Love this. We sang it loudly in June 2022 in our trip. Can't believe it was over a year ago. Life changing, emotional and set me off on a new life journey.
Mawenzi only recently open for climbing. Is very unstable rock....back in the 50s, a close friend Mr. Lewis was late for his flight to Nairobi and was not allowed to board. The plane flew into Mawenzi, killing all, and nobody able to reach the site for years. This mountain is amazing with its own floura/fauna; like an island. "Morning side" in Kenya, 7,000ft up.
@@SummitsSongsandScience I feel a great need to add to this. Of course you're right. The phrase got on my radar a few times in Tanzania and Zanzibar. I knew it literally meant "slowly slowly" but I got a sense it had a deeper meaning. After returning home so depressed that my vacation was over and searching RU-vid for every version of the Jambo song I could find, I came across Ricardo's Kilimanjaro song here where he mentions pole pole. Then I started to dig a little more. I asked one of the guides I had in Zanzibar, Ahmad, and this is what he wrote: ’Pole Pole’ in Swahili does indeed mean “slowly” or “gradually.” However, it’s also used in various contexts to convey patience, caution, or a gentle approach. In the song you linked, it seems to emphasize taking things easy, enjoying life, and not rushing through experiences. In different situations, ‘Pole Pole’ can also imply taking care, being careful, or showing empathy towards someone facing challenges or difficulties. Overall, it carries a nuanced meaning of slowing down, being patient, and taking a relaxed approach to life. I will strive to embrace this phrase as my new mantra, and if I notice myself falling off course, I'll just pull up this song and Ricardo's smiling reminder.
