Seen some lovely shoes in one of the airport boutique shops. Tempted. Waiting to board.
3.15am (African time) Grrr can’t sleep!! Just watched The Social Network. Loved it, despite the crap oversized headphones. It seems like everyone can manage to sleep on a plane except me! Think I’ll give Wallstreet 2 a go.
Friday 4th February
7am Dave and Sarah have just encountered the most miserable jobs-worth of a so-called official at visa control. He’s quite clearly on the take. Dave was having none of it though. Welcome to Nairobi!
1.20pm Having the most amazing bus journey across Kenya and Tanzania. The border was great fun – Pete (our driver) beckoned us all off the bus on the Kenyan side to complete departure visas, then back on the bus, a 200 yard drive to the next building, then back off the bus to complete the Tanzanian entry visas, then back on the bus. The Tanzanian official told me how much he loved my passport - it’s the new style British one. He was very friendly and had a lovely smile. So much better than that idiot Dave & Sarah encountered at the airport - and I bet his day goes quicker too because of it! I feel great! The veggie ‘ham’ sandwiches were a bit of a let down though!
4.00pm Arrived early at our hotel in Arusha – a different one to the one we were supposed to be in apparently. Nice all the same. The bedroom’s amazing! Sharing with Tracey – we opened the door, giggled at such luxury, then took a photo of it: Two double beds and the size of my kitchen, lounge and dining room combined! Shower (an incredibly long one if I get my way!), dinner, then sleep me thinks..........hopes!
To be continued...
www.justgiving.com/jennifer-riach
It's not too late! I'm only 8% away from reaching my fund raising target - just a couple of £s from each person reading this will help me achieve it.
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