Monkey Business

I have painted you a picture of the gorilla trekking adventure so now let me tell you about all the things that fell in between.
Most tourists arrange their permits to see the gorillas months in advance however I was not this prepared...sound familiar friends?? However I found a safari group that was completely efficient in getting my permit and arranging my accommodations upon a days notice. They ensured that I had every document prepared and ready each day. I never once dealt with any glitches and the transportation was comfortable and reliable. I was blessed with the guidance of Sam who toured me around and gave me complete confidence and safety the entire trip. Sam provided me with information regarding the region, politics and people. Thank goodness for Sam!!
My journey in Uganda started in Kapala-the capital. I stayed in a hotel that was smack dab in the middle of the business district. It can be overwhelming the first day in any new country so my general plan is usually to stick close to the hotel and get my feel for the area. However, my agent arranged for transportation to any shopping or dinner destinations. I was given a lovely tour of the city including insight to the religious and political challenges of Uganda. This was a treat because it was not necessarily part of my package however the guide was clearly set in making my visit completely unforgettable. In the evening I was surrounded by the hills of Uganda from a lovely French restaurant complete with the sounds of Muslim's prayer and a distant purple and pink lightening show.

The next day I journeyed for several hours with across Uganda. I admired banana plantations, fields of tea leaves, local food markets and landscapes referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa". It is extremely green in this region as the rain is a constant. Once I arrived in the Bwindi National Park, I was brought to my sleeping quarters in a small but beautiful camping park. There were banda's (small round huts) or self contained tents for sleeping. I had a lovely self contained tent with a wrap around deck. My home for the night overlooked the entrance to the jungle. I sat on the porch and watched the black and white Colobus monkeys swing from the vines; only occasionally glancing in my direction to ensure their safety. After a warm meal, I drifted off with ease as the sound of the river lulled me to sleep.

An early rise to start my day and meet my fellow trekkers. Some were from Belgium and the others from London. (See, "In the Mist of it All" for gorilla adventures). The 3 from London; Sarah, David and Adam, were also on a tour and had a similar agenda as mine for the next 3 days. Once again, I found myself taken in by strangers and made an instant friend. Of course, I couldn't resist their generosity and good looks so I graciously accepted their temporary adoption. I was lucky to discover that my new friends were also staying at the same hotel on the beautiful Lake Bunonyi. Despite the rain we were able to enjoy canoeing, hiking, swimming and of course...drinking! I felt completely refreshed by the abundance of laughter and quickly developed wonderful new memories. Sarah, David and Adam share not only a strong friendship but a common career as lawyers. I enjoyed their witty banter, views on politics, and most of all...their ability to make every discussion end with a joke about sex. Boys...they never grow up! Of course, me, I am completely innocent and am offended by such jokes and comments :)

Side note: While in that region, the president of Uganda visited a nearby town and also drove through the town of Lake Bunyonyi. It was quit the buzz and people walked for miles to hear him talk.

Eventually we all returned back to Kapala but not before stopping off at the equator point in Uganda. I have to admit that I was taken by the water draining demonstration-I believe this is called the Coriolis Effect?? Water drains to the right when north of the equator and to the left south of the equator. On the actual equator itself-there is no bend or rotation of the water. I paid a few bucks for the demonstration and then received a certificate of completion. Now I understand that you might be thinking I am fool for paying for a certificate but I need to carry on the tradition. So far on my travels, I have received a certificate for Kilimanjaro, Balloon Ride over the Serengeti, Trekking with the Gorillas and now the Equator! Not exactly sure if I have room on my walls for the display but it will be good for a scrapbook.

Now back in Kapala, my friends joined me at my hotel and we ventured out for a farewell dinner. The next day I was off with Jewel Safari's to see the source of the Nile river-it bubbles up from Lake Victoria and then flows north to Egypt-it takes a total of 40 days. The rapids, that were a few meters away from the source, were not an appealing ride as I believe they were class 4. A bit too steep for my taste. Instead I devoured the local catch, tilapia and a Nile Lager.

Eventually I found myself back to my home base of Nairobi, Kenya. After a day of rest and clean-up, I flew out to Cairo, Egypt. Another interesting flight of people watching (people watching me mostly!!) but uneventful none the less. I am now here is Cairo and booking myself some tours of the area. I think you can expect some good stories to follow. As a teaser, I will tell you that my hotel room overlooks 2 pyramids in Giza.....Fanfuckingtakstic!

Cheers!!