Doc Martin 75th Birthday Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch
June 11, 2012 – The Team Arrives in Arusha
Hello from Tanzania! Arusha is cool and green now. It gets a bit warm in the afternoon, but mornings are surprisingly brisk. We are pleased to know that there has been good rain recently and the green countryside is relaxing and inviting as you drive into town from the airport. We are also happy to hear that it snowed recently high on Kilimanjaro, so the mountain is white. When Doc and Steve flew in from Addis Abba on Saturday and when Valentine and Rita arrived yesterday they looked straight to the top of Kili, but the clouds that capped the mountain prevented them from seeing their goal.
Today, we have just gotten a text from some more girls from North Carolina, Susan, Elizabeth and Holly. Their Ethiopian Air flight has just landed at Kilimanjaro International, so soon they will be here with us. Caroline is somewhere over Africa on a flight to Nairobi, where she will connect for her flight to Kilimanjaro. The team is arriving!
Later…
Wally, Doc and Steve reunite in Arusha.
It has been 5 years since Doc and Steve were last here.
The early arrivals, Charles, Steve, Rita and Valentine all learned quickly just how good the massages in the spa at this hotel are. The tight muscles that developed over hours and hours on international flights melted away.
When Susan, Elizabeth and Holly arrived today they learned that their massages had already been booked for them this afternoon. Getting back in time for their appointment was a bit tight due to all the shopping trips they planned for this afternoon. But they made it and looked very relaxed afterward.
Caroline will arrive here in a few minutes to learn that the masseuses have agreed to work late tonight and have scheduled a special session for her at 9;00 PM.
Something tells me that the spa will be thought about many times in the coming days on Kilimanjaro.
Eric, Valentine and Rita are off at the local markets in Arusha this afternoon. They are loving all the colorful vegetables for sale, the people, and of course, the bartering for good prices for things for themselves and their loved ones back home.
Meanwhile the Martin family and Holly were reunited in Tanzania after leaving North Carolina only a couple of days ago. After 19 years of marriage Steve and Susan are as sweet on one another as ever.
The energy of this group is infectious. We are going to have a great climb! Stay tuned and follow along as our adventure unfolds.
Valentine and Rita arrive and are greeted by Arnold and Eric at the airport.
Catching up at the hotel with a Tanzanian staple, Tusker Beer.
Doc is content to relax at the hotel…for now.
Arnold has been shuttling everyone from the airport and has been working with the BAI office in Canada for months to get everything in order for this adventure.
The flights were long, but soon after arriving Doc asked to drive the 18 kilometers from town to see an old friend who has given us great deals on Tanzanite in past years.
Arusha is getting upscale! After breakfast today, Doc, Steve, Rita and Valentine visited Arusha's new Tanzanite museum.
Steve and Doc in Arusha
The girls arrive! Susan, Elizabeth and Holly.
Steve arrived a few days early, so he and Susan are happy to be reunited in Tanzania.
The family sits together on the veranda of the hotel.
Caroline arrives and now our team is complete!