“My” guide, Sam, is looking at the camera – we traveled many days alone.  His knowledge of botany enhanced my experience.  I learned some Tanzania history.  Tanzania was originally a German colony and then English.  It received its independence in 1961. He also talked me into taking extra lens for the hike and then he and Bonaventure carried them for me.

My favorite history lesson was about Julius Nyerene –

“We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which would shine beyond our borders, giving hope where there is despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where there was only humiliation.” Julius Nyerene (1959)  Following independence, the torch was lit and again 50 years after independence they did it again.

Twice a day we were each supplied with a warm basin of water to wash up with.

Today, years later I look at that basin of water and feel the comfort I felt when I was on the mountain