So here I am, approximately 2500 metres up Kilimanjaro, with a guide on my left and another on my right. Aklilu has gone on up the mountain with about 10 runners, the flags and the World Harmony Run Torch. Here all is peaceful, serene, and very green. I quite clearly hear the gushing sounds, and see the crystal clear springs as they meander their way through the damp ground and stony trails. Here I am, surrounded by forests and foliages, and the merry chirping of the birds. The sweat pouring of me from my climbing run, and the serenity of the mountain, forces me to pause and to reflect on what has been achieved so far.

We travelled across the Namanga border from Nairobi to Arusha, where we arrived at dusk on the 16th November 2006. Frank Marcha, Deputy Director of Sports, assisted us with our programme. Our event began on the 17th with a courtesy call on the Hon Col Samwel Ndomba, regional commissioner of Arusha (governor). He most kindly held our Torch, and said a few words in support of the World Harmony Run. Some courtesy pictures were taken, and we afterwards visited Ms Mercy Rwezaura, Head of Arusha Sports Centre.

Our official programme began on Saturday 18th November, outside of the Regional Commisioner's office. There we were ably assisted by members of the paralympic committee on racing wheelchairs,as well as athletes and well-wishers. The Torch was lit by the District commissioner of Arusha Hon Capt Evans Baloma. From there we ran to the uplifting chants of the crowd, pass the Azimio monument, where the Declaration of Non-alignment was observed. We finished at Sheik Amic Abeid Stadium.

There we were welcomed by the Rt Hon Muhammed Seif Khatib (MP), Minister for Information, Culture and Sports. He held the Torch which was afterwards put into a stand specially designed for it. We held a ceremony also attended by the Press and various dignitaries, and finally made a presentation, offering our gifts and certificates, and concluded our ceremony.

So I am back at the mountain, I have caught up with Aklilu and friends of the Run. We hold an interview with Rogath Ephrem Mtuy - record holder of one section of the Kilimanjaro climb - he ran up and down in 14 hours, using the coca cola route. We afterwards proceeded down the mountain with great gusto and speed in order to catch our bus to Nairobi at 4pm. At the base of the mountain we took some more snapshots, and afterwards drove to Arusha where we visited the historical monument for the Declaration of Non-alignment. Afterwards we made our way to the bus station and on to Nairobi.

At this point I should point out that the Tanzanian people and officials liked us very much and invited us back for their official International Sports Day September 21st, 2007. They also expressed their desire and hope for us to meet their President.

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