Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Kilimanjaro Hakuna Matata

(February 17th)- At breakfast, all of us were so upset that this was coming to an end. The porters sang the Kilimanjaro song and the Hakuna Matata song with high spirits. I can't stop humming it even now.


KILIMANJARO KILIMANJARO KILIMANJARO

KILIMANJARO MILIMA MREEFU SANA,

NA MAWENZI NA MAWENZI NAMAWENZI

NA MAWENZII MILIMA MREFU SANA.

-------------------------------------------------------------

JAMBO JAMBO BWANA,

HABARI GANI? NZURISANA

WAGENI MWAKARIBISHWA
KILIMANJARO HAKUNA MATATA
TWENDE KILIMANJARO HAKUNA MATATA
TWENDENI POLEPOLE HAKUNA MATATA
MLIMA WA KUPENDEZA HAKUNA MATATAA

We gave tips to the porters and they were quite jubilant as it was the day they would go home to meet their families after working so hard for us. One of the porters hollered just as we were breaking camp, "See you tomorrow!" like he would do every day. We laughed. I wanted to say 'Hope not', but I knew that I would miss them even in the comfort of my home, my bed and an attached bathroom. Our Good Earth crew did everything to make us feel comfortable in the harshest situation and for that I will be eternally grateful.

The air in Mweka camp was very festive with most of the campers heading back after a successful climb. By 11.40 am, Pi and I reached the Mweka Gate after 45 miles of walking in the wild and that’s where we had our first tryst with the modern world- clean flushable toilets.

Kilimanjaro in the end wasn't just about the mystical mountain with snow in the middle of Africa. It was about the Chagga people, swahili music, the abundant wildlife, the cheer in the air, the strength of people of all ages who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro, the humility of the best at the face of adversity, the shimmering African sky, the unbelievable vegetation, the hot masala tea, and a pletora of memories that will take me to Kilimanjaro whenever I want to be there.

19 comments:

Me said...

...awwwww....me wipes tears to see alpha & team make it to the top...Congratulations!!!

...how many Alpha Gold Club points did Pi earn?

Alpha said...

Thnak you. Gold Point scheme didnt take off. If he was a loyal member, he would have got so many freaking points!

No comments on my i-blouse?

Anonymous said...

That song is catchy ! Must have been exhilirating after having conquered the Kili.

Me said...

you kidding me...i can't see anything other than TN CM style sunglasses...

Alpha said...

Me: that's Lee. I am wearing the Cathy Zeta Jones type glasses. I dont think i was wearing any sunglasses in the movie.

bh: Its so catchy, The Dawg and I pick up the phone and start singing before saying Hello. Jambo, Jambo Bwana..

Unknown said...

Not related to this post - there's a business downtown called Alphagraphics on Penn Ave. When I saw that place, I was instantly reminded of your hold it or bold it post - talk about negative conditioning!

MB

Shark said...

was out of blogging for a real long time.. I wonder where you are and what are you upto? Should read and catch up!

Anonymous said...

alpha, write more no, I am getting withdrawal symptoms

Me said...

don't worry WA...alpha is coming up with nose digging toon...all she needs to do now is scan & post...

Anonymous said...

WOW...

Anonymous said...

I am glad you had awesome time on Kilimanjaro, and loved reading a non travel book version of it. But I liked your pi picks and daily stuff better (maybe because you wrote about what is truly closer to your heart?)

Unknown said...

Hey. very touching finale. the video and the post. I want to cut-paste-save all these posts to enjoy the exhilaration and be inspired. Hearty congratulations if I haven't said so already. :-)

Alpha said...

thank you all..i have been busy (read lazy) in updating...if anyone is listening, i hope to dust away teh cobwebs and update soon.

Me said...

..i think i visit your blog more often than you do...anyways update soon..:)

Tinky Toinkers said...

sigh*
what i would give to maaro that trip to africa.
i am not sure if i am envious or happy for you people.
:)
show pics sometime please?

Anonymous said...

Please write!:)
-Sachita

Calvin said...

ahh, your pics remind me of home.. slightly north of Kili though.

your account of the story was awesome enough that i chose to put away my grammar-nazi self and not point out a few spelling mistakes in the rendition of 'Jambo Bwana'..

Alpha said...

s! thanks. Great to meet a native Kilimanjarian.:) North of Kili is Kenya. I know I must have absolutely killed spellings and grammar..I am known to do that. Please point it out so I can stand a chance to correct them. I loved the song so much that I even bought a DC with the Kenyan version.

Alpha said...

s! thanks. Great to meet a native Kilimanjarian.:) North of Kili is Kenya. I know I must have absolutely killed spellings and grammar..I am known to do that. Please point it out so I can stand a chance to correct them. I loved the song so much that I even bought a CD with the Kenyan version.