It is difficult to describe in one post my Kilimanjaro Challenge experience; but paradoxically, I can easily do it in few words: “emotional rollercoaster”. My emotions have been shaken, memories, photos and blog posts are not enough to explain my feelings. I am still processing this huge experience and to be honest it is still a mess…, but I will try to share it with you…:

The journey

I must say that I am terribly sad because Kilimanjaro Challenge is over, and I have to deal with the “and now what?”. It is not only about climbing the mountain; it is because 2019 was one of the best years in my life and of course 2020, thanks to the training, commitment, curiosity, learning, preparation, fundraising, blogging, tweeting, meeting new people and FRIENDS…; if I have to pick the most important element in my journey, I would say “learnings”: I confirmed that people I have around (friends and acquaintances) are amazing and they are even much more supportive and generous than I thought, I also discovered some disappointments (why not? this is also learning). I also understood that fear doesn’t stop me, I can be afraid and brave at the same exact time and that I am stronger than I thought. But my biggest success and privilege were being part of Team Ubuntu…

Team Ubuntu

I won’t never forget Team Ubuntu; difficult to explain in words how we all loved and respect each other and took care of each other. I would like to share what I discovered only three days ago when Rodri and I were telling stories to other previous Kili colleagues (from The Ascenders and Twende teams). I was sure all this time that we didn’t have enough time for resting at Gilman’s point and Uhuru Peak (summit points) and I was “complaining” about it, but Rodri told me: “Ana, we did have enough time in both points, more than 20 mins, but you were finding each of us for a hug, and very long hugs! 😊, so, if you spent 1-2 mins with each member of Team Ubuntu…, you have the answer for your short-breaks impression”. Well, if this is the reason, I am more than happy! #Kilifriendsforever

My highs & lows:

Highs:

• Watching Kilimanjaro mt. every day, that impressive monster…
• Share my concerns and joys with team Ubuntu without fear
• Seeing some colleagues playing card games at the tent, the laughs gave me energies!
• The night before the summit. Talking to Kirstin and receiving a message from Sonja meant energy and love to me; that night was very different; it was very cold in the camp and in the common tent, I could notice that we were all more serious than ever, nervous, sensitive, quiet, worried about the big day!… talking to Kirstin Sonja’s message meant the world to me
• Reaching Gilman’s point and Uhuru Peak. I couldn’t keep my tears in my eyes, the effort paid off. I remember my first hug with Kirsty, we made it, Kirsty!!!
• Seeing Rob reaching Gilman’s point: he was our champion
• Uhuru Peak; I could find my personal and special moment to think: “Dad, 5895m, closer to heaven, closer to you” and “We will keep fighting, sisters”
• The English lessons we had every day. The UK team was very generous with us explaining our doubts (weigh, stomach, free-standing mountain.. 😊)…, thank you for your teaching us every day
• Dancing and singing with the porters, especially the “Tika masala” part 😉
• When I saw Kirstin waiting for us at Marango Gate the last walking day. Meeting and hugging her was the closest thing to meet family; thank you so much for that, Kirstin.
• Meeting Pippa at the lodge (more family 😊) on our day back and the team dinner at the lodge on the last night. I only see happy faces at the pics.
• Unicef personal fundraising: 2,859€ , and all I learnt about this organization doing for children

Lows:

• It was hard to accept when the altitude sickness sent its first warning, nausea and a very moderate headache on day 3, at the acclimatization evening walk (approx.. 4000m); my mood dramatically went from happiness to sadness and worry.
• Leaving Kibo Camp the summit day without Kati. I missed her so much that day. Kati, you are a superwoman.
• I didn’t fully enjoy the landscape and the amazing views at the summit, I didn’t have energies and now that I am starting to forget the bad moments I wonder if I could do more…
• Some of us suffering or in pain because of the altitude

Most challenging moment

Confirmed, we are stronger than we think. My most challenging moment was the Gilman’s point (5681m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) stretch (coming and going). The altitude sickness, tiredness and the snow didn’t help, but despite my frequent out loud “I can’t do it”, “I’m going to die” and “what I am doing here?” (now I laugh when I see myself saying that on the videos 😊), my mind reacted saying: “come on, you can do it, think about your supporters and your reasons (…) to be here, so, stop complaining and just do it”. I made it.

Impact in my life back at home

As mentioned, still processing…, but 3 learnings that I will have into account at home:

• It is extraordinary how in general others believe in you more than yourself do; I think I don’t tell people I love how amazing they are very often. I will do it
• Self-love and confidence are also strengths. I will also tell myself that I am amazing more often, why not???
• We can need help and still succeed

Thank you

Thank you, Autovista Group, and people involved, for giving me this opportunity that made me simply better in all aspects, thank you for the huge and impeccable job you made to make this possible: Clare, Michelle, Sarah, Kelly, Kirstin, Beth, Pippa…, thank you so much for this once-life experience and for the learnings in the journey. Kirstin and Pippa, thanks for being loving, kind and for taking care of us in Tanzania, I couldn’t feel safer than I did. THANK YOU

Team Ubuntu: Rodri, Paul M, Rolf, James, Kirsty, Paul L, Ernesto, Rickkie, Kati, Rob and Kirstin. Thank you for your help, friendship, encouragement, respect. I love you.

Mike and Christine: thank you so much for your good mood, advices, great job and for taking care of us! And for making us witnesses at the proposal scene!! We didn’t expect any more “highs” that day!!

My family, friends and supporters. I won’t never forget what you did for me and for Unicef. And special mention to “old Kili-colleagues”: Sonja, you are in my heart but you know, no words, only tears and breath.  Iñaki, Juan Carlos, Guille and Dan Parnell, thanks a lot for the loooong conversations and great advices!!

Michael and the porters’ team. impossible to make this without them. Thank you!

And now what!!!!