Jun 14, 2012 | Written by Patricia Murphy

Day 6: Very Busy Day

Kapanya asked us to be ready at 8 am, but when we asked him what the day had in store for us the only information he would provide was the phrase, “Oh this will be a very busy day.” We all discussed our notions of what a busy day might be for us as opposed to for Kapanya. Here’s how it went.

First all of us loaded onto a little bus that is traditionally used as public transportation. Our first stop was to visit Kapanya’s daughter Linda at her school. Cindy and I brought presents for her and now was the time to present them. I was so happy to be able to meet Linda and give her a big hug.

A book bag for Linda. This was the best hug ever!

Next we drove along very bumpy dirt roads to another school. This time it was the school where Kapanya teaches classes in ornithology. We got to meet his class of students, and we got to witness his leadership in action as he talked to his students about our trip and encouraged them to work hard so that they could have opportunities to share their knowledge with others. Each of us got to talk to his students and tell them why education was important. It was such a treat to talk with them and share information about their studies.

Talking with Kapanya’s students.

We left the school and drove along some even more primitive roads until we came to a large grassy clearing with several trees. We had some real fun playing with 2 boys who wanted to look at our iPhones. Their big smiles charmed us as we showed them how to take and view pictures. Soon we went into an official building and signed a register, as we waited to meet the President of the Ward, who gave us a tour and told us about the history of the “Peace Trees” where tribal leaders came to settle disputes.

Ward President giving us information about the Peace Tree.

And if you can believe it, our day was not over. Our next stop was at the family home of our guide Neema. We were so graciously invited into the family compound to view the many goats, cows, and chickens within its walls. Then Neema’s parents invited us into their living room, where we sat and talked about the impact of Neema’s career on their lives. Kapanya indicated that there are very few female guides on Kilimanjaro, but when he first took Neema to the summit, she smiled all the way to the top and that was how he knew she was ready for the rigors of the mountain. Since that first trip she has done several guiding expeditions, and this has allowed her to purchase furniture and other items for her family home. We learned that after the 8 day climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Neema would leave for a 3 month internship as part of her studies to become a mechanic. As we all headed back to the bus, we got to meet Neema’s 95 year old grandmother, who greeted us warmly and looked ready to hike the mountain herself.

Kapanya and Neema’s 95 year old grandmother.

So do you see what I mean about the busy day? Well, just wait because it’s not over. When Kapanya says you’re having a very busy day, you are seriously having a very busy day. Our next stop was Kapanya’s house, where we were greeted by Doctor Frank and Susan, some American ex-pats who climbed with Kapanya and never went home. After their trip to Tanzania, they started a free clinic outside of the Ngororgoro Crater. You can read more about their clinic, and make a donation, at http://www.fameafrica.org

After a chat and a wash-up, we sat at the table in Kapanya’s front room and some of the camp crew we would get to know so well on the trek started bringing in plates of cinnamon rice, chicken, plantains, and salad. Then, we were all wowed when a group of men brought in the “wedding cake.” What an amazing honor, since Kapanya had arranged to offer our party a whole goat. This is enjoyed after the meal, and is reserved normally for the most special occasions. Larry and I were asked to serve it, as the eldest and youngest members of our group. We had our tastes, then the rest of the crew enjoyed this highest delicacy and honor. Then we watched as the crew started gathering all the items for our hike departure the next morning.

Now that’s a busy day.

Traditional Wedding Cake.