|
|
|
“Despite it being one of the worlds poorest countries it was very friendly and quite safe!” |
Well this month I requested flights to Africa. It is one of the only continents I have never travelled to so I was excited to go. And the first flight of the month… Entebbe, Uganda. Well we stopped in Ethiopia along the way but we did not have the opportunity to exit the plane. Uganda is in the middle of the continent and borders lake Victoria; the largest lake in Africa and the beginning of the Nile. As well it borders Kenya, and Tanzania, Rwanda, Zaire, and Sudan and, Democratic Republic of Congo, some dangerous places to visit. Despite it being one of the worlds poorest countries it was very friendly and quite safe!
We landed and after being whisked though security and on to a bus it was about a 40 minute ride in to the capital city Kampala. We stayed at the Sheraton in the centre of town; the nicest hotel in town… but not that nice. My bath room was so small if I stood in the middle of the room I could touch all 4 walls. As well the toilet leaked water onto the floor. But it was clean and quite so I was happy. Unlike my cohorts I was eager to explore the area and after I changed I headed out in the perfect mid-afternoon sun for a walk around town. The temperature was a brilliant 21 degrees. I walked abut an hour out and then an hour back. People on the street were friendly and there were a few stares (was one of only 3 Caucasians encountered). And despite it being one of the poorest countries I only encountered a few beggars, far few then I would encounter in down town Vancouver. One thing I was surprised to see were a great deal of guns. Rifles, and shotguns, all very old some looked like world war two relics, there must have been at least one on every block, usually wielded by a very bored looking guard. The greatest danger, besides the traffic (as is the case in most cities) was caused by the absence of manhole covers, most likely removed and sold for scrap, thus creating large holes with upwards of 5ft drops into the sewer below. I am certain these would pose a most formidable obstacle in the dark, after a night of drinking.
I came to Africa expecting desert but in actuality, this part at least, was lush and almost tropical. The soil was a deep red and there was plenty of wild life. Right outside the airport a tree was filled with beaver birds (the name given by a cohort, not sure if actual) these little birds wove baskets made of twigs, about the size of a bowling ball, but suspect much lighter. Out front of our hotel was a large tree full of Pterodactyl, well they appeared to be at least, but on closer, and cautious, examination they were actually some kind of large stork or heron, with a large wing span.
That night most of the crew met for dinner at the hotel bar. I had a pizza (18000 Shillings and 2 beer (4650 each) with a total price of 27300. Our total allowance for the trip was 84500 or roughly $50 us… not a lot by Emirates standards. I retired early with the intention of further exploration the next morning.
I slept quite well and woke around 9 and out the door by 10 leaving me 2.5 hours before the hotel wake up call (which gives me an hour to be ready downstairs.) This time I walked in the opposite direction, in search of a market. Well I didn’t find the market but I did find a Hari Krissha vegetarian restaurant. I figured this would be the safest option, gastrointestinally speaking. I had some Somosas and a grilled veggy sandwich. Both quite nice… and a little dry. After giving up on the market I headed a different way back to the hotel… and no, I didn’t get lost. I stopped along the way to by a couple bottles local spirits. Once back I had time to watch the news before the wake up call, a shower and packing. The ride was nice back to the airport, I forced myself to stay awake to take in the scenery. And once back at the airport we breezed though security making one quick stop in the duty free to by a bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum. The gate to the airplane was, oddly, nowhere near the airplane. Fortunately three were only about 3 plains to choose from in the airport… unfortunately it was the one that was ½km away from the gate… and on the other side of a red carpet and an reception entourage, and honour guard. For whom was this reception set? Well I wish I knew. Shortly after arriving to our plane, by bus (thank god) they rolled up the red carpet (which began in the middle of the tarmac) and dismissed the guard. I am guessing it must have been a practice. The flight back to Ethiopia was light, few people on board and I chatted with a Canadian lady from Edmonton, she was visiting here husband whom was managing some export company.
previous travel blog entry
Would you like to comment or ask a question?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).