CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL. Here's some recent feedback from Jennifer Hills, 11.7's very selfless and adventurous client, who combined lending a helping hand with holiday. It was her first time to Africa and she covered a lot of ground. Jennifer started in Ethiopia as a part of a medical attaché; as an active ER nurse, she handled a variety of urgent care patients as well as gave a seminar on attaining safe drinking water. She subsequently went on safari in Kenya as well as summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

“What an experience. I will send you a few photos to give you a taste of what you made possible. The safari, 11.7 created for my trip to Africa was flawless. Arriving into Nairobi at 6:30AM due to a delayed flight out of Addis was a little nerve racking for me, but as soon as I stepped out of the airport the guys was there with his sign waiting to give me a ride. He took me to the hotel which was incredible. Coming from Ethiopia, I would have been happy with a warm shower and cozy bed, but it was far more than that. The weather was a little cool and they had the fireplaces going and I was able to enjoy some much needed quiet alone time. Every day was better than the previous and the guides, accommodations and the little touches are what made the difference. That Masaai Mara was out of this world. I thank you for all you did to make this possible on such late notice. You are the best. I will recommend 11.7 to everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Jen you are the best.”

Always inspired and somewhat jealous of those like her who have such useful and tangible skills, I’m glad that they can explore Africa with an open heart and mind. I hope to see Jennifer in Steamboat over the winter and talk safari while skiing.

-Jen Johnson 

FIVE WORDS

FIVE WORDS. In a brand proposition survey for 11.7, I posed the question, “what are five words that you associate with Africa?” The results were honest, telling and reaffirmed my gripe with the common perceptions of Africa.

I truly believe we need to change the way the world sees Africa. Common perceptions are often antiquated and skewed by what headlines can accommodate. Pictures of ragged clothing stretched across a malnourished child’s bloated belly are hard on our eyes. The sound of helicopter blades and artillery fire from movies like Blood Diamond and Blackhawk Down are heavy on our ears. And while this is part of Africa and absolutely cannot be ignored, forgotten or glossed over, there is another side – actually other sides. Africa is multidimensional, complex and of course a very large and diverse continent.

I took the 11.7 survey before it was sent out and these are the five words that I associated with Africa: heart, night, sky, warmth and hope. I’ve made it part of 11.7’s mission not only to change common perceptions but also break down the glass wall that makes Africa seem so inaccessible to the majority of people. I want to expose travelers to something that they never expected, put people in touch with those who are like-minded, forge mutually advantageous partnerships and most of all prove that Africa is so much more than any five words. 

-Jen Johnson