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Kilimanjaro Diaries: Or, How I Spent a Week Dreaming of Toilets, Drinking Crappy Water, and Making Bad Jokes While Having the Time of My Life
Nowhere else but Africa can you expect to be completely pampered when embarking on a week of hardship.
This realization convinces housewife, mother of four, and expat blogger Eva Melusine Thieme that her idea to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as the crowning achievement of her three years in Africa isn’t as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it has all the trappings of a dream vacation: no cooking, no fighting kids, no class parties to be organized, and an army of porters to lug everything up the mountain.
But she soon finds out that the list of challenges and discomforts associated with scaling Kilimanjaro is long: sub-zero temperatures, blistered feet, long drop toilets (of which, you may learn, the drops are not nearly as long as they have once been, if you get the drift!), and the ever-threatening altitude sickness no one can quite escape from. Her climb turns into the greatest challenge she has ever faced, and ultimately she must make a fateful decision on that mountain, one that will have her question the meaning of life, identity, and family.
Part guide book, part travel memoir, part history lesson, this story has something for everyone – the seasoned hiker, the aspiring Kilimanjaro trekker, the armchair traveler, the housewife and mother. You will find yourself smile and at times laugh out loud as Thieme takes you on her journey up the slopes of Kilimanjaro together with her teenage son and a group of hilarious and opinionated South African friends. From planning the trip to shopping for supplies to trudging uphill wishing with all her heart for an ice cold sip of water untainted by chlorination tablets, you will follow the author step by step on her quest to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro or at least have a memorable time trying.
This realization convinces housewife, mother of four, and expat blogger Eva Melusine Thieme that her idea to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as the crowning achievement of her three years in Africa isn’t as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it has all the trappings of a dream vacation: no cooking, no fighting kids, no class parties to be organized, and an army of porters to lug everything up the mountain.
But she soon finds out that the list of challenges and discomforts associated with scaling Kilimanjaro is long: sub-zero temperatures, blistered feet, long drop toilets (of which, you may learn, the drops are not nearly as long as they have once been, if you get the drift!), and the ever-threatening altitude sickness no one can quite escape from. Her climb turns into the greatest challenge she has ever faced, and ultimately she must make a fateful decision on that mountain, one that will have her question the meaning of life, identity, and family.
Part guide book, part travel memoir, part history lesson, this story has something for everyone – the seasoned hiker, the aspiring Kilimanjaro trekker, the armchair traveler, the housewife and mother. You will find yourself smile and at times laugh out loud as Thieme takes you on her journey up the slopes of Kilimanjaro together with her teenage son and a group of hilarious and opinionated South African friends. From planning the trip to shopping for supplies to trudging uphill wishing with all her heart for an ice cold sip of water untainted by chlorination tablets, you will follow the author step by step on her quest to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro or at least have a memorable time trying.
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First published March 26, 2014
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About the author
Eva Melusine Thieme
1 book21 followersEVA MELUSINE THIEME was born in Germany, moved to the United States in 1991, and also spent several years living in Asia and Africa. She has a business degree from a German university too difficult to pronounce and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. With her four adult children now dispersed around the country, she has returned to North Carolina where she nurtures aspirations to rekindle her freelance writing career or perhaps playing professional pickleball. While in reality she is rather occupied with co-owning and managing a small business and training her cat to sleep in.
Eva’s award-winning travel memoir Kilimanjaro Diaries: Or, How I Spent a Week Dreaming of Toilets, Drinking Crappy Water, and Making Bad Jokes While Having the Time of My Life and its German translation have both been Amazon bestsellers in African travel literature. She has also penned articles for numerous publications, such as the Wall Street Journal and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. In her award-winning blog, Joburg Expat , she chronicles the life and adventures of her American family in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has also earned a Parenting Publications of America award for her contributions to Kansas City Parent Magazine .
For more of Eva's writing, visit EvaMelusineThieme.com.
Eva’s award-winning travel memoir Kilimanjaro Diaries: Or, How I Spent a Week Dreaming of Toilets, Drinking Crappy Water, and Making Bad Jokes While Having the Time of My Life and its German translation have both been Amazon bestsellers in African travel literature. She has also penned articles for numerous publications, such as the Wall Street Journal and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. In her award-winning blog, Joburg Expat , she chronicles the life and adventures of her American family in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has also earned a Parenting Publications of America award for her contributions to Kansas City Parent Magazine .
For more of Eva's writing, visit EvaMelusineThieme.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 9, 2015
Im not sure how to rate this book. On one hand I was thankful for such a down to earth guide to the Kilimanjaro experience: no detailed slog of information or being made to feel like an inferior 'traveller' as some travel books do. It was quite like reading a diary which helped immerse me into the everyday, insignificant details of the climb (which you wouldn't get in a typical travel guide). On the other hand I generally felt a little irritated by the author (Sorry Eva!). But I guess that is just my gut feeling. I think this book would go down particularly well with women with older children. She describes how it was a struggle to get her son to pack his bag each day on the climb (she packed it for him) and how she did all the planning for him and he wasn't really interested at all. For me I just didn't get this. Overall the book is useful as a no frills, yummy mummy's account of the Kili experience. Particularly useful for amateur trekkers (like me!) or families embarking on the climb.
September 18, 2017
Amusing in places, moderately informative, and mildly inspirational. And that is the extent of my positive appraisal.
Ms Thieme strikes me as a fickle woman who is easily distracted. Her Kili diary is filled with ramblings about what happened one Christmas, or during holidays somewhere else, or her many moves from country to country, or her laborious role as an overworked mother. I admit I had to skip through these sections in search of Kilimanjaro material. Her motive and attitude for climbing the mountain left me rolling my eyes and shaking my head. For example, she agreed to join a gang of acquaintances during a pub binge, immediately bought a pair of walking boots that she broke in by wearing while she sat at her computer, and couldn't understand the need of even moderate physical training. She let others arrange the trip, not even knowing which route they would be taking up the mountain until they arrived at the gate. Her main concern while on the mountain was the lack of modern sanitary facilities, litter, and keeping her toes warm. Her greatest memories were all the coarse jokes and camaraderie with her friends, and all the childlike nicknames she gave everyone.
Some woman may read this book and be glued to every word. Many men, I predict, will yawn and sling it aside. However, I will congratulate Ms Thieme on reaching the summit with relative ease. Who knows, maybe she has the right attitude after all.
Ms Thieme strikes me as a fickle woman who is easily distracted. Her Kili diary is filled with ramblings about what happened one Christmas, or during holidays somewhere else, or her many moves from country to country, or her laborious role as an overworked mother. I admit I had to skip through these sections in search of Kilimanjaro material. Her motive and attitude for climbing the mountain left me rolling my eyes and shaking my head. For example, she agreed to join a gang of acquaintances during a pub binge, immediately bought a pair of walking boots that she broke in by wearing while she sat at her computer, and couldn't understand the need of even moderate physical training. She let others arrange the trip, not even knowing which route they would be taking up the mountain until they arrived at the gate. Her main concern while on the mountain was the lack of modern sanitary facilities, litter, and keeping her toes warm. Her greatest memories were all the coarse jokes and camaraderie with her friends, and all the childlike nicknames she gave everyone.
Some woman may read this book and be glued to every word. Many men, I predict, will yawn and sling it aside. However, I will congratulate Ms Thieme on reaching the summit with relative ease. Who knows, maybe she has the right attitude after all.
May 9, 2014
That title is quite a mouthful, but it cleverly lets you know that this book is not a clinical account of what climbing Kilimanjaro entails. Instead, the title tells you that everything pertaining to climbing Kilimanjaro is going to be relayed with humour and candidness, making it a book that anyone considering scaling Africa’s magnificent peak should read.
I’m not one of those types who go out looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush, and climbing the world’s highest mountains has not always been on my list of things to do. But when my friends Sine and Monia told me about their plan, I listened carefully, particularly since Monia had already done it before. Maybe, just maybe, I would consider it. After I heard how it was for them. Maybe.
The mountain was scaled and the two came back, exhilarated and fulfilled, and though they told us about aspects of the trip, I sensed that they were holding back. I had the feeling that there was more to this journey that could be relayed adequately in the course of a discussion over coffee. Perhaps I would need to climb the mountain myself to find out what it was.
Then Sine published her book and two things happened: First I found out that my friend’s full name is Eva Melusine. Then I was overcome with excitement at having the chance to find out exactly what happened on that mountain. The book did not disappoint. Now I understood the wistful, faraway look Sine would get in her eyes as she stared into the distance while the rest of us talked about normal everyday things; and why Monia, who is bubbly and chatty most of the time, was quiet, contemplative and rather serious for quite a while after coming back.
In her book, Sine shares how her group came together and decided to go on this adventure. She tells how she prepared herself for it and gives a day-to-day account of the journey, culminating in the summit night, where the final, gruelling ascent was made toward the top of Kilimanjaro. She is very candid about the potty situation, but approaches it with such good humour and grace, that I may be able to overlook it and consider climbing the mountain despite it being littered with, well… with human waste.
An aspect of the book I enjoyed is that it refers to accounts by the first European to summit Kilimanjaro, Dr Hans Meyer. It is interesting to see how some of his advice for mountain climbers still holds true today, and equally, how much has changed since Meyer made his first summit in 1889.
Will I attempt to climb Kili now that I’ve read Eva Melusine’s Kilimanjaro Diaries? I feel no closer to making a firm decision, but Sine’s account of her experience makes me feel more confident that I too am capable of giving it a good try, and possibly being successful.
I’m not one of those types who go out looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush, and climbing the world’s highest mountains has not always been on my list of things to do. But when my friends Sine and Monia told me about their plan, I listened carefully, particularly since Monia had already done it before. Maybe, just maybe, I would consider it. After I heard how it was for them. Maybe.
The mountain was scaled and the two came back, exhilarated and fulfilled, and though they told us about aspects of the trip, I sensed that they were holding back. I had the feeling that there was more to this journey that could be relayed adequately in the course of a discussion over coffee. Perhaps I would need to climb the mountain myself to find out what it was.
Then Sine published her book and two things happened: First I found out that my friend’s full name is Eva Melusine. Then I was overcome with excitement at having the chance to find out exactly what happened on that mountain. The book did not disappoint. Now I understood the wistful, faraway look Sine would get in her eyes as she stared into the distance while the rest of us talked about normal everyday things; and why Monia, who is bubbly and chatty most of the time, was quiet, contemplative and rather serious for quite a while after coming back.
In her book, Sine shares how her group came together and decided to go on this adventure. She tells how she prepared herself for it and gives a day-to-day account of the journey, culminating in the summit night, where the final, gruelling ascent was made toward the top of Kilimanjaro. She is very candid about the potty situation, but approaches it with such good humour and grace, that I may be able to overlook it and consider climbing the mountain despite it being littered with, well… with human waste.
An aspect of the book I enjoyed is that it refers to accounts by the first European to summit Kilimanjaro, Dr Hans Meyer. It is interesting to see how some of his advice for mountain climbers still holds true today, and equally, how much has changed since Meyer made his first summit in 1889.
Will I attempt to climb Kili now that I’ve read Eva Melusine’s Kilimanjaro Diaries? I feel no closer to making a firm decision, but Sine’s account of her experience makes me feel more confident that I too am capable of giving it a good try, and possibly being successful.
August 3, 2016
When I saw the toilet on the cover art I thought it was weird, but after reading this humorous, frank, and entertaining account of one "regular" mom's experience climbing Kilimanjaro - I get it!
Thieme recounts a lot of the nitty gritty (and poopy!) details about making such a guided trek - sort of like "everything you wanted to know about climbing a mountain but were afraid to ask". Aside from the trials and obstacles to basic bodily functions, she paints such a gorgeous picture of the mountain, and a conveys the sense of accomplishment one gains from such a journey.
I enjoyed that it was a good story about real people - not super-human mountaineers - with plenty of humor throughout. Her no nonsense approach to the whole trip and the re-telling of it will keep you entertained and leave you contemplating your own climb of Kilimanajaro! (The bathroom situation would need some serious overhauling before I, myself, could consider it...)
Thieme recounts a lot of the nitty gritty (and poopy!) details about making such a guided trek - sort of like "everything you wanted to know about climbing a mountain but were afraid to ask". Aside from the trials and obstacles to basic bodily functions, she paints such a gorgeous picture of the mountain, and a conveys the sense of accomplishment one gains from such a journey.
I enjoyed that it was a good story about real people - not super-human mountaineers - with plenty of humor throughout. Her no nonsense approach to the whole trip and the re-telling of it will keep you entertained and leave you contemplating your own climb of Kilimanajaro! (The bathroom situation would need some serious overhauling before I, myself, could consider it...)
February 2, 2016
While I appreciated how down-to-earth she was when telling her story, I didn't feel like she conveyed how magnificent this journey was. Climbing this mountain must have been incredibly inspiring and momentous, and I felt that she could have elaborated on this experience more. There wss too much toilet talk for my taste, and the history lessons distracted me from the main topic. It wasn't the most painful read, but I was longing for more...more substance, more inspiration, etc. She accomplished something most would only dream about, and I didn't find her story to do it any justice.
January 26, 2018
Brilliant story,enjoyed every second of the adventure!
March 13, 2016
I never thought of climbing the Kilimanjaro, but after reading this funny, entertaining and thought provoking book, it doesn't look as such a far fetched possibility to do it.
It starts off with a perfectly "normal" family, none of whom you would immediately link to a mountain climbing "expert". But that is also, why you feel so connected, as if you are living it through the preparations.
Once the climb starts, you can almost feel the physical exhaustion, but also the natural beauty of the ever changing landscape, all the while keeping the light-heartedness and humour alive.
After "having climbed" the Kilimanjaro with the Narrator, you realize, this is a project, which would not only give you a new and achievable physical challenge of climbing a mountain, but which could also give you a new perspective in life (even if you might not seek one)...
So, definitively a book worth picking up, whether you plan to climb the Kilimanjaro or not.
It starts off with a perfectly "normal" family, none of whom you would immediately link to a mountain climbing "expert". But that is also, why you feel so connected, as if you are living it through the preparations.
Once the climb starts, you can almost feel the physical exhaustion, but also the natural beauty of the ever changing landscape, all the while keeping the light-heartedness and humour alive.
After "having climbed" the Kilimanjaro with the Narrator, you realize, this is a project, which would not only give you a new and achievable physical challenge of climbing a mountain, but which could also give you a new perspective in life (even if you might not seek one)...
So, definitively a book worth picking up, whether you plan to climb the Kilimanjaro or not.
September 30, 2014
I loved this book. The writing is really good, she's funny, and honest. I had no idea what hiking Kili entailed and henceforth, I will be very impressed with whomever attempts this...which is all well and good but this book isn't just about hiking.
Lots of life lessons and realizations, some about being a mom and a wife, and how those roles can sometimes come in conflict with your own dreams and desires. The bottom line for me- we all need our own dreams and guess what?- it's okay to follow your passion once in awhile.
I was intrigued enough to buy it, awed enough to keep reading, then moved enough to cry. She made me jealous and then made me think about what it is that I want to do...
Lots of life lessons and realizations, some about being a mom and a wife, and how those roles can sometimes come in conflict with your own dreams and desires. The bottom line for me- we all need our own dreams and guess what?- it's okay to follow your passion once in awhile.
I was intrigued enough to buy it, awed enough to keep reading, then moved enough to cry. She made me jealous and then made me think about what it is that I want to do...
December 22, 2014
hilarious and heart-lightening
Eva must have been in my head! She puts to words he thoughts I've been having about why I want to undertake this journey. Her experiences on the mountain encourage me to continue toward this goal. Fun read!
Eva must have been in my head! She puts to words he thoughts I've been having about why I want to undertake this journey. Her experiences on the mountain encourage me to continue toward this goal. Fun read!
November 9, 2015
Probably my second favorite Kilimanjaro memoire to date- my only complaint is that it was a bit whiney- and absolutely obsessive about the whole toilet thing, but other than that, it was a funny book and worth the read if you are planning on, or are presently, climbing Kilimanjaro.
January 31, 2018
Enjoyed reading this, both humorous and informative. However, even if I was physically capable, it didn't inspire me to climb that mountain, quite the opposite in fact. Far too many people going up and down, waiting in line to go up a route, literally bumping into others....crowded at times.
September 23, 2024
It was a nice refresher of my experience many years ago. However I found it annoying that she whinged so much, was so unplanned and talked so much about the lack of loo facilities. Honestly, she was obsessed with this.
January 16, 2015
Loved this book!
April 16, 2024
When an unprepared and clueless woman takes her surly and uncommunicative son up the tallest mountain of Africa, all she can talk about is female urinals. I have read multiple Kilimanjaro hike tales , and this one sets the standard--for rock bottom.
April 27, 2015
This is the second book I am reviewing in connection with Mount Kilimanjaro. I came across this book while searching some travel books and I loved the cover design of the author holding not only a backpack but a loo in the other hand and that sums up some people’s fear of taking on this beast of a mountain.
The book begins with planning and what she believes you need to take with you as well as the usual fears and trepidation of such a climb. What you soon realise is that the fears are real as people die on this mountain and she was leaving her family behind, but you soon understand that she is not alone and that her 16 year old son Max is joining her on the trek.
The humour that you will find through this book is a testament to Eva who took on this challenge with gusto and determination to succeed. The book reads like you are actually along with her and as I have climbed Kilimanjaro I felt I was again climbing the Mountain with her and the rest of the team.
Each chapter is a real gem of its own even the chapter on toilets, She-wee’s is a term I will not forget in a hurry. The author has also inserted throughout the book numerous historical facts about Kilimanjaro which makes the book more readable.
Considering how much preparation goes into this challenge the 7 days it takes to climb the mountain goes in a flash but at times it must have felt very different especially having to get up during the night to visit the Loo which is an ordeal in itself.
One real sad moment for me was reading about how Max fell ill during the later stages of the climb and had to be carried down the mountain. I felt for Eva at this stage knowing what must have been going through her mind at that point, ‘do I go on or go down with Max’ difficult decision.
It is a beautifully written book full of inspiration and makes me want to go back and climb the mountain again. Question for Eva is would you go back for another climb?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The book begins with planning and what she believes you need to take with you as well as the usual fears and trepidation of such a climb. What you soon realise is that the fears are real as people die on this mountain and she was leaving her family behind, but you soon understand that she is not alone and that her 16 year old son Max is joining her on the trek.
The humour that you will find through this book is a testament to Eva who took on this challenge with gusto and determination to succeed. The book reads like you are actually along with her and as I have climbed Kilimanjaro I felt I was again climbing the Mountain with her and the rest of the team.
Each chapter is a real gem of its own even the chapter on toilets, She-wee’s is a term I will not forget in a hurry. The author has also inserted throughout the book numerous historical facts about Kilimanjaro which makes the book more readable.
Considering how much preparation goes into this challenge the 7 days it takes to climb the mountain goes in a flash but at times it must have felt very different especially having to get up during the night to visit the Loo which is an ordeal in itself.
One real sad moment for me was reading about how Max fell ill during the later stages of the climb and had to be carried down the mountain. I felt for Eva at this stage knowing what must have been going through her mind at that point, ‘do I go on or go down with Max’ difficult decision.
It is a beautifully written book full of inspiration and makes me want to go back and climb the mountain again. Question for Eva is would you go back for another climb?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
April 27, 2015
This is the second book I am reviewing in connection with Mount Kilimanjaro. I came across this book while searching some travel books and I loved the cover design of the author holding not only a backpack but a loo in the other hand and that sums up some people’s fear of taking on this beast of a mountain.
The book begins with planning and what she believes you need to take with you as well as the usual fears and trepidation of such a climb. What you soon realise is that the fears are real as people die on this mountain and she was leaving her family behind, but you soon understand that she is not alone and that her 16 year old son Max is joining her on the trek.
The humour that you will find through this book is a testament to Eva who took on this challenge with gusto and determination to succeed. The book reads like you are actually along with her and as I have climbed Kilimanjaro I felt I was again climbing the Mountain with her and the rest of the team.
Each chapter is a real gem of its own even the chapter on toilets, She-wee’s is a term I will not forget in a hurry. The author has also inserted throughout the book numerous historical facts about Kilimanjaro which makes the book more readable.
Considering how much preparation goes into this challenge the 7 days it takes to climb the mountain goes in a flash but at times it must have felt very different especially having to get up during the night to visit the Loo which is an ordeal in itself.
One real sad moment for me was reading about how Max fell ill during the later stages of the climb and had to be carried down the mountain. I felt for Eva at this stage knowing what must have been going through her mind at that point, ‘do I go on or go down with Max’ difficult decision.
It is a beautifully written book full of inspiration and makes me want to go back and climb the mountain again. Question for Eva is would you go back for another climb?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The book begins with planning and what she believes you need to take with you as well as the usual fears and trepidation of such a climb. What you soon realise is that the fears are real as people die on this mountain and she was leaving her family behind, but you soon understand that she is not alone and that her 16 year old son Max is joining her on the trek.
The humour that you will find through this book is a testament to Eva who took on this challenge with gusto and determination to succeed. The book reads like you are actually along with her and as I have climbed Kilimanjaro I felt I was again climbing the Mountain with her and the rest of the team.
Each chapter is a real gem of its own even the chapter on toilets, She-wee’s is a term I will not forget in a hurry. The author has also inserted throughout the book numerous historical facts about Kilimanjaro which makes the book more readable.
Considering how much preparation goes into this challenge the 7 days it takes to climb the mountain goes in a flash but at times it must have felt very different especially having to get up during the night to visit the Loo which is an ordeal in itself.
One real sad moment for me was reading about how Max fell ill during the later stages of the climb and had to be carried down the mountain. I felt for Eva at this stage knowing what must have been going through her mind at that point, ‘do I go on or go down with Max’ difficult decision.
It is a beautifully written book full of inspiration and makes me want to go back and climb the mountain again. Question for Eva is would you go back for another climb?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
December 20, 2014
In the normal course of existence I do not think about the things I do not think about. What should I have for lunch? Where did I leave my shoes? How many days until retirement? That's what I think about. If I were removed from my routine and thrust into an alien experience, where would my thoughts turn?
I would probably think a lot about bathrooms and drinking water. But I would also think about what it really means to be human.
Kilimanjaro Diaries chronicles just such a displacement. An average mother and homekeeper (if you can call a family of six who, in the course of their lives, had been transplanted from Singapore to North Carolina to Kansas to South Africa "average") takes on the challenge of scaling the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. And she does it in the company of her sixteen-year-old son. Thieme details her preparations leading up to the expedition, providing a handy guide to anyone considering an attempt on Kili. But she also paints an endearing portrait of a friendship and family bonding as she describes the day-by-day trek up the mountainside.
You'll enjoy Kilimanjaro Diaries at several levels, as I did. The pacing is good, and the author's use of language to describe the scenery, events, and personal interactions is memorable. If I had one criticism, it would be this: the book isn't sure if it's a travel guide or a personal journal. It can be both, of course, but I would like to have heard more about the bonding experience between the author and her son Max. I found those parts to be the most charming but too infrequent.
I would probably think a lot about bathrooms and drinking water. But I would also think about what it really means to be human.
Kilimanjaro Diaries chronicles just such a displacement. An average mother and homekeeper (if you can call a family of six who, in the course of their lives, had been transplanted from Singapore to North Carolina to Kansas to South Africa "average") takes on the challenge of scaling the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. And she does it in the company of her sixteen-year-old son. Thieme details her preparations leading up to the expedition, providing a handy guide to anyone considering an attempt on Kili. But she also paints an endearing portrait of a friendship and family bonding as she describes the day-by-day trek up the mountainside.
You'll enjoy Kilimanjaro Diaries at several levels, as I did. The pacing is good, and the author's use of language to describe the scenery, events, and personal interactions is memorable. If I had one criticism, it would be this: the book isn't sure if it's a travel guide or a personal journal. It can be both, of course, but I would like to have heard more about the bonding experience between the author and her son Max. I found those parts to be the most charming but too infrequent.
June 9, 2015
I was not expecting to like this book. I've never aspired to climb any mountain, such as Everest or Kilimanjaro. Not even to say I have. It's just not my thing.
However, another friend who is friends with the author lent me the book. She thought I'd really enjoy it. I read it to be nice to her but...
Then I found myself enchanted. Sine (I've since met the author and even played tennis with her and that's the name she goes by) writes so much like one of my other all-time favorite authors: Sarah Ban Breathnach.
I found myself LOLing, and even having one of those moments where you read something someone else wrote and thinking, "OMG! It's NOT just me! Someone else does it too!" (In this case it was when Sine was talking about how hard it is for her to make decisions and how she feels overwhelmed by choices too. DITTO!)
It was interesting to read her preparations for the hike and then doing the climb itself. No, it did not inspire me to change my opinions about adding such a feat to my bucket list, but it was more fun than I expected it'd be to accompany her through her words.
At the end, right before the Epilogue, she wrote: "If you can cry when things are wonderful, and laugh when they go wrong, you're pretty much on the right track in life." Loved this! Added it to my Quote Book.
I also loved the 20 things she learned that she included in her Epilogue.
As informative as it was entertaining. I love when a writer does this to me: not expecting to care for the book at all and end up becoming totally invested in it!
However, another friend who is friends with the author lent me the book. She thought I'd really enjoy it. I read it to be nice to her but...
Then I found myself enchanted. Sine (I've since met the author and even played tennis with her and that's the name she goes by) writes so much like one of my other all-time favorite authors: Sarah Ban Breathnach.
I found myself LOLing, and even having one of those moments where you read something someone else wrote and thinking, "OMG! It's NOT just me! Someone else does it too!" (In this case it was when Sine was talking about how hard it is for her to make decisions and how she feels overwhelmed by choices too. DITTO!)
It was interesting to read her preparations for the hike and then doing the climb itself. No, it did not inspire me to change my opinions about adding such a feat to my bucket list, but it was more fun than I expected it'd be to accompany her through her words.
At the end, right before the Epilogue, she wrote: "If you can cry when things are wonderful, and laugh when they go wrong, you're pretty much on the right track in life." Loved this! Added it to my Quote Book.
I also loved the 20 things she learned that she included in her Epilogue.
As informative as it was entertaining. I love when a writer does this to me: not expecting to care for the book at all and end up becoming totally invested in it!
June 20, 2015
A fairly engaging account of one woman's trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro, with few details of her travails spared. Got this, along with seemingly a zillion other Kili, Tanzania, Africa, etc. books, via a gracious care package from my aunt since I decided I was going ape shit, smashing my piggy bank, and doing a 16-day Africa adventure this summer before starting my new job. Mt. Kilimanjaro is first on my itinerary, so I'm making it a priority over the next month to do a fair amount of reading on the topic and put some other reads in queue on hold. Much of the "need to know" Kili prep is just a Google page or two load away, but the author does offer some notable pointers for the soon-to-be adventurer. There's a lot of talk about shit and shitting and simply feeling shitty for six days as your body adjusts to significant altitude changes over 6 days. While I don't think I needed any motivation from somebody else to attempt to summit Kili, the author does articulate just how rewarding, life-changing, and formative this experience was for her. Decent read, and it just reaffirms my philosophy going into this: someone's gonna have to prevent me from reaching the top of Kili either with a gun to my head, or by airlifting me out on a stretcher or in body bag.
Now I have a month to learn some basic Swahili.
Now I have a month to learn some basic Swahili.
July 1, 2015
I enjoyed reading this Memoir - it made a change of 'type' for me and I found it 'encouraging' - How to climb a huge mountain Kilimanjaro no less ! Wow I take my hat off to the Author (& all the other folk who have done this & to the Guides) - …To do it with little preparation in a pair of hiking boots that you've not even worn-in yet - you get the picture - But, climb-it & summit the Author did… It's a good read - written in a no-nonsense way (which I like) - I did find myself gasping on occasions and laughing on others - I loved the way the Author undertook this 'challenge' with her Son Max. The Author is left with mixed emotions back at base when the decent is made which I believe is understandable after such an achievement... It's literally like being on a 'high' followed by a 'low'. I enjoyed 'meeting' Godlisten (Gody) the lead Guide who looked after the group & lifted their spirits when necessary with song ;o) Reading the points toward the end of this Memoir was interesting too - I really liked No.19 ! .... Good stuff and I shall look forward to reading more by this Author.
June 8, 2015
I'm a bit of a fan of adventure treks and mountain climb memoirs to put it very mildly, so this book appealed on many levels. The author decides, almost on the spur of the moment to climb Mount Kilamanjaro along with her teenage son plus a few friends and is happy to leave most of the trip pre-planning to them, but does prepare sensibly by buying a good pair of walking boots and wears them in prior to the climb. The feminine issue of using the toilet up a mountain and the contemplated purchase of various gadgets made me laugh out loud at times, but the problem was solved by the porter with a toilet tent who accompanied them on the trek. The book is very well written in a humerous and honest way with little snippets of historical information about the mountain, it's routes and famous climbers. The climb itself by the author, her son and the rest of the party is told in such a way that I felt as if I was there with them and kept me reading until the end. I hope to read more from this author.
April 12, 2016
Aside from the potty obsession, which reviewers here and on Amazon have pointed out, Thieme's account of preparing for and then climbing Kilimanjaro was both funny and informative. In addition to her own experiences, she fills out the account with a bit of history and some advice on planning and preparation. I liked the book's organization, through the planning period and then the day-by-day trek. While her humour shone throughout the book, she also gave a vivid account of the difficulties of undertaking such a journey and the challenges and pleasures of making it with a teenaged son.
What made the book stand out for me was the last part of the book, which I won't detail because it would be a spoiler. But it brought a depth to the book that made me appreciate it as more than a wry account of a challenging trek.
What made the book stand out for me was the last part of the book, which I won't detail because it would be a spoiler. But it brought a depth to the book that made me appreciate it as more than a wry account of a challenging trek.
October 11, 2017
As someone who also never envisioned herself wanting to climb a mountain (ever), I can’t say enough how much I related to this story.
My fiancé and I have decided to go to Tanzania for our honeymoon in 2018, and attempt to climb Kili while we are there. He has already climbed Kili once before, a decade ago, and he speaks of it with such incredible emotion and intensity that he managed to convince me I could too experience this and hopefully reach the summit.
I came across Kilimanjaro Diaries and absolutely ate up every word. Eva had me laughing out loud many times, and a minute later I’d be crying as she poignantly described the intense mix of emotions throughout the experience and, most of all, the feeling of extraordinary accomplishment. After reading this, I am even more obsessed with this upcoming adventure in my life!
Highly recommend and thank you, Eva!!
My fiancé and I have decided to go to Tanzania for our honeymoon in 2018, and attempt to climb Kili while we are there. He has already climbed Kili once before, a decade ago, and he speaks of it with such incredible emotion and intensity that he managed to convince me I could too experience this and hopefully reach the summit.
I came across Kilimanjaro Diaries and absolutely ate up every word. Eva had me laughing out loud many times, and a minute later I’d be crying as she poignantly described the intense mix of emotions throughout the experience and, most of all, the feeling of extraordinary accomplishment. After reading this, I am even more obsessed with this upcoming adventure in my life!
Highly recommend and thank you, Eva!!
July 10, 2018
This was the first travel book I had ever read and was so excited to dig into it. I loved the beginning as it was leading up to the kili climb however when I got to the kili climb , I was expecting much more adventure.
The characters were lovely and if it were me I would've loved to meet them. I thoroughly enjoyed that she talked about the small things that matter when you're on an adventure like the food , toilets , water. It brought the whole story into a more realistic perspective.
I managed to get to the end and really loved going on the Kilimanjaro climb together with her and put it onto my bucket list to do sometime with someone so thank you for introducing me to new adventure Eva
The characters were lovely and if it were me I would've loved to meet them. I thoroughly enjoyed that she talked about the small things that matter when you're on an adventure like the food , toilets , water. It brought the whole story into a more realistic perspective.
I managed to get to the end and really loved going on the Kilimanjaro climb together with her and put it onto my bucket list to do sometime with someone so thank you for introducing me to new adventure Eva
September 29, 2015
7 months leads to a 7 day climax
What a wonderful memoir.
We follow Eva through her preparations for this daunting challenge before involving ourselves in the nitty-gritty of the actual climb.
I felt everything of that climb (and descent) with her and 16 year old son Max, along with the other members of her group, the fantastic guides, the incredible porters and a lot of other adventurers on Kilimanjaro during those 7 days.
An inspiration and an eye-opener.
What a wonderful memoir.
We follow Eva through her preparations for this daunting challenge before involving ourselves in the nitty-gritty of the actual climb.
I felt everything of that climb (and descent) with her and 16 year old son Max, along with the other members of her group, the fantastic guides, the incredible porters and a lot of other adventurers on Kilimanjaro during those 7 days.
An inspiration and an eye-opener.
July 5, 2015
This was a quick, quirky and fun read about a mother of four climbing Kilimanjaro w her 16yo son.
As we're headed for nearly a month in Africa this August, this especially hit the spot, tho we'll be a bazillion miles away from the mountain. We'll be in Botswanal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, plus Joburg, where the author lives for 3-4 years.
Oddly, she's now living just a few miles from where I went to elementary school in eastern Kansas.
Life....serendipity...
As we're headed for nearly a month in Africa this August, this especially hit the spot, tho we'll be a bazillion miles away from the mountain. We'll be in Botswanal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, plus Joburg, where the author lives for 3-4 years.
Oddly, she's now living just a few miles from where I went to elementary school in eastern Kansas.
Life....serendipity...
July 29, 2015
Loved reading this especially as I love books about hiking or mountain climbing. This made me laugh and at times feel sad, a very enjoyable read. It's very inspiring and makes you want to go there and attempt To climb Kilimanjaro too. There's some history thrown in with her description of her climb which I found interesting. Well done to the author, her friends and especially the guides and porters who helped make her trek the adventure it was.
March 13, 2020
I feel like I now need to climb Kilimanjaro!
Yes, they hiked with porters. Yes, it wasn't as roughing it as some would prefer. But she still hiked Kilimanjaro. She got to share the trip with her son and her friends, and she tells the story as if you are having a face to face conversation. I like that. She has a great sense of humour and brought the hike alive. I feel like I could hike Kili myself. A great read all around!
Yes, they hiked with porters. Yes, it wasn't as roughing it as some would prefer. But she still hiked Kilimanjaro. She got to share the trip with her son and her friends, and she tells the story as if you are having a face to face conversation. I like that. She has a great sense of humour and brought the hike alive. I feel like I could hike Kili myself. A great read all around!
May 28, 2016
I felt like I had climbed Kilimanjaro in the comfort of my own home!
For anyone thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro then this is a must read. Eva takes you on a exciting and thrilling adventure describing day by day first hand experience of reaching the summit. An enjoyable and easy to read book that will have you experience every emotion endured by Eva and her fellow group hikers climbing Kilimanjaro.
For anyone thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro then this is a must read. Eva takes you on a exciting and thrilling adventure describing day by day first hand experience of reaching the summit. An enjoyable and easy to read book that will have you experience every emotion endured by Eva and her fellow group hikers climbing Kilimanjaro.
May 1, 2017
I read this book after climbing Mount Kili and it was the best! Reading it after hiking for the week helped me reminisce and happily remember the challenge I had completed, and the ridiculous toilet humour we somehow always got back around to. Full of laughter and insightful anecdotes, this is a great read. I would recommend to read it before, during, or even after the climb - either way you'll have an appreciation for the author's take and your own experience.
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