July 31, 2010--Moshi, Tanzania

Finally landed this morning early after a long flight with two stops in Germany and Ethiopa. I arrived at my hotel around 5 in the morning completely spent, but feel a bit revived now after a few hours sleep. It's mid-afternoon on Saturday and I'm relaxing today before I set out with my hiking party for Kiliminjaro tomorrow morning.

First impressions upon leaving airport doors was the stillness and relative coolness that the middle of the night brought. Piled into a minivan with several other Europeans to the hotel. It was a slow, one hour journey over broken pavement and dirt covered lanes. The hotel is situated outside of the town of Moshi, Tanzania and is a walled compound that stands in stark contrast to life outside its walls. I walked a bit on the dusty street in front and it's vintage rural Africa with a wide dusty dirt road with occasional motor bikes buzzing by and African women and children walking in their colorful garb.

I can't post pics at the moment and will be out of contact for the next week as I attempt my summit bid. Will share lots of stories and pics upon my return. Feels great to finally be in Africa...would love to venture beyond Kilimanjaro one day and explore some neighboring towns and countries. Life is good...

Final countdown to Africa

Final countdown to Africa
I'm spending my final day stuffing my backpack and checking my gear list for my Kilimanjaro climb. As departure nears, I feel so fortunate to be making this journey to raise funds for such a worthy cause. It's hard to grasp that I will soon be able to add Africa to my growing list of continents visited. With Tanzania, the count will rise to four and I hope to make it to all seven before I expire...yes, Antartica will prove the most challenging, but that's what life is all about, right?

Spent some quality hours with my nieces Jamie, Emma and Jessica the past few days and it was great...they are lucky to have such a relaxing summer playground in Ocean Grove.

I'm halfway through my latest novel by Linda Greenslaw (sp?) It details her many adventures as a female swordboat captain in New England. I can relate to her adventurous spirit and while I have never hooked a formidable swordfish, her passion to sail beyond the horizon and seek that next adrenaline rush is a motivation I can relate to.

I'll try to post from Africa, but it may not be possible...not sure of the facilities at the hotel I'm staying at in Moshi. Anyway, I'll have some exciting yarns to share upon my return...

Cheers,
Keith

July 2010--reading and preparing

My upcoming trip to Tanzania is quickly approaching. I have a scant few weeks left to run, hike and get my body into shape for the strenuous hike to the 19,340-ft summit. I've had my yellow fever, typhoid and Hep. A. shots which should protect me against most of the threats that sub-subharahan Africa poses.

Otherwise, I'm enjoying the summer--just finished "Death be Not Proud"--a moving memoir by John Gunther about his late son's noble battle with brain cancer. I'm now moving on to Bernard Malamud's The Natural--one of the classic American novels that has escaped my reading list--until now.

cheers,

Keith