A Thanksgiving

On Saturday I went to my friend's "Thanksgiving" for her traditional marriage. I had been asked to help with cake preparations - I iced the cakes.











The function was due to start at 3pm. We got there just after. People were just beginning to gather when at 3.30pm the heavens opened and it poured with rain and there was thunder and lightning.














Being the dry season the gathering was taking place outside. They'd set up seats, sheltered by canvas to protect guests from the sun- but with the wind blowing rain was spraying everywhere. It rained 5 hours non stop. After 3 hours the rain eased to a light rain, so the function started, but the rain soon became heavy again - this time without the wind! I was intrigued by the band who had set themselves up under a mango tree - pulled out a great big sheet and when the function started operated from under there!

















We all had to position our seats so we weren't under a hole or a gap between canvas. We sat under a UNHCR canvas (it was good quality from the UN with no holes!). People had to keep going round with basins and emptying the water that was collecting in the canvas and causing it to sag! It was highly entertaining for me to say in the least!
















They were not put out by the rain - here they say rain is a blessing and if it rains on your special day it will bless your marriage! So with mud on our feet we reached home 6 hours later!
(The bride is in a green gomez, the lady in a red outfit is one of the brides maids)

Up Mt Elgon, Eastern Uganda

So last week I found myself along with 4 others climbing Mt Elgon!

The trip had been organised and I was invited to tag along! Seeing as I haven't done very much exploring in Uganda its self I decided that this was a good opportunity. Never mind about my students!! :-) I left them with some tones to copy and an assignment - which of course i now have to mark :-(

Before setting off I had to raid through my draws and wardrobe desperately looking for some warm clothes! I went to the market and bought a thick jacket too for a fiver. Here it has been 33degrees C but who knows what we'll find up the mountain!

We eagerly set of up the mountain - it's 4321m high - not too bad I thought - do-able! After the first hour we were already huffing and puffing! So unfit, I thought! Day 1 we climbed for 4 hours (5 1/2km) through fields to reach the national park then climbed the 'wall of death' and then entered a lovely forest. We ascended 1130m, set up camp at the Sasa River Camp and froze that night! It was a relief when morning came!

Day 2 we ascended a further 5km but just a further 600m to Mude Cave Camp. It was a gentler walk than the day before - but we were dreading the cold night to come! The forest gave way to 'mountain shrub land'. That night frost settled on the ground and we all shivered our way through the night - wearing at least 5 layers and lying in a sleeping bag! My wardrobe is definitely not kitted out for mountain cold!

We woke early for Day 3, the longest day, and in a way the toughest. Dealing with altitude and a steep climb and descent again! We puffed our way up to our first destination Jackson's Pool - a rewarding and beautiful sight at 4050m. There was ice on the edges of the pool.

From there we struggled another 6km up and along the ridge of the caldera to the highest peak Wagagai at 4321m! We reached 5 hours after setting off from camp.

After a relaxing 1/2hr enjoying the view at the peak, cloud started gathering and with time against us we made our descent to Mude Cave Camp. Of course coming down is always much quicker than going up, but it kills the toes!! Ouch! We had a late lunch and then were advised to continue our descent to the first camp. That day we walked 9 hours in all and 23km! I was hobbling in my boots and had 3 blisters! I wondered why I was doing this. Memories of mountain trips at school came flooding back! We all slept well that night!

Day 4 allowed us to make our way down to where we had started from in a leisurely fashion allowing us to see Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and may birds...

After a warm wash, and putting on open shoes, being back in the warmth I can reflect on the hike with a smile!!

Traveling Adventures December/January

I traveled from the North Western border to the South in Uganda. (Arua to Kampala / Entebbe).

And traveled from the East coast to the Western boarder in Tanzania. (Dar Es Salaam to Mbeya)

The time approaching Christmas found me eager to get away for a break! I had had a very busy few months and I was worn out! The students at the nursing school had kept (and still are keeping) me on my toes! I arranged the last set of exams for the year and then escaped! My ultimate destination was Mbeya, South Western Tanzania - to visit my elder sister, Jo!

First I headed to Kampala where I met up with Martin and Vic. I was invited to their family gathering and celebration of their wedding. Vic and I were called on to wear the traditional dress - a Basuti. They come as a free size - in all sorts of colours with waist bands that, to the western eye may not always match and yet look good when worn together! I had to have my outfit 'rearranged' through the day as I was not very good at keeping it all "together" - it is somewhat cumbersome!

After some relaxing and refreshing days with friends I then continued with my travels - courtesy of Air Uganda - Entebbe to Dar Es Salaam. The next morning I embarked on the epic journey from the east coast to the western boarder of Tanzania. I went on a comfortable 'Sumry High Class' Bus that transported me to Mbeya in a record time of 12 hours! I had been told it would be a 16 hr Journey - we had 3 short stops and were supplied with drinks and snack on the journey - lets just say i was impressed with the good service.

In Mbeya, I got see my sister's new home and work place. We had a pleasant few days relaxing, chatting and preparing for Christmas. Mbeya is in the hills and it was pleasantly cool and rained a bit. Trousers, jumper and socks weather.

Boxing Day found us traveling back across the width of Tanzania, headed for the big, hot and humid city of Dar Es Salaam! There we enjoyed the hospitality of our friends Ursula and Janis. Trips included to a new air conditioned shopping mall, the beach and a street filled with paintings of all sorts of styles, sizes and themes! We sweated non stop and slept with the fan on - when there was electricity!

Jo and I had planed, that while we were so close to Zanzibar (see map above), we would make the effort to visit the historic and pictures island! Ursula and Janis made a last minute decision to join us, so we all traveled across to see in the new year there! The place is beautiful, lives up to its description in the guide books and was even hotter than Dar Es Salaam! We have friends on the island, Hans and Doris, so we were kindly put up in their spare rooms!

And soon my adventure came to and end and I had to travel back to the working world again!