I am currently in Entebbe on my last day in Uganda. I came yesterday night from Iganga after taking two taxis/vans packed with people. The first one to Kampala was sad since just a couple of minutes before my taxi arrived to a spot a crash had pretty much destroyed a similar van and 8 people died. The second taxi was very hectic and long to take in a very packed taxi park in Kampala but I was able to make it to Entebbe Backpackers hostel by 5PM. Today I am taking my time here in town and probably walking towards the beach (not really a beach since this is a landlocked country but the sides of Lake Victoria) and taking a local breakfast. I already saw a place that has Katogo (I really don't know what it is but I am eating it!) and some African tea. The next post will probably be full of pictures when I am back in the US, but that won't be until friday night since I have a long layover in NY (Metropolitan Museum of Art... here I come!). I have had probably one of the best experiences in my life and hopefully one that determined what I want to do for the rest of it. This has been amazing!
Yesterday was good bye day and I even got the opportunity to visit Bunio again. The kids were jumping of joy when they saw me (at least that is what I believe) and the elders were very happy to see me again. It was interesting to hear that our house hadn't been opened since we left and we even got a tour of it again. It was very emotional and nice to see the Kidiki family, Patrick Kibumba, Auntie Joyce, Auntie Aida, Rejab, Idi, Waiswa and all the people that I am forgetting. Juliet went with me and she also had a great time. She took good care of me at the taxi park and fought her way to get me a front seat at the taxi at the same time that she was ready to cry. I will miss her too.
Other people that I said goodbye in the last two days are Medie and Reagan Kiviri from Safe Mothers Safe Babies organization, "my brother" at Moon supermarket (who wanted to give me a free Coca Cola), the Indian cook at the Pilau (rice with goat meat) place that invited me to eat at his house to learn the proper way to eat with the hands, the staff at Sol Café, and the rolex guy that gave me 2 additional mandazis for my taxi ride. I am very grateful to everybody in Uganda including the UVP staff. last note: The dinner at the UVP house with the pasta and the bottle of wine was delicious.... Thanks Kristen, Annie, Alanta, and Linnea!
Next post from Miami!!! See you all soon and I will remember Uganda forever!!!! Mwebale Uganda ino ino ino ino ino ino ino
Last days in Iganga
Today is working day in Iganga. I am writing my report and even though it reminds me of a lot of nice memories in the village it gives me sadness too. Yesterday I was thinking about coming back to Miami and it kept me awake for quite some time since I know it is going to take me some time to accommodate. I will definitely miss this great country a lot.
Yesterday I came back from Mt. Elgon after a 4-day trip to climb Wagagai summit. It was one of the greatest adventures that I have ever taken and at some times I thought that I was not going to be able to achieved it. We started at the exploration center in Sipi Falls were we met our guides Jacob and Paul that were fully armed with AK-47 rifles (supposedly for poachers but it seemed a bit much to me!). We then proceeded to hike for 28km until our first camp that was at about 2900 meters high. We passed Tutum cave around lunch time, which was a large natural rock formation were tons of bats could be heard. The next day we did another long 20km hike to the second camp at 3900 meters of altitude. We were all pretty much exhausted from the long climbs, the amount of mud, and the blisters around our feet. Next day was Wagagai climb which took 9km and provided awesome views. We could even see the Kenyan mountains in the distance from this peak at 4300 meters. The descent was very comforting and we even made it to Sasa river camp which was at a much lower altitude (not as freezing cold as the night before!). The last day had an awful descent through the face of a mountain that looked like a wall. It took us about 4 hours to cover the 6km and it should had taken us a little longer if the rain would have been stronger the night before. All the clothes were pretty much covered in mud, but a nice shower and lunch at Rose's last chance restaurant gave us a much needed comfort.
Two of the team members of the expedition (Ted and Cameron) left this morning and the other one (Marshall) will leave for Nairobi tonight. I will be leaving for Entebbe tomorrow were I will spend the night and I will fly out on thursday via Addis, Dubai, and New York.
I AM GOING TO MISS AFRICA!!!
Yesterday I came back from Mt. Elgon after a 4-day trip to climb Wagagai summit. It was one of the greatest adventures that I have ever taken and at some times I thought that I was not going to be able to achieved it. We started at the exploration center in Sipi Falls were we met our guides Jacob and Paul that were fully armed with AK-47 rifles (supposedly for poachers but it seemed a bit much to me!). We then proceeded to hike for 28km until our first camp that was at about 2900 meters high. We passed Tutum cave around lunch time, which was a large natural rock formation were tons of bats could be heard. The next day we did another long 20km hike to the second camp at 3900 meters of altitude. We were all pretty much exhausted from the long climbs, the amount of mud, and the blisters around our feet. Next day was Wagagai climb which took 9km and provided awesome views. We could even see the Kenyan mountains in the distance from this peak at 4300 meters. The descent was very comforting and we even made it to Sasa river camp which was at a much lower altitude (not as freezing cold as the night before!). The last day had an awful descent through the face of a mountain that looked like a wall. It took us about 4 hours to cover the 6km and it should had taken us a little longer if the rain would have been stronger the night before. All the clothes were pretty much covered in mud, but a nice shower and lunch at Rose's last chance restaurant gave us a much needed comfort.
Two of the team members of the expedition (Ted and Cameron) left this morning and the other one (Marshall) will leave for Nairobi tonight. I will be leaving for Entebbe tomorrow were I will spend the night and I will fly out on thursday via Addis, Dubai, and New York.
I AM GOING TO MISS AFRICA!!!
Murchison Falls, Jinja, and Mbale... towards Mt. Elgon
This has to be quick because we need to catch a car fast towards Sipi Falls. I went on Safari to Murchison Falls this past weekend and it was amazing. We camped close to the Nile at the Red Chili site and saw Giraffes, Hippos, Elephants, Lions (including cubs), tons of antelopes of any kind, warthogs, baboons, and crocodiles. There was a boat during monday afternoon that took us to the bottom of the falls and the views were just espectacular. We also did a hike on tuesday to the top of the falls and saw how powerful they are. Wednesday was spent shopping in Jinja (I got 1 awesome painting!) and saying good bye to the other team leaders from the program. We woke up really early and took a taxi to Iganga, proceeded to buy a jacket for the climb (jacket and Columbia sweter for 10 dollars total) and tried to exchange dirty clothes but my big bag was not available. We took a large coach bus to Mbale and we are ready for a 4 day hike towards Mt Elgon (highest peak is 4350 meters with a starting hike of 25 km tomorrow). I will enjoy the views from the Crow's nest today and also their Guacamole and chips as well as their tomato curry. On that note, I have become and absolute lover of Indian food and have eaten a lot of spices lately. I have been missing on something delicious for a very long time!!!