A Day of Falls (Sophia & Rachel) - Day 2 Posted 19 July 2017

Today was the first day of no plane rides! Maybe the best day ever. We finally got a full night of sleep and even got to sleep in until 8:15 (Except Allie and Sophia, who showed up 10 minutes late for breakfast). Everyone was in a great mood and ready for the adventures ahead.

We started our adventures by packing 21 people into the Dala Dala (minivan) that is meant for 15 people. We traveled up Mount Kilimanjaro to the highest point that can be driven on. Our tour guide’s name was Living and he taught us a lot about the history of Kilimanjaro. He also taught us the song of Kilimanjaro (Lyrics found underneath). We then drove to an underground cave that was dug by the Chagga tribe. We climbed down a 20+ foot ladder into the cave where even Kaylee had to squat. Kaylee also had some troubles with a bat scare and claims she almost died. We took the scenic route to our next excursion that involved an hour of climbing and hiking, using our Swahili skills to make new friends and learning more about the culture. When we reached the landing before the falls we took a lunch break and met a sweet 15 year old girl named Grace. She ended up spending the whole day with us. She showed up out of nowhere and loved to hold your hand. Allie sat with her all through lunch and connected with her. Once we finished eating we continued our walk down to the falls. We hiked down hundreds of winding, twisted, slippery, rocky and muddy stairs to the falls. That’s when the long walk was definitely worth it because we saw the breathtaking views of Marangu Falls. We stopped to take pictures in front of the waterfall and learned that Jeron loves to be in front of the camera. We then continued our journey to the swimming portion of the falls. The water was SO COLD but so much fun to swim in. We walked with the current and only had few minor incidents such as Theresa falling down a mini waterfall (she is fine). Luckily for Sophia, Jeron came and saved her from almost falling down the same waterfall. A few other minor incidents were when Matt attempted to jump off a rock but slipped and turned it into a slide and Nathan face planted when he slipped off another rock. We swam for a couple of hours and shared lots of laughs. (editorial comment from Baba Dick:  No injuries – all are well!).

On the way home we set the record for all CHS Tanzania trips of no one falling asleep on a ride home after a long day. Rachel wasn’t happy about the no sleeping rule but she managed and had fun as well. We got our daily dose of Uno and a Swahili lesson in before dinner. After dinner Mr. McMorrow’s friend Jesca, who spent the whole day with us, shared insight to the Women’s Group she built. She also brought many handmade clothes for us to shop among and give back to the struggling women. And maybe if you’re lucky you might receive a gift from the Women’s Group. ;)

As were winding down for the night, the girls have decided to have an 8 person sleepover in room 104! Our chaperone Whitney is undecided if she wants to join the party and make it 9. Room 104 is the ideal place to sleep because of bed arrangements but some girls are skeptical because there was an uncaught lizard under Rachel’s bed.  That happens to not be the only lizard in the lodge. Yet again Jeron came to Sophia’s rescue by capturing the lizard Sophia found in her bathroom. 

In the words of Jesca “ You can do anything you set your mind to” and we will keep these words in mind during the rest of our journey.

Announcments:

NO FATAL INJURIES TOOK PLACE DURING OUR ADVENTURES!

Bonnie Athmann: Kaylee is taking out money tomorrow, please put more money in her account for later! Thanks! Love You!

Maria Wintheiser: Rachel needs more money on her card to go shopping tomorrow, please and thanks! <3! Please reply to Mr. McMorrow via his school email.

Lyrics to Kilimanjaro Song

Jambo

Jambo Bwana

Habari Gani

Nzuri Sana

Wageni, mwakaribishwa!

Kilimanjaro

Hakuna Matata