I had a good journey to Kampala, appropriately saw Eat Pray Love on the plane. Arrived at guest house at 1am and told I would be picked up at 6am sharp for bus at 6.30am, so arranged wake up call at 5am. No wake up call but had time to make use of shower, at 6 I went out to wake up my wake up caller, but had no means of contacting my driver in order to get to bus station, eventually blagged a phone to contact project manager who contacted driver and suprisingly caught the bus at 7am as it was late, I learned later from fellow travellers in fact I had been very lucky to get out so soon, most buses are delayed by 3-4 hours, no wonder the driver thought he could grab more sleep! This is the way things appear to be, things happen when they happen sometimes and sometimes not, unless you know who to ask or pay.
However, The community project is located in a very beautiful area, surrounded by big hills, banana plantations and pasture. The school has six classes and they are building another one, I only had a quick tour around but will start to help tomorrow.
We went for a walk yesterday morning, it was a clear day and the views from the top were amazing, we had an interesting conversation with a local with a panga, who demanded money from us as we were on his land, he was followed by several others, who said that we were in fact very welcome to admire the views of Uganda as they went on their way; the first man return to try and sell us cocaine, and was very insistent that it was (a green leafy sample of the wormwood family) and then said that it was actually Ugandan cocaine, we declined politely and so he took the cigarette from one of my companions mouth! I saw where they have constructed the water catchment tank and the pool that the villagers are currently getting water from. Things can only get better... (I will try to post some photos when I can but the internet connection is very slow here and it would take about half an hour today)
There are 5 other volunteers here at the moment and a family has just left having done a couple of weeks touring and safari.
We took a trip to some hot springs today, the water was coming out at 95C and we had to go some way away for it to be cool enough to get into, I went in twice and so I should now live forever!
There is so much more to describe, but I will leave here for now before your Sunday snooze turns into a period of hibernation, thanks for the comments so far I appreciate them and will try to reply when I get a better connection
Barbs's Big Bike RIde
This year I have decided to stay and enjoy an English Spring. It has been a long time coming but at last it is here and I am off to explore my own back yard. Well actually travelling up the UK mainland as far north as possible before 21st June and see how close I can get to the Midnight Sun.
After my travels along the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain last September on my trusty old iron donkey, I have bought a lighter bike in the hope that I can get up a few more hills and by going from Lands End to John o Groats (LEJOG) I can avoid the killing headwinds of the Spanish meseta.
So here she is, we had a jolly naming ceremony on Saturday and hopefully the good friends, food and weather I enjoyed will carry me through to the farthest northern climes. Thank you all for a great send off, admirably topped off with one too many pints The Village Bike listening to Mojo Triangle.
And she is called Eleanor, isn't she beautiful, I hope I still have such tender feelings after 6 hours in the saddle, but probably only in the nether regions I fear.
The map link on the right will show a rough itinerary and route and I will try try to update with my actual route, if I can work out how and where I am as I go along, you know there will be little correlation but I will get there or somewhere in the end!
If you want an email update, submit your address in the box also on right and hopefully it will find its way through the ether to you.
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Hi Barbara - great to hear that you arrived safely and are settling in. Sounds very beautiful and look forward to seeing some photos soon. Pleased that there are other volunteers with you - I am sure that will help you settle into the community. By now you should have had a few days at the school and sure you will have some comical stories! We are all well and I am doing fine - going to hospital tomorrow so will let you know how I get on. Take care and look forward to hearing from you soon.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Liz and the gang xxx
Hi Barbara
ReplyDeleteWe are pleased that you arrived ok . You did well with catching the bus. The scenery sounds beautiful.
We had a good evening at the Frollies. Our Chiswick Enders sketch went well. I just about remembered the lines. Meldreth has talent don't forget that! We will show you a video when you get home.
We did well to get all the 120 meals served. You would have been impressed.
Look forward to hearing more news from you
Love Joan & X from Tim
Hi Ho
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to say glad you are alive and well and having a great time. Not surprised about the lack of urgency out there its all a bit manyarna . Plantations hot pools and cocaine so nothing has changed I your life ! What is the terrain like, how many kids in the school, how do you get around and what’s the grub like ? Pity about the lack of internet speed can you burn a CD and get someone to post it from civilisation ?
Take care all the best Julian
Hi
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your ok and enjoying yourself sounds interesting, a bit of patients required by the sounds of it, no good for me I think, good to be able to keep in touch.
take care enjoy
Sheena xx
Hi, Suddenly remembered the blog and have had great pleasure in reading through your posts and looking at your pictures! Absolutely fabulous. It sounds like you're having a brilliant time. I'll double check the best way to compress pics and get back to you. Any elephants out there? Best wishes Sheron
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