Our first overland border crossing went off without a hitch, despite Dillon getting exceedingly nervous about all of it (I was blissfully unaware of any possible complications, having never really done this before).
We even successfully changed money with one of the incutras, or international currency traders, who confronted us. These guys are notorious for short-changing foreigners struggling with currency conversions, and rather intimidating as they really swarm around you while you sign out of one country and try to make it to the next one.
Anyway, once in Uganda, we quickly noticed a few things:
- While we were aware of a substantial Indian community in Kenya, the Indian community in Uganda seemed even more prominently represented. The TV channels showing Bollywood movies, and the great curries on offer in most restaurants are what gave them away. (I ate the hottest curry of my life in Jinja…the menu said it would be ‘unforgettable’, but I really had no idea)
- The rainy season in east Africa is really…er…rainy
We didn’t notice it so much in Kenya (the rains came mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms), but since Jinja it’s been happening pretty much any time of the day or night. - As a result of this, Uganda is even greener than western Kenya – truly and impressively tropical.
- Boda-bodas, or motorcycle taxi’s, are everywhere! There’s almost no way of getting around without them – in Jinja, the matatus didn’t go where we wanted to go on the outskirts of town, and in Kampala, the traffic is just too intense. Motorbikes can squeeze in and around traffic more easily…
In Jinja, we explored the town and found a spot overlooking the Nile river where it originates from Lake Victoria and briefly made friends with a quirky Canadian couple who were having a Nile Special (beer) at our hotel.
But, since we weren’t going to do any whitewater-rafting (one of the touristy-highlights of the region, but priced in dollars as a result), we didn’t end up staying very long.
Will post more on Kampala soon, hopefully with photos
Finally, after 10 frustrating days, our internet is back on line. The local “Dial-a Nerd” (no jokes, that’s what the business is called) chap spent 10 min reconfiguring the router…a cool R200 bucks charged…we are in the wrong business!
Thanx for the regular blogs and esp the sms texts…it’s always a relief to know you’re still ok and heading south, and having an unforgettable experience.
Have printed the Mahala article/blog; not sure what it is, and YES! you do get a lekker special mention, plus colour photograph of the pictures. Once again my chest swelled with pride! Ga brought the Spier book up and I have read it from front to back (and yes I am managing to casually bring it into every conversation!)
You’ll be missing Afrika Burn this year…article in the latest “SA Country Life” about the one you went to; this year it’s being held in April. Will keep the mag.
Also an appeal by Dr Baum (UCT) for the Spier exhib to be retained in CT for the duration of the World Cup; not likely to happen though. The City Hall has been earmarked as a fan base for said Cup. FIFA rules!
Lotsa love to the intrepid travellers XXXXX
By: Val on March 29, 2010
at 5:48 pm
Hey you guys
Really fun reading your updates.
Enjoy every bit of it and looking forward to hearing about whats next.
Live it up!
By: siviwe on March 30, 2010
at 10:00 am