Amazing Race

This time next month I'm thrilled to be boarding a flight to Tanzania to notch up another trekking achievement.  I'm taking on Mount Kilimanjaro - my highest point so far (5895m) and also the highest free-standing mountain in the world!  Better still, I'll be joined by my Amazing Race buddy (Kez) so there's bound to be much fun and laughter once the hard yards are behind us.

We've opted for the Lemosho Route which is the longest, most scenic and most remote route on Kilimanjaro.  The trek starts out in Lemosho Glades which are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game so that's a new twist on our trekking history.  As is the fact that we'll be braving the great outdoors and camping on our overnight stops.

I'm a firm believer that all trekking accomplishments should be celebrated with food, drink and laziness so from Kilimanjaro we're headed to Zanzibar for a week of play and pamper at Fumba Beach Lodge and Swahili House.  I can't wait!

Speaking of Amazing Race feats, Chloe (who lived with me in Nigeria for the first three months) is taking on the New York City marathon in November 2011.  She's dedicating each kilometer to the mission of improving access to health care in Tanzania by running in support of the Touch Foundation Team (www.touchfoundation.org).  This is a mammoth effort and one that I'm only too happy to support from the sidelines.  So, if you've been wondering how to gather some tax deductions and you're keen to support a good cause, make a donation via www.crowdrise.com/chloemanchester.  You can also check out Chloe's training progress at www.united-manchester.tumblr.com/NYCMARATHON2011.