The mountain

The mountain

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Photo's and all


Back on Top

Ok. This Blog is Late and we apologize for the lateness of it. Turns out we could not get any signal or Sat Phone or Internet Access(even on top of Europe!)

We Summitted Successfully on the 23rd of July at 2:15pm(Rus. Time). The ascent left us exhausted and everything bacame like a dream, just one foot infront of the other. We trekked for 19 hours in total on summit day through some beautiful calm weather, and some of the coldest, wettest weather imaginable. We saw breath taking sunrises and sunsets and waded through waist deep powder- and ALL of this happened in one day!
We saw some of the most amazing, isolated views and landscapes in the world, However even where theres barely any civilisation theres stil TRASH AND POLLUTION. We have discussed this and we have set plans to do our part in setting up a program to help the environment (we will keep you up to date)

There are more than a 1000 photo's and we'll be posting many on the blog and Facebook.
Back in the Hostel tonight, we fly home tomorrow, what a great adventure!!

Thanks to you Guys for following and watch out for our next crazy expedition in the near future- don't stop checking the blog!!

Caio
KJ

Thursday 15 July 2010

Count Down to Take Off

hello

Take off is just around the corner. Right now we're focusing on the climb. We're packing and separating our kit among the two of us.

Yesterday we met up with Katerina who showed us some more of Moscow! We saw the houses of Parliament and a awesome ancient chocolate factory. Our new (once again) beautiful local guide showed us a spectacular sculpture that shows the twelve evils that children of today are exposed to. The day ended with a magnificent sun set over the memorial of Russia's victory in the Great War of 1945. It was a touching tribute to the solder's in WW2, symbols like a constant burning flame and flowers which are placed at the base every day.

For now, we will be mentally preparing ourselves and seeing how much heavy gear we can wear on the plane without looking suspicious.
Yours faithfully
K&J

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Photos of Moscow



Exploring the Urban Wilderness of Moscow!

12th July 2010- the day after Netherlands lost(shame)

Sorry about the lateness of this blog
We have only been getting home at around 11:45 each night.
Been to the Centre of Moscow and went adventuring with a 19 year old local(Elena) who was happy to show us around.

In Moscow we were blown over the minute we left the metro, Red Square and every historical sight was in full view! the change in scenery and atmosphere from where we've been staying makes you feel like a totally different person(as you'll see in the photos). We walked around the city for hours and covered a least 15km's.

We had a near catastrophe last night when Josh opened the door to a ... USSR ... wait for it... Policeman (secret one's nogal). Not knowing a single word of Russian, Josh did what the Majority of South Africans would do, CLOSE THE DOOR! when that didn't work he ran into the kitchen and hid in the corner. Kai in the meantime had gone to the corner shop, his return was planned very inconveniently. When entering to a apartment/illegal hostel swarming with policeman, his return was very brief indeed. The corner shop did not expect him back so soon.

Our beautiful 19 year old Russian Guide took us to a museum where Kai Enjoyed the History and Sculpture some of the worlds best artists had to offer, some dating back to Before Christ himself. Josh kept the Guide company for as long as he could bear it, then retreating to the safety of the benches(bench-warmer) as the Museum got the better of him.

Moscow(centre) has a beauty and atmosphere about it which neither of us have ever seen before.

For now
Thanks for stopping by
K&J

Saturday 10 July 2010

Moscow, Russia, Day one, Culture Shock


Day 1, We met in Moscow Airport Sheremetyevo. 10th July 2010

Surprisingly enough, we found each other with no terminal number and no flight number. We caught a train through to the middle of Moscow, got lost (a couple of times). The people of Moscow were generally very friendly. A young couple helped us find our way to the underground and even paid for our underground train journey!! From there on it was map navigation... and asking Moscow woman directions :)

It was a real culture shock though, hardly any people speak english and it is a shock to see the living conditions that some people have to survive in. Kai and I have it good, we have really friendly hostel mates that love to help you out.

We anticipate a good connection to the outside world until the 15th. Will post up lots of photo's, for now, check out the photo above, (that sums it up pretty well).
supper tonight was 2 packets of 2 minute noodles with cheese each.

More photo's to come.

Caio

Friday 9 July 2010

Today for Kai, Tomorrow for me.

Today Kai starts his journey from Capetown International Airport. He leaves this evening for Moscow and will finally arrive in Moscow Airport tomorrow afternoon after a long flight.Once there he will go through customs and hopefully meet me on the otherside.

My flight leaves tomorrow morning from Heathrow Terminal 4, an early start for me getting up at 4:30 to make sure all goes well and that I get on the flight in time.

For now I have to repack my bag to make sure I have everything I could possibly need and that the bag is under 20 kilos.

Will keep you guys posted,

Caio