Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro was a great experience. I learned a lot about myself on that hike. I learned that I don't need to go to the top. I accomplished the 2 goals that I made for that climb. 1. Meet people from all over the world. 2. See a spectacular view. I only made it to 15,520 ft, the last camp. Kili is about 19,330 ft high. I got severe altitude sickness. I was very dehydrated and ill. At 4am that night at the last camp I woke up and forced myself out of bed to go look at the stars. I walked outside into the complete silence and looked up to the stars which I had never been closer to. There was an incredible moon that lit up the mountain and scene below. I was barely conscience but what I saw I will remember forever. Then I stumbled down the mountain the next day. Lizzy and I were disapointed to find out that the porters only made $3 a day. I burst into tears when I found this out. I never would have climbed the mountain. I would have been prepared with more money to tip them. We gave away what we had, extra gear and cliff bars. They were very happy and gracious. The Kilimanjaro climb is Tazania's version of a sweatshop. A majority of the money that we pay to climb it goes to the government. Its horrible.