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Marleen Relling
Marleen Relling

Marleen Relling

traveled in 9 countries Read more🇩🇪Hamburg
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  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Baby cheetah and his Mom (Gepard)
    2Baby cheetah1CheetahLioness passing my car windowThree of the Big Five: Sleeping lion kingLionessFour of the Big Five: LeopardLeopardLeopard eating lunch on top of his tree4The lion king

    Day 18: Kings and Queens of the bush

    February 19, 2019 in Kenya ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    As promised ... here is a collection of cat pics: Lions, leopards and cheetahs 🐆🦁

    They are beautiful and we were able to watch them for quite a long time! All of them are quite rare to see - so this was really amazing. You know how much I love animals ... so you can imagine how happy I was on a day like this 💛

    @Wiebke: Definitely get this camera for your SA trip 😉 all these pictures have been taken from quite far away and they turned out nicely ... even better than with my “Spiegelreflex” 👌    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Sunrise at Masai Mara
    StorksOne of the Big Five: BuffaloHappy HippoThese colors ...Two of the Big Five: ElephantHyenaGiraffe1Hello from meElephant Mom and Baby

    Day 18: Masai Mara

    February 19, 2019 in Kenya ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The second day was all about safari. Starting at 6am we went on a full day game drive 🐆🦒🐵🦁 And we have seen so many beautiful animals ... I will make two posts about this, one with mixed pics and one just about the cats (the kings and queens of the bush)!

    The best thing is: Most animals have babies now... so we were able to see lots of little ones.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Beautiful Kenyan landscape on the road
    Cute, huh?THAT sky ... it is so beautifulOur tent for the next 2 days1Meeting the Masai peopleZebraWaiting for the lioness to hunt1Seeing a lion at day 1 alreadyThe campThe East Africa gang

    Day 17: Nairobi to Masai Mara

    February 18, 2019 in Kenya ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    At around 7am I started my East Africa journey with Nomad adventure: Today we drove from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

    Also, I have met the group for the first time (8 people in total) - great and fun people (30-77 years old) ✌️💃🏼 I have included a group picture below.

    Once we have arrived at Masai Mara, we visited a Masai village where the local people showed us how they live, dance, make fire etc. Afterward we went for a first game drive (Safari) in the national park 🦒🐆🐵🦁    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    The vehicle taking me through Kenia and Uganda
    1Its a self-made borading pass with 0 relevant information (flight #, gate, seat, airline) 😂

    Day 16: New beginnings

    February 17, 2019 in Kenya ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪I have arrived safely in Kenia 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

    Although I wasn’t sure I would make it. Zanzibar has a very confusing airport ... chances of missing your flight due to missing signs, info tables, staff, unclear announcements are about 50% I would say. Just have a look at my boarding pass 😂

    But I’m here now and will depart with the group tomorrow morning at 6.30 am. It is very likely that I will be off for a few days due to lack of internet ... so no worries 😉    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    The hotel
    The hotel1Grandma would love these flowersJust outside the hotelJust outside the hotelJust outside the hotelJust outside the hotelThe animals they eat run free ... much better than at homeDonkey at the beach ... you know how much I love donkeys

    Day 15: Time to say goodbye

    February 16, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Well, that’s it, today is my last day in paradise and also my last day in Tanzania - for now! Because I will come back in March.

    I spent my last day at the beach, in the pool and outside of the hotel exploring the surroundings a bit ... see for yourself but to me it was quite shocking that I can stay at this beautiful resort and just behind its walls there is people living ... uhm ... differently.

    Tanzania is a beautiful country. But it’s poor. It needs help. It deserves so much help because the people here are extremely friendly, they live in peace. So I’m already thinking about what I can do ...    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Using the "lipstick" fruit
    PepperMuscatPinapple ... did you know they grow like this?!I look like an idiot ... but the guides had funLocal board gameA place for public discussions, intl. calls and TVThe harborOne of the few local churches1Typical door in Stone Town (Arab style)

    Day 14: Island explorer

    February 15, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Today I visited a local spice farm (please look at the pineapple... did you know this is what a pineapple plant looks like?! 🍍) and Stone Town, the capital of this island 🌴

    It was a nice trip but I feel so ready for being part of a group now. Activities like these are so much more fun if you can share them with others. Although ... I was never alone (as usual), I was always with a local guy ... and in Stone Town he taught me how to play a local game (loved it) 💛Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Crystal clear
    Our boatRight before the islandBeautiful beachParadise

    Day 13: Finding Nemo

    February 14, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    So as promised yesterday, today was the day I actually left the hotel compound for the first time 😱

    Still feeling awful from the cold and with a bad stomach ache, but I needed to get out. So snorkeling was today’s activity: On Mnemba island 🌴🐬🐠🐡🧜‍♀️ (Private island owned by Bill Gates ... you cannot set foot on this island without being fined 600 USD; if you want to enter legally, you have to stay at the island’s resort ... about 2,000 USD per night ... maybe next time 🤷🏼‍♀️)

    It was fun. But now I look like a lobster from top to bottom 🦞😱🦞😱🦞

    There are more pictures to come ... I just need to wait until I get them from the other tourists with the under water GoPro.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Still alive 👌
    BirdieAnother oneLow tide ...best feeling with bare feet in the sandThey ride bikes and motorcycles at the beach2Happy day, happy faceSurroundings, love the colorsNothing but the beachMassage palorOne of these days I will take a nap in there

    Day 12: 33 degrees and I have a cold

    February 13, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Really can you believe it? It’s hot, so hot and I have to stay in bed to survive a cold 🤧

    Anyways ... I will be fine - as always 💪

    But being with a cold, I have decided “that’s it”. No more relaxation. Apparently too much rest weakens my body 😉

    So I have booked some trips for the remaining three days. I will keep you posted.

    As I have not done anything special today (not even read), here are just some random photos I took during the day.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    1Look at these colors ... absolutely beautiful
    Very active little girlCouple walking the beachTHE COLORSMassai men1And me ... just so you don't forget what I look like

    Day 11: Nothing but rest and relaxation

    February 12, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    So far so good. I’ve managed quite a few days now without doing anything but hang at the beach. The result: I have finished reading one of two books (The Mastery of Love, a MUST READ) and I have red skin 🦞🦀

    The book I have mentioned is about the mastery of self-love and so there is also a chapter about beauty, saying that basically we are all beautiful (because we are LIFE); it’s just our culture and society that have programmed us to judge what is beautiful and what is not.

    Some food for thought. But I fully agree. Trust me, you will too if you think about it for a few minutes (really, read the book). The African people for example, have a completely different perception about what is beautiful than we do, so do Asians etc.

    So today I will share some people pictures with you.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Local Muslim women
    Local Muslim manLocal boys enjoying the beachMassai man - they are here to sell local craftsLocal fishermen

    Day 10: A culture of peace and happiness

    February 11, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Sorry for the late post...I’ve been busy doing nothing 🤷🏼‍♀️ 🌴🐬😎

    You know what I love about this country? The Hakuna Matata attitude (Swahili, means „no worries“ - so no it’s not just a thing invented by Disney’s Lion King). Everyone seems to be relaxed and happy.

    The best example of this is the many different tribes and religions living peacefully together in this county. Tanzania is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups and while approximately 60% of the population is Christian, there are also 35% of people following the Muslim belief (in Zanzibar it’s even more than 90%). And guess what, no war. No fights. No hate. 🙏💛

    I find this fascinating. This is not exactly a rich country measured per GDP, but still the people living here manage to set an example for the world 👍✌️

    One of the drivers I had told me that his dad is Muslim and his mom is Christian. On Sunday each of them attends a different service and the kids can chose whom to accompany until they are old enough to decide which faith to follow. I think this is fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. And I wish the rest of the world would do a better job in accepting people’s differences.

    Okay so this day was a “critical about society” day ... having nothing to do but think, these are the thoughts running through my head 😂

    PS: Simba is also Swahili language and means „Lion“...Disney apparently did a good research for their movie 🦁👌    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Hotel pool
    View from the hotelMasai walking down the beachLook at this colorLocal boys hanging outView from the hotelCuties having a good timeThe beachNothing but beach

    Day 9: Off to Zanzibar

    February 10, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

    The Kilimandscharo chapter is finished now and it’s time to start off to a new one: Me time on Zanzibar 🌴🐬🧜🏻‍♀️

    I am staying at this beautiful place called „Zanzibar Retreat Hotel“ 🌴 - it is right at the beach (Matemwe).

    I seriously have never seen a beach this beautiful. Not even Thailand or Mauritius can beat this beauty! The water is turquoise everywhere, warm like a bathtub and the sand ... oh my ... the sand is as soft as the flour we use at home for baking (no kidding).

    So a week of relax and chill? Actually yes, but it’s going to be a challenge. You know how I need stuff to do. On top of that I’m all by myself surrounded by couples, honeymooners and small groups of girlfriends ... but when the waiter asks for my order at dinner time my answer shall be “yes, just me” ... and I shall feel great about it every day 💛

    This week’s challenge: Be happy all by yourself, alone yet never lonely 🙏🥰👩🏼💛 - without having anything to do (believe me, this is a tough one) 😱😬    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Local dish - you use only your bare hands to eat it
    My vegetarian alternative2Caro, a beautiful and smart business woman I was lucky to get to knowMe and Gaston at a local barMe on the DaladalaDaladala from the outsideCheers......to thatLocal bar, local beerGood vibes at 3pm

    Day 8: There is a Mzungu in town

    February 9, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    After a wonderful night in my soft, warm and huge bed, I feel rested and ready for another mini adventure 🦸🏼‍♀️

    Today I went out to town with Gaston meeting some of his friends and enjoying some local stuff: Good Tanzanian cuisine, quick stop at the local market and finally some bars and local beer 🍺 💃🏼 Plus (and this was my favorite): A ride on the Daladala - this is a mini bus which stops wherever you want, picking up as many people as possible (possible means more than the bus is designed to carry) 🚎😂

    Again, I have experienced nothing but kindness from the local people - so many new friends in a country far away from home 🇹🇿💛

    PS: Mzungu is the Swahili term used for white people 👩‍🦳    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    The boys and me
    Packing upDavid, the chef, and his "kitchen"The boys after a long and tough dayDinner timeThe boys waiting for me at Baranco wallMajaliwa and me at Mweka GateThe man who made it all possible - GastonMy reward from the hotel staff

    Day 7: Thank you to the ppl of Tanzania

    February 8, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    Before I start the next day, I would like to tell you a bit about the people of this beautiful country, Tanzania 🇹🇿

    This adventure would have not been possible if it wasn’t for Gaston (my Kili guide) and his wonderful team of porters and chefs (eight men in total).

    They have been so very kind and helpful to me throughout the entire trip 🙏

    All the time other tourists kept asking me whether I am climbing all alone and whether I would like to join their group. But I was never alone. I was always with nine great men.

    Their jobs are tough, the porters carry about 20kg when climbing the mountain and they have to be at camp before the tourists - wearing gear that is not exactly suitable for climbing one of the seven summits.

    Nevertheless, the guys always invited me to their tent for the meals, treated me with friendliness and respect, taught me some Swahili and about their life and culture.

    I have found something very valuable in the past few days: New friends and new perspectives on life 🙏

    And then at the hotel, the entire staff would surprise me at dinner with a local song and some cake 🍰 ... I couldn’t help but cry ... all in all a very emotional day 🙏

    I fell in love with this country, it’s scenery and it’s people 🇹🇿💛    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    High Camp
    Kibo in all its beautyBack to the jungleGrand Finale

    Day 7: Is day 6 at the Kili adventure

    February 8, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Time to go home! All I want is to take those shoes off, sleep in a proper bed, wash my clothes and enjoy a hot shower.

    After reaching Uhuru Peak, we had to walk all the way back. About 4 hours of walking downhill back to Barafu Camp. And after a hot lunch, we also had to walk downhill to High Camp (3,950m) - leaving the high altitude. So yesterday was tough 💪🦸🏼‍♀️!

    But today we finished the Kili adventure. 6 more hours of hiking downhill and we arrived at Mweka Gate (1,640m) - the finishing line of Machame Route.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Me at the top
    Solid iceUhuru PeakMe and GastonI did it

    Day 6: Is day 5 for the Kili adventure

    February 7, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Now, what do you think? Did I reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)? The roof of Africa? One of the world’s seven summits?

    Of course I did 🙏🏃‍♀️🗻💪✌️🏔

    I am proud. Proud of this strong body 🏃‍♀️. Proud of me doing this all by myself 👸🏼. Proud of fulfilling this dream of mine ✨. Proud of my mental strength 💪. Proud of my willingness to never give up ✌️. Proud of doing something I never thought I would be able to do 🦸🏼‍♀️.

    Will I do it again? Probably not. This has been very, very hard. It was one of the toughest things I have ever done. And this adventure was never meant to be the first of many more climbing adventures (Mount Everest is not next 😉). This was about a dream I had when I was a teenager and fulfilling this dream without waiting for anybody else to come along helping me fulfilling this dream.

    Today’s lesson: I can achieve everything I want and I am enough 🙏✨    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Sunrise, sunrise
    Looks like morning in your eyesSunrise, sunriseCouldn't temp us if it triedNora Jones was on my mind the whole time ... look at this beautySunrise, sunriseSnow everywhereMe reaching Stella Point

    Day 6: Is day 5 for the Kili adventure

    February 7, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Ume lalaje?
    (Swahili, means “how did you sleep?”)

    Well, to be honest, not at all 🧟‍♀️ I’m scared of the altitude, scared of not making it to the top 😬 (by the way, just the day before someone was picked up with a helicopter due to severe height sickness).

    But today is the big day: Summit day🗻 (yes, one day earlier than initially planned 💪🏃‍♀️). At 2am Gaston and I start climbing - it is freezing cold, even with 5 layers of clothing. Gaston carries my daypack due to the pain in my neck ... I don’t know how he did it... but he did, without complaining even once.

    This climb is pretty tough. Mostly solid rocks and 7 hours of walking up (no plateau in between). Physically and mentally I am definitely at the edge ... next to aching muscles, a sore neck, headache, no sleep and freezing like crazy, I can now feel the height. I have to vomit 🤢. My body refuses any food and I panicked 😱

    But again it is due to Gaston that I keep going. Coca Cola brought my energy levels back to normal and every time I started to cry (😢 - I don’t actually know why I cried), Gaston motivated me to keep going (“you are so strong”, “everyone is feeling like you”, “you can do this”).

    And then in the early morning, we have reached Stella Point 😱🙏(5,756m - this is not the top, just a milestone)!

    Please have a look at that sunrise ... it truly is the most beautiful I have seen ☀️    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    2Mountain beauties
    Mountain beautiesMountain beautiesBaranco wallFinally at the top of the wallKibo always in sight1Karanga CampOn my way to campToday's "home" - Barafu Camp

    Day 5: Is day 4 for the Kili adventure

    February 6, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Again, why do people say Kilimandscharo does not involve any climbing? Today started off with climbing (!) Baranco wall 🗻🦸🏼‍♀️🥾. This was hard, especially if you are afraid of heights 😱 But due to Gaston I made it (he is very good at motivating people).

    I was so relieved when I reached the top and enjoyed a wonderful view.

    Next stop: Karanga Camp (3,995m) for lunch, then Barafu Camp (4,673m) for rest.    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Sunrise, sunrise ...
    Kibo at sunriseShira Cave Camp in the morningMe and Gaston walking through the desertNothing but rocksLava Tower CampThat's Lava TowerHiking upAnd finally at Camp

    Day 4: Is day 3 for the Kili adventure

    February 5, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    Luckily today started off much easier as yesterday - no climbing, proper hiking 🗻🏃‍♀️. Today is THE day showing how my body handles the altitude: Climb high (Lava Tower Camp 4,600m), sleep low (Baranco Camp 3,900m).

    I’m actually feeling quite alright. A little bit of a headache and a sore neck from carrying the daypack. But once we have passed Lava Tower, I feel much better... and I am wondering whether I could actually do this in 6 rather than 7 days 🧐💪

    Gaston keeps saying: Pole, pole (Swahili, means “slow down”) and asks me why I’m always in a rush. Some food for thought.
    So today’s learning: Slow down, live in the moment 🙏

    In the evening I had my first doubts that I will actually make it to the top: Nightmares keeping me awake (90% had to do with me dying 😱), serious headache, low appetite and a bit dizziness 🤪🥺🤕

    But let’s see ...    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    White neck eagle ... its everywhere up there
    Climbing, no?Climbing, no?It was quite steep... no proper path for walkingBut here is my reward: Standing on top of the jungleAmazing view across the jungle we are leaving behindIt was breathtakingAnd finally ... arrived at Shira Cave camp

    Day 3: Is day 2 for the Kili adventure

    February 4, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    At around noon and after 4.5 hours of climbing (yes, climbing, not hiking...why do people say that Kilimandscharo is just a hike?! 🗻), we reached Shira Cave Camp (3,750m).

    You cannot imagine how it feels to arrive at camp 🏕🏔. It’s the biggest relieve - and all you can think about is taking off those shoes, food and a well-deserved nap.
    We had an amazing lunch: Home-made french fries, tomato soup, fresh carrots and beans and for desert bananas with custard🍌🥕🍅🍟.

    On the photos you can see the camp 🏕. It really looks and feels like an expedition. It feels amazing to be part of something like this.

    By the way: You know what I am grateful for today? Running warm water and flushing toilets 💩💦!!! No toilets during the walks and at camp toilets that are basically just a hole in the ground (no flush and no one to clean that hole either). This was definitely the biggest challenge during the whole trip. So guess what, every time I managed to pee etc. I felt like Wonder Woman: Proud of myself, strong and free 💪👸🏼🦸🏼‍♀️

    In the afternoon I went for a walk with my guide (whose name is Gaston, by the way) and afterwards for dinner with the team. We started talking (previously everyone was a bit shy ☺️) ... I want to keep all of our conversations confidential ... but let me just say this: We need to be grateful for what we have and not feel sorry about what we do not have 🙏💛

    Lala Salama (Swahili, means “good night”)    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    1Morning beauty - Kibo!
    1This is what a camp looks like ... like a campMy private chef and his cooking supplies (he is amazing!!!)It's a big camp; everyone climbing via Machame route makes a stop hereMy "room"My "room"1#nomakeup #nowash

    Day 3: Is day 2 for the Kili adventure

    February 4, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Habari za asubuhi!
    (Swahili, means “good morning”)

    I have survived my first night at Kilimandscharo in a tent 💪🏕🏔. It’s a challenge, believe me: Cold, hard floor and loud people who apparently want to make this hike without any sleep 🤷‍♀️. But all in all I’m still grateful for 5 hours of sleep 🙏.

    The hardest part is the night at this stage and the thin air. I woke up several times coughing, feeling that I can’t breathe. To be honest, I was actually anxious and wanted to quit...But this morning it was all gone. And I’m not a quitter ... not yet 💪🏃‍♀️!

    So after a fabulous breakfast with Nutella, porridge and omelette, we start our journey to the next camp: Shira Cave Camp!    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    Looks like a walk in the park
    Beautiful jungle2#nomakeupFirst milestone: CheckOnly to be found at KilimandscharoGrateful for the trees as they provide shade

    Day 2: Is day 1 for the Kili adventure

    February 3, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We took off at noon (Machame Gate 1,800m) and arrived at the first camp (Machame Camp 2,835m) right before 6pm - 6 hours of walking through the jungle 🌿🌱🍃. Now all the walks to work and my Alster training with all of my friends really pay off 💪🏃‍♀️ I did well until 5pm... then I got really tired and could feel pain in my legs and feet.

    But I made it! And I’m proud, because so far I’m doing great. And this body of mine really deserves a big applause - 7 vaccine shots and lots of training in January plus lots of stress, but not the slightest sign of feeling weak, falling down the stairs at Tchibo one day before take-off leaving nothing but a bruise, and now climbing this mountain with no problem adjusting to heights (so far), at a good pace and with nothing but aching feet (which is normal) 💪🏃‍♀️.

    Today’s lesson: Love and appreciate your body for what it is (i.e., healthy, strong, beautiful) and don’t shame it for what it’s not (i.e., Victoria’s Secret model 😉)

    PS: My team prepared the most delicious food tonight 🥑🥒🥔 and I have been lucky to see the most amazing sky full of stars (really, I have never seen anything like this before 💫✨⭐️).

    All in all a perfect day to be grateful for 🙏

    Asante sana!
    (Swahili, means “thanks very much”)    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    The gate to Machame route
    Me and the boysYou find one of these at every campThis one stole peoples' bananas

    Day 2: Is day 1 for the Kili adventure

    February 3, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Mambo! (Swahili, means “Hi”)

    This is the big day I have been waiting for, for a very long time: I start hiking up Kilimandscharo 🗻🏃‍♀️💪. See for yourself how beautiful it is.

    You cannot believe how excited I am ... and the funny thing is: I will be all by myself - with nine local men, I feel beyond special✌️☺️👸🏼

    We are going to climb via Machame Route starting at around noon 🏃‍♀️🗻💪.

    PS: No internet on Kilimandscharo, that’s why I share this with you just now. But stay tuned and see whether I made it to the top...    Read more

  • Marleen RellingTrans Africa 2019Traveler
    1
    2

    Day 1: The day before the big hike

    February 2, 2019 in Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Jambo! Jambo! (Swahili, means “hello”)

    Last night I have arrived at my final destination for the next few days: Kilimandscharo.

    And this morning I got very lucky and was able to see a little tiny bit of the top 😱

    I am super excited about this hike starting tomorrow morning. Let’s see if all the training, preparations and investment in professional equipment will pay off. Keep fingers crossed I will make it to the top ✌️🗻🏃‍♀️    Read more

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