The feeling of the vastness of the mountains, the purest air, the petrichor and a moon that seems hidden. All these memories remind me of tortillas, hazelnuts and memorable walks in the Valley “Las Trancas” located in Chillan, Chile, which enchants with its ivory snow and scenic landscapes. It was in this valley where I came to realize that once you listen to the voice of the mountains, you will never forget it.
I have visited the valley “Las Trancas” since I can remember, wandering around many of its corners and native beauties. Every year has been like this. However, life’s twists and turns brought me to a completely new destination: UWC East Africa (Moshi), Tanzania. Studying in Moshi has given me opportunities and experiences I could never have imagined before. While studying at UWCEA, I was told about an incredible and unique opportunity to climb Longido Mountain, that would be my first summit in Tanzania - the place now I call home. Hopefully the first summit among many others.
Mount Longido is a mountain located in Longido District of Arusha Region, Tanzania, just above Mount Meru and close to the Kenyan border. The peak has an elevation of 2,637 meters above sea level. This part of Tanzania is the Maasai land’s heart, thus throughout the journey, hikers are able to see Maasai trees such as the Maasai Morani. On the skyline, Mount Longido towers over the area, and on a sunny day, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen in the far distance.
Guided by a Maasai man, we started hiking early on the Saturday morning of the 28th of September 2019. Step by step we embarked on this fulfilling and enriching experience. We faced some challenges throughout the journey but encouraged ourselves to keep walking and to not give up.
The trip never ceased to amaze us. We started walking altogether with the excitement of the journey, and after a few hours, we were able to distinguish the notorious changes from one environment to another. Starting with somewhat more arid and thorny landscapes, to spaces surrounded by humid vegetation, large ancient trees with peculiar roots and the sound and smell of its vastness. Later on, we made it to the top and we were swept away by a breathtaking landscape that left us speechless. Even though many months have passed since this hike, we all carry all the memories, laughs and wise words that the mountain taught us along the journey.
I remember how in that very moment, I came to realize the long journey I had been through. Not only the 2,637 kilometers we climbed, but also moving from Chile to Tanzania. My homeland, a recent human settlement installed between the most active tectonic plate on the planet and the longest chord of volcanoes of all, to UWCEA in Moshi. Coming from the Valley “Las Trancas” to the summit of “Longido Mountain”.
Climbing is about teamwork, friendship and trusting other people. Climbing is about exploring the unknown and challenging your own limits. Climbing is about connecting with your surroundings and appreciating the flora and fauna around you. Climbing is about enjoying the journey and reaching the top to hold your breath while you see how everything looks from a unique perspective. It’s that incredible feeling of achievement you get from reaching the summit and the feeling of empowerment that makes you believe that everything can be possible.
After spending some time observing the astonishing landscape and recovering from our fatigue, we began our descent. Accompanied by some challenges, we began our descent quite late. Thus after an hour walking down, the sunset said goodbye and we started walking in the dark. Teamwork and head torches were key in those moments, otherwise, we would have been stranded on the mountain for that night. Luckily we made it back to the camp. Everyone was cheerful and grateful to be safe and to have accomplished our mission.
Every decision counts in the mountains, so you need to go up there armed with your best self-reliance and confidence. Small decisions up there have the ability to make the difference between achieving the summit or having to turn back. There can be a fascinating comparison between climbing and life itself. The chance to explore the mountain’s depths and challenge your own limits makes hikers want to keep discovering and keep always learning from these enriching adventures. It’s all about trying and learning along the way.
“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” - Greg Child
We knew that we would all remember this incredible adventure for a lifetime.
Twenty-five kilometers up and down to discover Longido mountain was totally worth it.
You can also read this article on the magazine United Worldwide. Go and check the link and you'll find many other articles written by UWC students around the world!
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