Continental on the highest peak in Africa
This is a story about our Continental colleague Venera Andronova, who climbed to the top of one of the highest peaks in the world - Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It's an unimaginable experience that shows that everything is possible if you follow your dream by overcoming challenges and difficulties.
Did you know that in Africa, a continent with sultry deserts, tropical jungles, where hot summers reign all year round..... there is snow? This facinated me so much that I decided to see this wonder myself and go to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Sounds simple, but it took a lot of courage, physical and mental strengths to make my goal come true.
How did it all start?
Having obtained permission at the end of December 2023 to enter the National Park our small but intrepid group began its journey, traveling the first part of the way through dense jungle. Over the next few days the landscape gradually changed, the green jungle with its inhabitants of the natural world, were replaced by bushes and fields of wild plants. We climbed higher and higher day by day until we reached cloud level, when we could "bathe" in cloud mist.The night of the climb to the top of the Mount Kilimanjaro was special because it was a New Year's Eve night. In contrast to usually New Year's Eve celebration, my New Year started in the darkness of the cold night with a full concentration on the way to the peak.
Challenges on the way to the top
On such hikes you learn more about yourself and what you are capable of. The most difficult part of the way to the peak for me was the rocky part of the path, in the dark it was important not only to climb from rock to rock, but also not to fall into the cliff. Your strength gradually begins to run out, but it is important not to stop, to catch your breath, gradually repositioning one foot after the other. At some point you get into a meditative state, like runners who run kilometers for a long time. In this meditation, you monotonously repeat the same movements, repositioning your feet, repositioning your sticks, inhaling, exhaling....
Summit to 5,895 meters
Gradually the darkness of the night began to dissolve as dawn began to break. Our team managed to reach the highest point - Uhuru peak, Elevation: 5,895 meters and meet the most beautiful sunrise. This was an unimaginable experience. Overcoming challenges, overcoming difficulties, team spirit and cohesion. Just like in my work at Continental IT. All those 6 days, my company flag traveled with me from the beginning of the National park entrance trail to Uhuru Peak.
I am so proud to say that Continental climbed the highest peak in Africa with me.
The flag of our large and international company was flying in the wind at 5,895 meters, shining in the rays of the first New Year's Day sun of January 2024. And I'm sure it's a great start to the year that will bring all of our employees a productive, successful year! As each of us reaches our own peaks, and each of us is capable of accomplishing something great, something that will inspire us to new feats and achievements.
