SUMMIT

SUMMIT teaser

2008-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Over 6 months ago, 12 people from 8 different nationalities came together to hold the SUMMIT, for a day, a week, or to climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Re-connecting, new tastes, new cultures, new ideas and understanding, new experiences, interacting, sharing, celebrating and de-briefing were all parts of this experience! Please watch a short teaser of the SUMMIT, from raw material and photos, and stay tuned for the HD documentary that will be available in 2009.

The Polarcoaster

2008-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

During the SUMMIT, we worked on what we called 'the polarcoaster video'. We had a lot of fun making it and this is the result!

You can view a more high resolution version HERE

A Tanzanian perspective on the SUMMIT...

2008-07-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

We recieved an email from Imani, one of the TFL participants, to our workshopday during the SUMMIT:

It was a mind widening meeting where talents and constractive ideas were shared.It was the moment in which young men and women got opportunity to learn few things but very important in their life.The summit was the sign of unity, soliderity, peace and love which the new worldgeneration is focusing.May this sense of awakening draw young people together to interact and sharing visions for the betterment of our societies worldwide

Thank you Imani!

2008-06-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we wrapped up SUMMIT 2008. Marius will be off to see a bit more of Tanzania before he returns to Lithuania, and Jon, Aukje, Dave and Angus will start part 2 of Journey to the Source. Here their final comments :)

JON

The inaugural Summit journey has come to an end...
Things I have learnt:
- things in Tanzania happen when they are ready... pole pole. (not only in Tanzania, its good not to force anything);
- about the complexities of international groups, and also the hugely diverse benefits that a wide range of views and perceptions bring to the table;
- that it would be great to do this again... sooner rather than later;
- that high altitude ain't easy;
- what a privilege it is to be surrounded by such a wonderful array of passionate people from around the world.
Be True

In much more of an URGENT sense, a close relative of the family, Ben Freeth, has been abducted from his farm in Zimbabwe by Mugabe's henchmen, after standing his ground and bringing international attention to the situation. Please see the following Times article

DAVE

yet to come :)

AUKJE

Ten conclusions after two intense SUMMIT weeks:

1. There are no lions in Moshi.
2. Or cheetahs. Too bad, because i like cats.
3. Closure of Pole to Pole was a good thing, especially because done in such a hilarious way that i am still smiling when thinking of it. Wait till you see the movie, it's the bi-polarcoaster ride of a lifetime!
4. Workshops by and with international and Tanzanian youth are valuable learning experiences, fun and superinspirational.
5. Facepainting in a Children's Home is facepainting with bouncing kids on your lap and on your back while you are trying to make a 'simba' out of one of them and try NOT to poke them in the eye with your brush.
6. When drinking 4 litres of water every day, you have to pee about every 20 minutes.
7. It is better to pee outdoors with a nice view, then in a stinky pittoilet.
8. But not when you have a urinary tract infection.
9. Reaching the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro was a personal and communal highlight with tears of joy, relief and letting go.
10. I like the TFL participants. And Georgia and Moses. And Marius. And Angus. And Dave. And Jon. A lot. They're great.

ANGUS

I have seen and experienced a lot during the two weeks of the "Summit" and it will take time for it all to sink in.

The hard working people: the porters carrying heavy loads of food and equipment up the mountain; the hotel staff working 16 hours a day; the farmers tending to their crops and plantantions in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

The plight of people, both young and old, begging on the streets.

The quiet cool viewscape on Mt Kilimanjaro contrasted with the bustling of the city streets and the blaring of the Muslim prayers over loud speakers.

The positive energy within myself and among my friends to grow and support each other

MARIUS

So, it's time to wrap up... :) It's been only two weeks since I'm here, in Tanzania and it feels as if a month has already passed. So many things have happened. I'd say it was rather intense. And it's good. Different place, different culture, different pace (although the pace isn't expected to be very intense here ;) Anyway, I have too more weeks to wonder around in this country, so I'll see how it goes. All the best!!!

The roof of Africa

2008-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we returned from our climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
A short movie, some pics and our stories are below to share with you :)

ANGUS

Each day we were above 3000 metres, I felt the effects of the lower oxygen as we walked up the mountain ridges. I found this to be very discouraging, especially when I focussed on how far we had to go to reach the next camp.

Each morning, though, I felt better and I guess my body had adjusted to the altitude we had reached the night before. After a couple of days of struggling with a headache and low energy, I stopped focussing on the time or distance to the next camp. I focussed on the individual steps, thinking positive thoughts, and breathing from my belly (thanks Aukje for the yoga lesson!). The view from each ridge we climbed became my reward. Andrew, one of our guides, kindly carried my daypack for most of the last two days of the ascent. Jon offered me positive encouragement. And, Marius shared his energy-boosting supply of sugary sweets with me.

The day before our final climb to the top, Uhuru Peak, I was surprised at how positive I felt about reaching the top. During the final ascent in the early hours of the fifth day, my lungs really noticed the low oxygen and I had to reduce my speed by half. With my slow progress and a limited time period during which it is safest to ascend and descend from the peak, I decided to stop and returned to camp with Andrew.

It was definitely a bummer to not reach Uhuru Peak - it would have been the icing on the cake. However, the trek up & down Kilimanjaro was filled with many memorable moments and opportunities for reflection. I had a marvelous time!!!!!

Sunset at Shira Camp..

MARIUS

Oh, man! 6 days of unbelievable experiences!!!! It was tough, though. I've never been to mountains before (trekking). Height and lack of oxygen makes you count every unneccessary move. So guides constantly remind you to go slow ("pole pole", that's what they say in swahili). Many things about this climb were memoriable. But you would never be able to forget starry nights. Sooooo bright!!!!

One peak reached, six to go ;)

The trees at Baranco Camp

AUKJE

I just viewed the top of Kili from the streets of Moshi and it is hard to believe that just two days ago, we were on the very top of that mountain. It is HUGE, i kid you not! Trekking the area was beautiful. Kilimanjaro has many small micro climats and to trek from luscious green fairlylike forests to alpine moorland with ghostlike trees, to skree desert and finally glaciers and 'eternal' (for how long?) snow is simply awe-inspiring.

Experiencing the altitude was intense. Nauseousness, a little vomiting, shortness of breath. Add peeing every ten minutes, caused by drinking litres of water to avoid mountain sickness, a urinary tract infection (yes, outdoor toiletting with the cold wind blowing does great things), cramps.... all these minor (female) discomforts made sure that the challenge was both mental and physical.

Unexpected emotions made the biggest impact however. Kilimanjaro was the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one, and the final hour of ascending, from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the tears and snot froze behind my sunglasses and balaclava as i let all the frustrations of the last 20 months go. Thank you Marius for coming. Thank you Dave and Angus for co-making it happen. Thank you Jon for sharing every step along the way and the road ahead.

Sunrise over Stella Point at 5700 metres..

JON

Standing a-top the highest point of this continent, was an emotional experience. the tears were streaming, my lungs struggled to keep my normal bodily functions going, the heat of the early morning sun was penetrating my aching brain. there were 4 naked aussies, an english man with a santa beard, a large german tv crew and entourage, just to give you a sample of 10 minutes of my 30th birthday. Not to be forgotten...

Mallory is famously said to have replied to the question "why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?" with the retort: "because it is there", which has been called "the most famous four words in mountaineering" (wikipedia)
I cannot say that this was the reason for climbing Kilimanjaro, and I was surprised with my emotions as I approached the summit. Flashing images of family, friends, the long hours of walking through the moonlit night accompanied, encouraged and assisted by a wonderful Tanzanian named Saaidi, a 2 year journey to this peak and a moment to really put it to rest.

I am so grateful for this opportunity

MADE IT!!! The roof of Africa!

Friday

2008-06-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

We said farewell to Moses and Georgia yesterday and headed out to the Amani Childens Orphanage, and Friday to Machame for a cultural tourism program. Both experiences widening our understanding of the local issues and sustainable living practises in the foothills of Kilimanjaro...

Aukje
Mentally preparing for the climb up Kilimanjaro: we'll start tomorrow. I've been eating and drinking more than usually, but thats about as far as my preparation goes (aside from lots of biking last week) :)We went to the Amani Home for Children in Moshi yesterday. I am not fooling myself into thinking that we made a difference for those kids (who have formerly lived on the street) with playing soccer and facepainting, but it was good to see that the organisation certainly does. www.amanikids.org

Angus
Today, Jon, Dave and Angus visited the rural area of Machame, a couple kilometres away from the gate where the Kilimanjaro climb will start on Sunday. We learned about the local irrigation system - a long series of water diversions and collection ponds that provide water to all the homes in this agricultural community. Our guide also told us about the 8 types of bananas grown in the region - some are good for cooking, some for eating raw as fruit, and one is used to make an alcoholic beverage... unfortunately we did not get a free sample :(

The Machame area seemed very green and lush with lots of garden plots, banana and coffee plantations. Everything is fertilized organically (with manure) except for the tomatoes which are quite finicky.

We had a surprise after we finished a delicious lunch at a local's home. Our host showed us where her family kept their cows... indoors in a small barn with no space for the cows to walk around. This is apparently a common farming technique. The cows did not look happy...

Marius
Last two days didn't go exactly as expected. However everyting went well. Kids, at the Amani children house, they are very natural. They probably can give you more than you can give them... And today, findings of local culture in Machame brought up quite some different thougts... I don't know, a bit difficult to explain, but it seems that every culture has it's bright and dark sides... Well, anyway, we go for Kili tomorrow and excitement is already here! :)

David
DalaDalas! (Minibuses on a suger high!)

Daladalas swarm Tanzania! They are the local choice for fast, furious and "efficient" travel.
Each consists of... firstly a semi-roadworthy minibus, complete with colourful ido-syncracies, such as a wobbly wheel, no suspension, a tendancy to swerve vigoursly to the left..or the right, a bent axile, etc, secondly a driver (trained in the art of going as fast as possible around blind corners while passing, honking the horn as regularly and as loudly as can be achieved whilst being pushed out of the drivers seat by the shear mass of passengers to his left...and looking 'cool' all at the same time) and finally an extravagent attendent, in charge of packing as many humans (usually around 27 in a standard 12 seat van), goats, plants and objects into the machine in the shortest time, then hanging out of the carering buffalo (aka daladala) and shouting its destination at any innocent passer by who might be wondering along the streets of Tanzania. Inside one is immersed in a sea of arms and legs, smells, shoulders and bodies, all with an amazing ability to mold to each other so that 'just one more' can be accomodated. Just brilliant stuff - fast, furious, dangerous, colourful, fascinating and flavoursim - all part of Tanzanian vibrance.

Jon
A week in Moshi now, and "wow!", what a time it has been. As far as our objectives, these are being met, and we have had a fantastic yet challenging experience at the same time. I still have to slap myself in the face in the odd quiet moments and remind myself that I am in Africa. Viewing and experiencing a different way of life is always a challenge for me. It has been truely awesome being in the same place for a few days this week and being able to soak up the atmosphere of the place rather than passing through (although pole-pole 'slowly in swahili', pronounced polay-polay) on bikes, meet people and re-meet them again, rather than just once.
Next post, next friday...

Thursday...

2008-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Peer to Peer Training
Today we shared with each other workshops. Yoga, Be True, Effective Communication, Team Building, A Culture of Peace, and a Vision for Our World. We were priviledged to share this day with 4 passionate young Tanzanians from "Training for Life".

Georgia - Canada
I am really honoured to have been part of such a talented group of facilitators and globally concious young people. I especially loved having the African perspective, cause it brought a great fresh angle to the things we are all passionate about. I have to head out tomorrow, but even though it was a short trip, it was totally worth it. I had forgotten what it's like to have energy of people like this around me. What a rush! Thanks for the great few days, see you soon!

Moses - Kenya
It was a very good day for me cause I have never been in conferance like this before. So you make my day. You are great people.

Dave - New Zealand
He was born in Tanzania, she in Holland. That one in the corner, next to the girl from Canada, he's from Kenya; the one at the table, he's drom Zanzibar, talking to the guy from Lithuania, next to the one from New Zealand, and the guys from everywhere, Ireland, NZ, Oz. They are all young and keen, with much to learn and much to give. They are all part of one generation, one time, one earth, one movement, one celebration and one common family. yeeooooooooooooowwwww!

Angus - Canada
Highlights of todays Peer to Peer Training activities: writing our personal barriers on flat pieces of wood and then breaking the wood with our hands. The perspectives and enthusiasm of the Tanzanian members. Listening to the visions each member has for the future of their country. Singing Maori (indigenous New Zealand) songs with an international group. Everyone having a fun time.

Aukje - The Netherlands
TODAY was why we put all this energy into organising this week! Angus did a great job inviting participants of the Training for Life program in Tanzania to our workshop day and it was ab-so-frick-in-lu-tely GREAT to mix with these great people, learning and sharing, making new friends. Exaud, Imani, Ninael, Domina and Barackel: THANK YOU! Super inspiring people and stories, lots of energy. Me happy :)

Jon - identity... confused
Singing Maori songs, arms linked, smiles, harmony... simply beautiful... Priceless!
Background noises from a 7 piece brass jazz band plus drums all squeezed onto the back of a small pick up truck roaming the streets, the chanting on loud speakers from the local mosque, the constant sirens of overloaded dala-dala (local buses) with drivers with a heavy horn hand, birds chirping... all at the same time.

Marius - Lithuania
Its cloudy almost constantly in Moshi. No sun in Africa? Ye, that's not what you would expect before you are here :)
But then again, we were really compensated today for the lack of sunshine. These young people make you believe Tanazania's got bright future.

18th June Update

2008-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Angus
The summit has begun and the personal journey in my mind continues... At dinner earlier this week, Jon and Dave talked about Stefan Hadfield radiating positive energy (as he recovers from a head injury) - this resonated in my mind. I reflect on this when I catch my my mind losing focus or thinking negatively.
Filming today was fun and a mental exercise in concentration - keeping focus while in character: mimicking someone's voice, maintaining a high volume etc. The local people had a good chuckle as we walked around between filming locations - I had a bushy red beard glued to my face and tufts of red curly hair waving on top of my head.

Aukje
Summit Week! We've been planning it for months and to actually be in Moshi right now and have Georgia and Marius joining us as well, just blows my mind. After 2 weeks with JADA it is fun to have this extra energy come in to the group. We had good closure and a great discussion day yesterday, were filming a movie today and will have workshops with Tanzanian Youth tomorrow. It is incredible to be able to share your passions and ideas with people from all over the world and I certainly hope there will be more Summits to come over the next few years, with even more participants... LOVE IT!!!

Dave
Anytime, any meeting, any conversation... all of these are opportunities to learn, exchange and grow. All of these are openings to re-assess or take that definitive step to action.
Summits are many things - one aspect being an opportunity to search for energy for action and a reassessment of how we live our lives. WHO ARE WE TO SIT BY AND WATCH?

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glorythat is within us. It is not within some of us, its in EVERYONE. And when we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to dothe same. We are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."- Nelson Mandela

Georgia
Hello! Just in for the week from Uganda! I'm really having a blast with the Journey Team, I wish I could stay for longer. Its great to see the familiar faces, though strange in a context so different from the one in which we met. I'm really glad to have the chance to participate in the Summit and remember all the fun things we did with Pole to Pole as we filmed our closure movie. I wish the team good luck on their journey and I hope to see everyone in the years to come lots more.

Marius
I keep remembering that "safety net" metaphor that Martyn was telling about. Everything here for me feels outside it. I'd say its even more inner journey, than the real one. Seeing the same people and sharing memories of Pole to Pole is really nice. Yet again, I'm trying to concentrate on what's about to come. It's an amazing world!

Jon
I feel sad that we are here without the other Pole to Pole members and the "dream" that connected us all in the first place, however I am ever thankful that our paths have crossed again for even a short time and that we are able to close one door in a physical sense after the months of energy. A Pole to Pole debrief was an emotional session and we all felt much lighter for it as a result. The positive nature of the rest of the day with challenging discussions about where we are presently at this time, on many different levels was great to re-engage the brain after two weeks in the saddle. It truely is fantastic to be here. We all sat in total awe last evening after an intense classroom session and were given a glimpse of the "Empress that rises above the Serengetti". What a wonderful mountain. Jaws agape...