The Porter

[GB1]

One of the many porters carrying gear up Kilimanjaro during my recent climb. Of a team of 14 climbing, there was 49 porters, cooks and guides accompanying us. I was struck by the toughness of the porters, most of who carry about 50-75 lbs and shoot past the climbing team to arrive at the campsites and have the entire camp set up before you get there. I was also surprised on the haphazardness of the way they carry stuff: I expected them to have it more down to a science, but it was just ragtag - stuff flung over on their backs and on top of their heads, dangling from ropes, etc.

Most seem to have mixed feelings on being photographed - the thought that photographs 'steal one's soul' seems to be alive in Tanzania, though most are OK with it (I had a few exceptions and one near ugly confrontation in a market...).

C&C appreciated.

G