Good morning
I left Kabale on Monday by bus, this was an adventure...holy crab. I caught the post bus in Kabale at 7 a.m. and was pleased to have a frontseat where I could stretch my legs. The pleasure was only for a short time though because on the way out of town the bus collected maaannyyy people and the front soon got packed. So, the first 3 hours on the bus were anything else but fun. I got punched in the head, people were kicking me in the side, I was squashed in my seat half of my bump almost out in the aisle because the guy sitting beside me took up half of my seat. I was considering getting off the bus and paying a private driver whatever he wanted to get me to Kampala. Fortunately, after 3 hrs it changed. A lot of people got off the bus in Mbarara and the front area wasn't as crowded afterwards. So, the rest of the 10 hrs busride I could quite enjoy.
Arriving at the post office in Kampala I had to organise transport back to Red Chilli, as Sergio (a Divemaster from Zanzibar) was waiting there for me. There were no taxis only Boda-Bodas (motorbikes) and they're supposed to be a dangerous way of transportation. I had my giant backpack and didn't really want to jump on a motorbike with it. But there was no other option so I got myself a Boda-Boda and made my way to the Red Chilli Hideaway Kampala. It was fun being on the bike. I've already travelled on a Boda-Boda but for a short distance only and therfore didn't know what to expect on a long distance drive. There were situations where I just closed my eyes and hoped I will get of it alive or without a broken leg or other injuries. It all went well and happly I landed at the backpackers. Sergio was already waiting there for me.
We decided to stay in Kampala for another 2 nights as Sergio was travelling by bus to from Dar Es Salaam to Kampala and I after travelling 10 hrs on a bus wasn't too keen either to go on travelling the next day. So Tuesday we spent in Kampala. Exploring the craft market and hiding at one of the stalls during the heavy rain on midday. It was a great day in Kampala and for the first time visiting this town I really enjoyed it.
On Wednesday we caught the shuttle to the backpacker in Jinja, where the source of the nile is. And that's where I am right now, at the backpackers. Yesterday we explored the town and went down to the Nile to enjoy the sun and a cool soda by the shore of the river. It was an amasing day with beautiful weather and nice encounters with the locals.
At night the champions league final was on and we decided to watch it at the old cinema in Jinja. It was a great experience and as the locals are so passionate about football it almost felt like being in the stadium. A lot of 'aaahss' and 'uuhhhs' and shoutings were going on at the cinema. Unfortunately, they didn't serve beer there so after the first half we changed location and watched the rest of the game at a bar in the center of town.
Today we're changing campsite and are going to stay at a camp near the falls (I forgot the name, soooorrryyyy). I'm looking forward to another relaxing day in this beautiful area.
That's all folks, stay tuned and have a beautiful day.
Donnerstag, 28. Mai 2009
Sonntag, 24. Mai 2009
Back from lake Bunyonyi
Mambo vipi? Hope you're o.k. :-)
I'm back in Kabale and had 2 1/2 relaxing days at lake Bunyonyi on Itimbira island at Byoona Amagara Retreat.
I left Kabale on Thursday morning and arrived on Itimbira island at about 11 a.m. There I met Meg and Greg again and we spent half the day playing scrabble which I wasn't too bad at eventhough we played the "English" version.
Friday morning Meg and Greg left and I was left alone on the island. There were only 2 people staying at the retreat apart from me. And they were a couple freshly in love. So, I spent my day reading going for a walk, eating and relaxing. My days on the island were pretty much like this:
Get up at 8 a.m.
Eat breakfast, American pancakes (mmmhhhh soooo delicious)
Read till 12 p.m.
Go for a walk
1.30 p.m. back at the hostel and ordering lunch
Read
8 p.m. having dinner
9 p.m. going to bed
Yesterday evening though another guest and me were watching "Gorillas in the mist" it's a good movie I can definitely recommend it. However, Dian Fossy turns out to be a little bit crazy in the end. I think she was quite obsessed with the gorillas and I understand that she loved these animals very much but sometimes it seemed to be a bit too much. Anyway, what she's achieved and done for the gorillas is amazing. I think without her these wonderful creatures wouldn't be with us anymore. So, yeah she was crazy but maybe crazy in a good way for mankind ;-).
So, that's about it, about the island. The canoe ride to the island was great it took about 50 min. and on the way to the island I was afraid to move because I thought we'd turn over but the canoe was quiete stable and on the way back to the mainland I wasn't scared to move anymore. Oh and my foot fell asleep on the way back so when we reached the mainland I had to walk for about 10 min. before I could actually feel my foot again..holy crab. And something else on the way back I shared my canoe with a German girl and we also intended to share the taxi back to Kabale. I organised the canoe and the taxi back to town. So, she didn't know what price I agreed on. She's been living in Uganda the last 10 months I must say to her "rescue". Anyway, I agreed on paying 15'000 USH for the taxi which is the same price I paied when I got to lake Bunyonyi and which is about 7 US-Dollar.
So we arrived at the shore and this German girl walked over to the taxi and asked how much it was (which is a question a bit late to be asked if the taxi was ordered in advance). The driver told her 15'000, I was about to get in the taxi but the German wanted to bargain about the price. So, she told them she wouldn't pay 15'000 because it was too much. They told her that it was the price for the car and that she would share with me so she wouldn't pay 15'000. Anyway, it was too expensive for her. I was a bit embarrassed and stood by the side. In the end the guys discussing with her turned to me and told me, I should tell my friend what the price was. I told them, that I didn't have a problem to pay 15'000 and they should discuss it with her. I think I ruined her bargain in the end she got in the taxi. I know as backpacker you're supposed to bargain for everything even if it is 50 cent and I do bargain but not if I order a taxi through a hotel. I know that this is more expensive than if I ordered it myself. So, why should I invest energy in something useless? Do you know what I mean?
Yep, that's all folks. I can recommend lake Bunyonyi very much, but be prepared as there's not much to do. I'll keep you updated, stay tuned.
I'm back in Kabale and had 2 1/2 relaxing days at lake Bunyonyi on Itimbira island at Byoona Amagara Retreat.
I left Kabale on Thursday morning and arrived on Itimbira island at about 11 a.m. There I met Meg and Greg again and we spent half the day playing scrabble which I wasn't too bad at eventhough we played the "English" version.
Friday morning Meg and Greg left and I was left alone on the island. There were only 2 people staying at the retreat apart from me. And they were a couple freshly in love. So, I spent my day reading going for a walk, eating and relaxing. My days on the island were pretty much like this:
Get up at 8 a.m.
Eat breakfast, American pancakes (mmmhhhh soooo delicious)
Read till 12 p.m.
Go for a walk
1.30 p.m. back at the hostel and ordering lunch
Read
8 p.m. having dinner
9 p.m. going to bed
Yesterday evening though another guest and me were watching "Gorillas in the mist" it's a good movie I can definitely recommend it. However, Dian Fossy turns out to be a little bit crazy in the end. I think she was quite obsessed with the gorillas and I understand that she loved these animals very much but sometimes it seemed to be a bit too much. Anyway, what she's achieved and done for the gorillas is amazing. I think without her these wonderful creatures wouldn't be with us anymore. So, yeah she was crazy but maybe crazy in a good way for mankind ;-).
So, that's about it, about the island. The canoe ride to the island was great it took about 50 min. and on the way to the island I was afraid to move because I thought we'd turn over but the canoe was quiete stable and on the way back to the mainland I wasn't scared to move anymore. Oh and my foot fell asleep on the way back so when we reached the mainland I had to walk for about 10 min. before I could actually feel my foot again..holy crab. And something else on the way back I shared my canoe with a German girl and we also intended to share the taxi back to Kabale. I organised the canoe and the taxi back to town. So, she didn't know what price I agreed on. She's been living in Uganda the last 10 months I must say to her "rescue". Anyway, I agreed on paying 15'000 USH for the taxi which is the same price I paied when I got to lake Bunyonyi and which is about 7 US-Dollar.
So we arrived at the shore and this German girl walked over to the taxi and asked how much it was (which is a question a bit late to be asked if the taxi was ordered in advance). The driver told her 15'000, I was about to get in the taxi but the German wanted to bargain about the price. So, she told them she wouldn't pay 15'000 because it was too much. They told her that it was the price for the car and that she would share with me so she wouldn't pay 15'000. Anyway, it was too expensive for her. I was a bit embarrassed and stood by the side. In the end the guys discussing with her turned to me and told me, I should tell my friend what the price was. I told them, that I didn't have a problem to pay 15'000 and they should discuss it with her. I think I ruined her bargain in the end she got in the taxi. I know as backpacker you're supposed to bargain for everything even if it is 50 cent and I do bargain but not if I order a taxi through a hotel. I know that this is more expensive than if I ordered it myself. So, why should I invest energy in something useless? Do you know what I mean?
Yep, that's all folks. I can recommend lake Bunyonyi very much, but be prepared as there's not much to do. I'll keep you updated, stay tuned.
Mittwoch, 20. Mai 2009
Walking, walking, walking
Jambo les amis
Hope you're good :-).
I'm fine. The bustrip was a blast by the way. It was really good, I was sooo lucky. I had a front seat and could stretch my legs during the whole trip. I didn't have to go to the toilet once and my seatbuddies were cool. Yes, for some people a bustrip might be something awful but I was lucky and it wasn't too bad. It was long though and I was reeeaaallyyy happy when I arrive at Butogota. From there I took a car to Buhoma which was my home for the last 3 days.
I arrived late on Sunday and all I wanted was my bed and my book. I got a bed in the dorm, unfortunatelly there was no light so no reading for me. I slept perfect and got up early on Monday.
On Monday I went for the forestwalk to see some more waterfalls. Once again the waterfalls weren't spectacular but the walk was nice and my guide was good. The only problem was my knee. Tricia, Tamara and me Mom can sing you a song about my knee. It starts to hurt after some walkingtime and it hurts the most when I walk down. On Monday it wasn't really bad, but it hurt. The pain is as if someone injected acid in your joints and whenever you move your knee, the pain gets worse. So after 2 1/2 hours walking I was pretty glad to be back at the camp again. I was a bit scared about the gorilla tracking because what would I do if the pain starts while tracking. However, I decided to rest my knee a little bit and spent an easy afternoon at the camp, had early dinner and went to bed early.
On Tuesday I got up at 6 a.m. and prepared my knee for the walk. I was convinced I wouldn't have to walk for a long time but this turned out to be wrong. I met my group, the people I was tracking with, at the park gate at 8 a.m. we were all very excited and just wanted to leave. What I didn't know was, we had to go by car to the beginning of the tracking and of course I didn't organise a car. Two guys in my group offered to give me a lift. Lucky me. We had to drive for 45 min to the beginning. From there the hikking started and it started going up. So good natured we started. It turned out to be something good I hired a porter for my bag full of water bottles. The way wasn't easy it went up and down, up and down and we walked straight through the forest, no real path just forest floor. The forest was amasing I loved it. After two hours of walking some people in my group started to complain. 'Where are the gorillas? How far is it?' etc. etc. The guides couldn't tell us because the gorillas were moving and we were following. After 3 hours our guides decided to take a break and wait until the gorillas found a spot where they would rest and eat. So we waited for 30 min. and walked on. After 4 hours the guides decided to take another break and wait some more time. After 5 hours we finally got to the gorillas.
It was incredible, stunning, overwhelming and one of the best things I've ever done. We were reaallyyy close the gorillas and could watch them eat. And they ate and ate. Once I almost fell and was scared the gorillas wouldn't like the noise but they didn't care at all. They were happy eating. We saw the silverback, 2 females, 2 babies and a blackback. It was great and the hour was over much too fast. I didn't want to leave I felt so comfortable being around these calm animals. They weren't aggressive or anything, they were just there minding their own business sometimes looking at us as if they wanted to ask 'What are you doing here? Are you hungry?' The guides said, they wouldn't hurt anyone as long as people are no thread to them and that's what I could feel from them. Just warmth and calmness and happyness somehow. We learned that in Congo these wonderful animals get killed because the rebels don't want the government to earn money from the gorilla permits. When you look at these creatures, it gave me the creeps to think somebody could kill them. It's just unbelievable.
After the hour was over we made our way back to the beginning. The guide said he'd know a shortcut and it will take us about 2 hours to go back. The 2 hours became 4 hours. I kept up really good with the walking, I was surprised. I haven't done any exercise since 6 months and still could hold up with the guides. And what surprised me the most was my knee was holding, no pain. It was great :-). Unfortunatelly, we had a French woman in our group and she wasn't well at all. After one hour walking back, she started to complain. 'I can't walk anymore, I'm tired, I'm not used to this. I work in a office, I cannot walk this far' Therefore, we had to take break after break. After walking 5 meters up, she took a break of 2 min. and it went on and on. After 2 hours of walking the rest of the group was annoyed. We didn't want to wait anymore, it was nearly 6 p.m. and we all wanted to go home and especially leave the forest before it got dark. So we overtook her and walked on. We made it back to the cars before 7 p.m. which means before dark. When the French lady got back I don't know. We left her behind with some of the guides, we just needed a shower and a rest. I drank 3 litres of water and was still thirsty as hell, I sweated a hell of a lot during yesterday.
Anyway, I got back to the camp in one piece and even got dinner and a hot shower. I talked to some people at the camp who've done the tracking the same day but went to see another group. They had to walk for 1 hour and were back at the camp at 1.30 p.m. They were scared I wouldn't make it back. But I made it. We had a laugh about my tracking and the French lady. It was good to laugh. My group wasn't really funny and I just kept on smiling because things are always much better if you smile. After dinner I went straight to bed.
Today I got up at 6 a.m. again, had a devine breakfast and came to Kabale by car. It was bloody expensive but there was no choice except for going back to Kampala and take the bus from there to Kabale. Which would've been stupid. So, I think it was well invested money.
And now I'm here in Kabale at Erisa and it is beautifull. Soon I'll get some lunch and then I'll go explore the town. It's a nice town, it doesn't look big and I like that.
So, stay tuned and take care.
Hope you're good :-).
I'm fine. The bustrip was a blast by the way. It was really good, I was sooo lucky. I had a front seat and could stretch my legs during the whole trip. I didn't have to go to the toilet once and my seatbuddies were cool. Yes, for some people a bustrip might be something awful but I was lucky and it wasn't too bad. It was long though and I was reeeaaallyyy happy when I arrive at Butogota. From there I took a car to Buhoma which was my home for the last 3 days.
I arrived late on Sunday and all I wanted was my bed and my book. I got a bed in the dorm, unfortunatelly there was no light so no reading for me. I slept perfect and got up early on Monday.
On Monday I went for the forestwalk to see some more waterfalls. Once again the waterfalls weren't spectacular but the walk was nice and my guide was good. The only problem was my knee. Tricia, Tamara and me Mom can sing you a song about my knee. It starts to hurt after some walkingtime and it hurts the most when I walk down. On Monday it wasn't really bad, but it hurt. The pain is as if someone injected acid in your joints and whenever you move your knee, the pain gets worse. So after 2 1/2 hours walking I was pretty glad to be back at the camp again. I was a bit scared about the gorilla tracking because what would I do if the pain starts while tracking. However, I decided to rest my knee a little bit and spent an easy afternoon at the camp, had early dinner and went to bed early.
On Tuesday I got up at 6 a.m. and prepared my knee for the walk. I was convinced I wouldn't have to walk for a long time but this turned out to be wrong. I met my group, the people I was tracking with, at the park gate at 8 a.m. we were all very excited and just wanted to leave. What I didn't know was, we had to go by car to the beginning of the tracking and of course I didn't organise a car. Two guys in my group offered to give me a lift. Lucky me. We had to drive for 45 min to the beginning. From there the hikking started and it started going up. So good natured we started. It turned out to be something good I hired a porter for my bag full of water bottles. The way wasn't easy it went up and down, up and down and we walked straight through the forest, no real path just forest floor. The forest was amasing I loved it. After two hours of walking some people in my group started to complain. 'Where are the gorillas? How far is it?' etc. etc. The guides couldn't tell us because the gorillas were moving and we were following. After 3 hours our guides decided to take a break and wait until the gorillas found a spot where they would rest and eat. So we waited for 30 min. and walked on. After 4 hours the guides decided to take another break and wait some more time. After 5 hours we finally got to the gorillas.
It was incredible, stunning, overwhelming and one of the best things I've ever done. We were reaallyyy close the gorillas and could watch them eat. And they ate and ate. Once I almost fell and was scared the gorillas wouldn't like the noise but they didn't care at all. They were happy eating. We saw the silverback, 2 females, 2 babies and a blackback. It was great and the hour was over much too fast. I didn't want to leave I felt so comfortable being around these calm animals. They weren't aggressive or anything, they were just there minding their own business sometimes looking at us as if they wanted to ask 'What are you doing here? Are you hungry?' The guides said, they wouldn't hurt anyone as long as people are no thread to them and that's what I could feel from them. Just warmth and calmness and happyness somehow. We learned that in Congo these wonderful animals get killed because the rebels don't want the government to earn money from the gorilla permits. When you look at these creatures, it gave me the creeps to think somebody could kill them. It's just unbelievable.
After the hour was over we made our way back to the beginning. The guide said he'd know a shortcut and it will take us about 2 hours to go back. The 2 hours became 4 hours. I kept up really good with the walking, I was surprised. I haven't done any exercise since 6 months and still could hold up with the guides. And what surprised me the most was my knee was holding, no pain. It was great :-). Unfortunatelly, we had a French woman in our group and she wasn't well at all. After one hour walking back, she started to complain. 'I can't walk anymore, I'm tired, I'm not used to this. I work in a office, I cannot walk this far' Therefore, we had to take break after break. After walking 5 meters up, she took a break of 2 min. and it went on and on. After 2 hours of walking the rest of the group was annoyed. We didn't want to wait anymore, it was nearly 6 p.m. and we all wanted to go home and especially leave the forest before it got dark. So we overtook her and walked on. We made it back to the cars before 7 p.m. which means before dark. When the French lady got back I don't know. We left her behind with some of the guides, we just needed a shower and a rest. I drank 3 litres of water and was still thirsty as hell, I sweated a hell of a lot during yesterday.
Anyway, I got back to the camp in one piece and even got dinner and a hot shower. I talked to some people at the camp who've done the tracking the same day but went to see another group. They had to walk for 1 hour and were back at the camp at 1.30 p.m. They were scared I wouldn't make it back. But I made it. We had a laugh about my tracking and the French lady. It was good to laugh. My group wasn't really funny and I just kept on smiling because things are always much better if you smile. After dinner I went straight to bed.
Today I got up at 6 a.m. again, had a devine breakfast and came to Kabale by car. It was bloody expensive but there was no choice except for going back to Kampala and take the bus from there to Kabale. Which would've been stupid. So, I think it was well invested money.
And now I'm here in Kabale at Erisa and it is beautifull. Soon I'll get some lunch and then I'll go explore the town. It's a nice town, it doesn't look big and I like that.
So, stay tuned and take care.
Samstag, 16. Mai 2009
Thank you Australia
Jambo
I'm back from Murichson Falls. It was o.k. I could have spent my money better but anyway everything happens for a reason so I'm sure there was a reason for me travelling to these falls and back.
My group..hm, my group, was a group not even really a group but people travelling together. I had 5 American girls in my group and they made me fell like being in a bad movie. It was like watching 90210 but not really watching it, no, being part of it. Of course I wasn't cool enough and young enough to be part of the cool kids so I was kind of a loner. Although I always thought I was nice and if I want to, can be funny too, but they didn't approve of me. So, I didn't approve of them either. They were just stupied, spoiled chicks, to be honest. Fortunatelly, there were two nice people on my group as well. Emily and David and they somehow safed my trip. They were really nice. And fortunatelly, there was another group travelling with us too and the people from this group were very funny and accepted the uncool kids in their group ;-).
The falls were falls but not very impressing. If any of you've seen the Rhinefall you'd be more impressed by the Rhinefall. I've seen Vicfalls before the Murchison Falls for me the Murchison falls seemed to be some kind of a joke. The walk to the falls was nice though and the cruise on the Nile was relaxing and interesting. I saw a lot of Hippos and Corcodiles and learned some new things about these animals. The game drive we did wasn't as good as I expected it to be because I was spoiled by the Serengheti and other safaris I've done before. So, I wasn't too impressed by seeing giraffes and elephants but I was impressed by seeing lions chase a warthog.
So now you'll ask yourself why the hell I'm thanking Australia in my title. It's because the last 4 months the Australian almost always safed my trips. On the overlander it were the Australians bringing life into the group and making us laauugghhh a looooottt and here in Uganda it is Greg and Megan being nice to me and making me laugh. That's why, thank you Australia for sending all these nice people abroad :-).
And today I've even more to tell. The question people ask me the most since I'm travelling is: Do you miss home? Here's the answer:
No but
I miss my mum
I miss my mum's dog and the way he goes ballistic whenever I turn up at my mum's place
I miss my friends, very much
I miss having a washing machine
I miss being able to play Kings of Leon's "Closer" on my stereo louuuddd
I miss my overlander group
And the second question is: Are you homesick sometimes?
YES, I am but only for a few minutes and this is mostly when I have to do something and which I think I won't be able to do it. For example knowing I'll have to catch the bus tomorrow morning to Butogota and being told by people that being on the bus in Uganda is the worst ever. That's scary and therefore I feel like running home to things I know and I know I'll be able to do, but then I tell myself, I'm not these people, I'm Regina and for them it might be a bad experience being on the bus, but maybe for me it's going to be the best thing ever ;-). That helps aaaa loooottt ;-)
Hm, that's all for today my friends. Stay tuned and I'll tell you about the busride next week and of course everything about the gorillas.
Take care :-)
I'm back from Murichson Falls. It was o.k. I could have spent my money better but anyway everything happens for a reason so I'm sure there was a reason for me travelling to these falls and back.
My group..hm, my group, was a group not even really a group but people travelling together. I had 5 American girls in my group and they made me fell like being in a bad movie. It was like watching 90210 but not really watching it, no, being part of it. Of course I wasn't cool enough and young enough to be part of the cool kids so I was kind of a loner. Although I always thought I was nice and if I want to, can be funny too, but they didn't approve of me. So, I didn't approve of them either. They were just stupied, spoiled chicks, to be honest. Fortunatelly, there were two nice people on my group as well. Emily and David and they somehow safed my trip. They were really nice. And fortunatelly, there was another group travelling with us too and the people from this group were very funny and accepted the uncool kids in their group ;-).
The falls were falls but not very impressing. If any of you've seen the Rhinefall you'd be more impressed by the Rhinefall. I've seen Vicfalls before the Murchison Falls for me the Murchison falls seemed to be some kind of a joke. The walk to the falls was nice though and the cruise on the Nile was relaxing and interesting. I saw a lot of Hippos and Corcodiles and learned some new things about these animals. The game drive we did wasn't as good as I expected it to be because I was spoiled by the Serengheti and other safaris I've done before. So, I wasn't too impressed by seeing giraffes and elephants but I was impressed by seeing lions chase a warthog.
So now you'll ask yourself why the hell I'm thanking Australia in my title. It's because the last 4 months the Australian almost always safed my trips. On the overlander it were the Australians bringing life into the group and making us laauugghhh a looooottt and here in Uganda it is Greg and Megan being nice to me and making me laugh. That's why, thank you Australia for sending all these nice people abroad :-).
And today I've even more to tell. The question people ask me the most since I'm travelling is: Do you miss home? Here's the answer:
No but
I miss my mum
I miss my mum's dog and the way he goes ballistic whenever I turn up at my mum's place
I miss my friends, very much
I miss having a washing machine
I miss being able to play Kings of Leon's "Closer" on my stereo louuuddd
I miss my overlander group
And the second question is: Are you homesick sometimes?
YES, I am but only for a few minutes and this is mostly when I have to do something and which I think I won't be able to do it. For example knowing I'll have to catch the bus tomorrow morning to Butogota and being told by people that being on the bus in Uganda is the worst ever. That's scary and therefore I feel like running home to things I know and I know I'll be able to do, but then I tell myself, I'm not these people, I'm Regina and for them it might be a bad experience being on the bus, but maybe for me it's going to be the best thing ever ;-). That helps aaaa loooottt ;-)
Hm, that's all for today my friends. Stay tuned and I'll tell you about the busride next week and of course everything about the gorillas.
Take care :-)
Montag, 11. Mai 2009
Arrived in Uganda
Hey guys
Arrived in Uganda althought yesterday I wasn't so convinced I would ever get here.
I was at the fullmoonparty in Zanzibar on Saturday and arranged for Maliki to pick me up on Sunday at 12 p.m. so we would make it on time to the airport in town. 12 p.m. arrived but no sign of Maliki. I called him and got the answer he's on the way. 12.30 p.m. no Maliki, my flight was at 2 p.m. I was getting nervous. Called Maliki again and got the answer, there was a car in the way and he was pushing it away, he was on the way. 12.40 p.m. Maliki arrived. I was totally nervous, couldn't stand still and smoked a million cigarettes. However, we started our journey to town but had to get fuel first.
There was no fuel at the closest petrol station so we had to get further, I was so nervous I couldn't sit still. Anyway the journey went on, Maliki was racing to the airport and at 1.30 p.m. we finally arrived. I rushed to the check-in counter where a totally calm employee told me, I had plenty of time...So, checked my luggage in waved Maliki and Kjerstie a bye bye and went to the waiting area of the airport. I made the plane and it was delayed of course. I landed in Dar Es Salaam at 2.30 p.m. and made my way to the international airport of Dar Es Salaam. Checked in for my flight to Uganda and the waiting continued. Of course I couldn't smoke at the airport but there was a very helpful employee who brought me to the toilet and stood guard while I was smoking a cigarette inside.
Finally I got on the plane to Uganda we arrived on time in Entebbe and what a surprise there was no line in front of the visa desk. Happely I went there together with some businessmen who were on my plane. We were wondering why there was another long queque in front of a small desk before the visa office but we thought this wouldn't concern us. We were WRONG. It turned out that there was a problem with some illness and every passenger coming to Uganda had to fill in a form and line up in fornt of the little desk to get a stamp to get the visa for Uganda. So we did this. It was luck for me because of that I got to talk to these businessmen and one of them offered me a lift to Kampala.
His fiancee lives in Kampala and she organised a driver for him to pick him up. Outside the airport half of the family of his fiancee was waiting for him and they gave me a warmth welcome. On the way to Kampala they explained me the different areas we were passing through and they also invited me to visit their home. We had to pass there anyway because the businessman's fiancee suffers from Malaria. So we passed by their home and I had my first local beer :-). They then drove me all the way to my backpacker and made sure I got a room. I was very lucky to get one because the backpacker was fully booked. But luck was on my side and I could spent my first night here in Uganda in a warm nice room.
Now I'm actually waiting for another room as my room is occupied by someone else. So keep your fingers crossed for me, please.
On Wednesday I'll go on safari it's already booked. So the travelling begins. Please keep your fingers crossed also for the Gorillas permit and that I'll be able to change money here :-). Thanks a lot and stay tuned
Arrived in Uganda althought yesterday I wasn't so convinced I would ever get here.
I was at the fullmoonparty in Zanzibar on Saturday and arranged for Maliki to pick me up on Sunday at 12 p.m. so we would make it on time to the airport in town. 12 p.m. arrived but no sign of Maliki. I called him and got the answer he's on the way. 12.30 p.m. no Maliki, my flight was at 2 p.m. I was getting nervous. Called Maliki again and got the answer, there was a car in the way and he was pushing it away, he was on the way. 12.40 p.m. Maliki arrived. I was totally nervous, couldn't stand still and smoked a million cigarettes. However, we started our journey to town but had to get fuel first.
There was no fuel at the closest petrol station so we had to get further, I was so nervous I couldn't sit still. Anyway the journey went on, Maliki was racing to the airport and at 1.30 p.m. we finally arrived. I rushed to the check-in counter where a totally calm employee told me, I had plenty of time...So, checked my luggage in waved Maliki and Kjerstie a bye bye and went to the waiting area of the airport. I made the plane and it was delayed of course. I landed in Dar Es Salaam at 2.30 p.m. and made my way to the international airport of Dar Es Salaam. Checked in for my flight to Uganda and the waiting continued. Of course I couldn't smoke at the airport but there was a very helpful employee who brought me to the toilet and stood guard while I was smoking a cigarette inside.
Finally I got on the plane to Uganda we arrived on time in Entebbe and what a surprise there was no line in front of the visa desk. Happely I went there together with some businessmen who were on my plane. We were wondering why there was another long queque in front of a small desk before the visa office but we thought this wouldn't concern us. We were WRONG. It turned out that there was a problem with some illness and every passenger coming to Uganda had to fill in a form and line up in fornt of the little desk to get a stamp to get the visa for Uganda. So we did this. It was luck for me because of that I got to talk to these businessmen and one of them offered me a lift to Kampala.
His fiancee lives in Kampala and she organised a driver for him to pick him up. Outside the airport half of the family of his fiancee was waiting for him and they gave me a warmth welcome. On the way to Kampala they explained me the different areas we were passing through and they also invited me to visit their home. We had to pass there anyway because the businessman's fiancee suffers from Malaria. So we passed by their home and I had my first local beer :-). They then drove me all the way to my backpacker and made sure I got a room. I was very lucky to get one because the backpacker was fully booked. But luck was on my side and I could spent my first night here in Uganda in a warm nice room.
Now I'm actually waiting for another room as my room is occupied by someone else. So keep your fingers crossed for me, please.
On Wednesday I'll go on safari it's already booked. So the travelling begins. Please keep your fingers crossed also for the Gorillas permit and that I'll be able to change money here :-). Thanks a lot and stay tuned
Mittwoch, 6. Mai 2009
A bad day in town is still a good day in life
Yesterday was meant to be a busy day. I was woken up by the rooster Obama screaming for his wives. One of them still lives in our house. So I released her. Obama's voice is massive you must know and he only comes visiting during the day, which means he wakes me up at 6 a.m. usually. But yesterday he was intense. He wouldn't stop after Diana, the chicken was outside so I couldn't sleep anymore at around 7.30 a.m. I decided to get up and have coffee and read until it was time to go to town.
I was meant to meet Kjerstie at 10.30 a.m. in Cholo's at 10.20 a.m. I made my way down to Cholo's, half way down I realised I forgot my creditcard so I walked back got my creditcard and was in Cholo's by 10.35 a.m. so far so good. We went to the Dalla Dalla station and happely left at 11.00 a.m. for town. When we arrived in town we made our way, what we thought, towards Shangani (or however it is called the tourist district of Zanzibar Town). But we kept walking in circles and it started to rain, we found shelter and waited smoking though we were wet already but didn't want to get soaked. Fortunatelly, the rain stopped after five minutes and we kept on walking, on our way we passed by a Bureau de Change and I decided to exchange my TVC, because I was so happy to find a Bureau which would exchange them into Dollars (I tried to find one before) I didn't ask for the rate which was a huuuugeee mistake. They gave me the badest rate ever and I lost a hell lot of money. However, what can you do and eventually I'll get the money back in Switzerland I can always try. So instead of getting angry I smiled. As I had my Dollars now we decided to find Air Uganda so I could pay my ticket and have it issued. We found the office quickly and I happy presented my reservation. They found me, I mean the reservation, in the computer and issued the ticket. But when I wanted to pay they wouldn't take my money, it was too old. Fortunatelly, I had enough Shillings on me. So instead of getting angry I just smiled.
After having a quick smoke outside the office we decided to have lunch and went to an Italian restaurant. I ordered pasta and was pleased to see they had Parmesan. I was the happiest person in the world until my first bite of the food. It wasn't good, I couldn't eat it. So, I had 3 forks full and decided to leave it. After lunch I had to buy cigis so I went to the next stall on the street and asked for them. They wanted to sell them for a ridiculous price and I just walked off. They came after me and offered me a cheaper price so I bought the cigarettes. But when I opened the packet some cigarettes were already missing so I had to go back and exchange the packet. But still I didn't get angry I just smiled.
As we had enough town for the day we decided to call Khamis for a ride back as he was in town too. But when I finally reached him, he was back in Nungwi already so we had to go back by Dalla Dalla which we did. In the Dalla Dalla a local woman sitting next to me found it very comfortable to push her knees into my right tight during the whole ride so I ended up tired and bruised in Nungwi. But instead of getting angry I just smiled.
Back in Nungwi it was time for the famous Cholo's mixed juice so we went down to the bar again. There we met Boss who decided we had to work and peel corn for him. Which we did. After sunset it was showertime I went back home and I was reaaallyyyy looking forward to that shower. But back home hamna maji (no water)...I just smiled ;-). Fortunatelly, no one is staying at the bungalows at the moment and they had water so Khamis offered I could shower there which I did. He made my day.
Because the day wasn't really good I found I had the right to get drunk and went down to Cholo's again. I hadn't really eaten up till then and went over to the chef Charles and told him he should surprise me with something. I must mention I started to eat seafood at the island. So, when dinner finally arrived I had 5 prawns on my plate. Unfortunatelly, I still don't eat prawns. I can't stand the smell and think they look disgusting. So, I forced myself to eat at least 3 of them and left the rest on the plate.
It was time for a drinking game, but I couldn't play because Boss had some urgent matters to discuss with me, which were a marriage proposal and the plan to introduce me to his father. He will sure like me, Boss said....Ehe, I thought. I had to escaped and went over to the bar. Where Fabian offered me to carry me home later, because I was already drunk. I ordered another Killi and went to Bam Bam with Kjerstie where we played pool. Of course, I lost...It was time to go home. So, I went back to Cholo's and asked Fabian about that offer of carrying me. But he didn't want to go home so he asked Karim to drive me. Unfortunatelly, Karim was terribly drunk and the ride home wasn't pleasant at all.
Anyway, I'm still alive and had the funniest bad day in my life. It was great after all and I laughed a lot. That's why a bad day in town is still a good day in life and believe me, laughing is so much better than anger ;-).
That's all folks, hope you enjoyed my bad day. Stay tuned.
I was meant to meet Kjerstie at 10.30 a.m. in Cholo's at 10.20 a.m. I made my way down to Cholo's, half way down I realised I forgot my creditcard so I walked back got my creditcard and was in Cholo's by 10.35 a.m. so far so good. We went to the Dalla Dalla station and happely left at 11.00 a.m. for town. When we arrived in town we made our way, what we thought, towards Shangani (or however it is called the tourist district of Zanzibar Town). But we kept walking in circles and it started to rain, we found shelter and waited smoking though we were wet already but didn't want to get soaked. Fortunatelly, the rain stopped after five minutes and we kept on walking, on our way we passed by a Bureau de Change and I decided to exchange my TVC, because I was so happy to find a Bureau which would exchange them into Dollars (I tried to find one before) I didn't ask for the rate which was a huuuugeee mistake. They gave me the badest rate ever and I lost a hell lot of money. However, what can you do and eventually I'll get the money back in Switzerland I can always try. So instead of getting angry I smiled. As I had my Dollars now we decided to find Air Uganda so I could pay my ticket and have it issued. We found the office quickly and I happy presented my reservation. They found me, I mean the reservation, in the computer and issued the ticket. But when I wanted to pay they wouldn't take my money, it was too old. Fortunatelly, I had enough Shillings on me. So instead of getting angry I just smiled.
After having a quick smoke outside the office we decided to have lunch and went to an Italian restaurant. I ordered pasta and was pleased to see they had Parmesan. I was the happiest person in the world until my first bite of the food. It wasn't good, I couldn't eat it. So, I had 3 forks full and decided to leave it. After lunch I had to buy cigis so I went to the next stall on the street and asked for them. They wanted to sell them for a ridiculous price and I just walked off. They came after me and offered me a cheaper price so I bought the cigarettes. But when I opened the packet some cigarettes were already missing so I had to go back and exchange the packet. But still I didn't get angry I just smiled.
As we had enough town for the day we decided to call Khamis for a ride back as he was in town too. But when I finally reached him, he was back in Nungwi already so we had to go back by Dalla Dalla which we did. In the Dalla Dalla a local woman sitting next to me found it very comfortable to push her knees into my right tight during the whole ride so I ended up tired and bruised in Nungwi. But instead of getting angry I just smiled.
Back in Nungwi it was time for the famous Cholo's mixed juice so we went down to the bar again. There we met Boss who decided we had to work and peel corn for him. Which we did. After sunset it was showertime I went back home and I was reaaallyyyy looking forward to that shower. But back home hamna maji (no water)...I just smiled ;-). Fortunatelly, no one is staying at the bungalows at the moment and they had water so Khamis offered I could shower there which I did. He made my day.
Because the day wasn't really good I found I had the right to get drunk and went down to Cholo's again. I hadn't really eaten up till then and went over to the chef Charles and told him he should surprise me with something. I must mention I started to eat seafood at the island. So, when dinner finally arrived I had 5 prawns on my plate. Unfortunatelly, I still don't eat prawns. I can't stand the smell and think they look disgusting. So, I forced myself to eat at least 3 of them and left the rest on the plate.
It was time for a drinking game, but I couldn't play because Boss had some urgent matters to discuss with me, which were a marriage proposal and the plan to introduce me to his father. He will sure like me, Boss said....Ehe, I thought. I had to escaped and went over to the bar. Where Fabian offered me to carry me home later, because I was already drunk. I ordered another Killi and went to Bam Bam with Kjerstie where we played pool. Of course, I lost...It was time to go home. So, I went back to Cholo's and asked Fabian about that offer of carrying me. But he didn't want to go home so he asked Karim to drive me. Unfortunatelly, Karim was terribly drunk and the ride home wasn't pleasant at all.
Anyway, I'm still alive and had the funniest bad day in my life. It was great after all and I laughed a lot. That's why a bad day in town is still a good day in life and believe me, laughing is so much better than anger ;-).
That's all folks, hope you enjoyed my bad day. Stay tuned.
Sonntag, 3. Mai 2009
Back form circling
Jambo rafiki,
I was cruising around the island the last few days, it was great. I did all the tourist things: like trying to find the railway station in Bububu beach (we were searching for almost one hour to find out that the station wasn't that spectacular at all ;-)), a spice tour and wandering through Jozani Forest. I saw monkeys and even a kind of a crater, but this was more by accident.
Stirring the wheel of a car again after 3 months without driving was quite funny, especially because the roads here are quite rough. There are holes everywhere and sometimes you can't really see them and the car just jumps over them. Also, finding places on this island is not easy. We had to turn around a lot and asked a lot of locals about the way. Most of them couldn't speak English and our Swahili isn't the best but somehow we always got where we wanted ;-).
Yesterday we came back exhausted but happy :-).
Today, I booked my flight to Uganda. I'll be out of Zanzibar in one week. I'll keep you updated.
Cheers
I was cruising around the island the last few days, it was great. I did all the tourist things: like trying to find the railway station in Bububu beach (we were searching for almost one hour to find out that the station wasn't that spectacular at all ;-)), a spice tour and wandering through Jozani Forest. I saw monkeys and even a kind of a crater, but this was more by accident.
Stirring the wheel of a car again after 3 months without driving was quite funny, especially because the roads here are quite rough. There are holes everywhere and sometimes you can't really see them and the car just jumps over them. Also, finding places on this island is not easy. We had to turn around a lot and asked a lot of locals about the way. Most of them couldn't speak English and our Swahili isn't the best but somehow we always got where we wanted ;-).
Yesterday we came back exhausted but happy :-).
Today, I booked my flight to Uganda. I'll be out of Zanzibar in one week. I'll keep you updated.
Cheers
Abonnieren
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