Melissa in.... Africa & the Middle East! |
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Welcome to my Trip Journal!
I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel for a few months and I decided to fulfill my dream of going to Africa, and while I was on that side of the world, I thought I may as well add a brief adventure through the Middle East. And if all that wasn't enough- I added an extra week at the beginning of my trip so I could complete the Kilimanjaro Marathon. My ears are burning as we speak from those people calling me crazy right now ... :)
The following trip overviews will give you an idea of the trip I am completing. Please check back often for my location, photos, and wonderful stories!
Kilimanjaro Marathon
Situated south of the equator - in Tanzania - at 5 895 metres, this is Africa's highest mountain and the highest "free standing" mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, "Kili " as she is affectionately known, is one of the sights every person should see at least once in his or her life.
The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar-Es-Salaam for approximately 8-9km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there are plenty of well-wishers along the road. We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly. The turnaround point marks approximately 32km and the last section is a fast downhill run back toward the stadium. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric with local bands playing, entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts to cheer the runners, and lots of food and drink for sale.
The route passes through many small holder farms, villages, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.
Africa Journey- 60 days
Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
An overland journey encompassing many of the incredible landscapes & cultures you imagine with Africa. From the tropical waters of Zanzibar to the austere Atlantic Ocean of Southern Africa - the contrasts abound. Masses of wildlife in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Etosha National Parks, to the playgrounds of Victoria Falls and Swakopmund will leave memories that last forever.
Middle East Journey- 30 days
Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.
From Cairo to Istanbul via Jordan and Syria, you'll travel through lands bearing legacies of Egyptian, Islamic, Christian, Persian and Roman civilisations. Cruise the Nile on a felucca, discover the largest and most impressive temples, follow in the footsteps of famous historical characters, and be humbled by the locals' generous hospitality. You'll discover it all on this epic adventure through the intriguing Middle East.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel for a few months and I decided to fulfill my dream of going to Africa, and while I was on that side of the world, I thought I may as well add a brief adventure through the Middle East. And if all that wasn't enough- I added an extra week at the beginning of my trip so I could complete the Kilimanjaro Marathon. My ears are burning as we speak from those people calling me crazy right now ... :)
The following trip overviews will give you an idea of the trip I am completing. Please check back often for my location, photos, and wonderful stories!
Kilimanjaro Marathon
Situated south of the equator - in Tanzania - at 5 895 metres, this is Africa's highest mountain and the highest "free standing" mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, "Kili " as she is affectionately known, is one of the sights every person should see at least once in his or her life.
The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar-Es-Salaam for approximately 8-9km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there are plenty of well-wishers along the road. We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly. The turnaround point marks approximately 32km and the last section is a fast downhill run back toward the stadium. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric with local bands playing, entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts to cheer the runners, and lots of food and drink for sale.
The route passes through many small holder farms, villages, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.
Africa Journey- 60 days
Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
An overland journey encompassing many of the incredible landscapes & cultures you imagine with Africa. From the tropical waters of Zanzibar to the austere Atlantic Ocean of Southern Africa - the contrasts abound. Masses of wildlife in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Etosha National Parks, to the playgrounds of Victoria Falls and Swakopmund will leave memories that last forever.
Middle East Journey- 30 days
Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.
From Cairo to Istanbul via Jordan and Syria, you'll travel through lands bearing legacies of Egyptian, Islamic, Christian, Persian and Roman civilisations. Cruise the Nile on a felucca, discover the largest and most impressive temples, follow in the footsteps of famous historical characters, and be humbled by the locals' generous hospitality. You'll discover it all on this epic adventure through the intriguing Middle East.
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