I have enjoyed writing this blog for my trip to Africa. I have created a new web site called WHAT THE? and will continue to write about the everyday ridiculous things that happen. Visit me at the new site with the link below:
http://whattheterrymbauer.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 20, 2008
Going Home
Well I thought going home would be easier than our trip here to Africa. I thought I would give it one more try and see if my missing luggage had ever made it to Uganda. In the missing bag were 60 pair of flip flops, 2 cases of dental floss, and 200 tooth brushes. Upon arrival to the airport there was a line out the door to check in. I told Andy to take my passport and check us in along with the others of the group while I checked the “lost luggage” desk where I spent approx. 2 hours upon arrival 2 weeks ago to have them give me a slip of paper and make an entry into a spiral notebook (how high tech).
I was told I needed a pass to enter the arrival portion of the airport to visit the “lost luggage” desk. I had to go to a special desk to get “the pass”. As I made my way to an area of the airport that was ummmmm lets just say “SCARY”, the airport lost power and it was 9 pm which means IT WAS DARK! Ok, I have made it 2 weeks in New York City and some very scary areas of Africa, but now just before boarding a plane to a to Starbucks I’m going to meet my maker in an alley of the airport getting a pass for a lost piece of luggage. Luckily the power came back up and I approached the desk and the lady wanted my passport before she would even talk to me about a pass. I explained my passport was in the airport with my son checking us in for a mercy flight to Starbucks. I was able to talk her into allowing me to use my Arizona Drivers license to get the coveted pass. I again had to make an entry into a high tech spiral notebook. I then went down to arrivals and had to walk past a sign that said STOP NO ENTRY. Needless to say it looked like the way so I did. The only obstacle that stood in my way to getting to the Lost Luggage forever in Uganda desk was a man wearing a tattered polo shirt sitting in a lawn chair with a Boston Red Sox cap. As I passed him he yelled “WHERE ARE YOU GOING”? To the “KEEP MY LUGGAGE FOREVER DESK” I replied. He said I needed a pass. I proudly showed him my pass. I then approached the desk to find over 30 people with lost luggage that just got off a flight from who knows where. It would be literally over 2 hours before it was my turn so at this point I tried to do the right thing and bring this bag here and give these things to the people who needed it but I was about to miss my flight to a Venti Latte and I had to go.
I went up to retrieve my license, sign out, and get to the gate. I signed out and upon entering the airport ticket counter I was stopped by security because I had no luggage. I told them I had luggage which was being held hostage downstairs and wish I had luggage, but they would not help me. They then dispatched an airline rep to check the missing bag for me. I then made my way to the ticket counter and met up with Andy who was now just approaching the ticket counter. What timing! The entire group we were with made it through with no problem. As we however told them our names and presented our ID’s there was typing, typing, typing, and more typing, typing. She then said I don’t see you on this flight. WHAT THE? She then called over Suzy, and Tom, and Frieda and there was more typing, typing, typing. If I had to rent a plane I was getting out of Uganda tonight. They then hit the magic key and found us. We would be making it out. I then was notified that they found the bag. I then went downstairs to get the bag at arrivals. I went with the church rep who I was giving the bag to so she could distribute the items to the people. Upon arrival downstairs I saw that Uganda customs was now interested in the bag. WHAT THE? I could see them through the glass window open the bag take out the flip flops and tooth brushes. They put them all back and the airline rep came out and advised me that Customs wanted me to take the bag and it contents back to the US. WHAT THE? She said customs think you brought these items to Uganda to resell. Ok I fly 10, 800 miles and spent $150 just to get this bag here and I was going to sell 50 pair of flip flops and 200 tooth brushes to make a killer profit in Uganda? Oh by the way the bag I brought was a brand new black suit case and the bag that the stuff was in was a tattered green broken suit case and approx 10 pairs of flip flops and 50 tooth brushes were missing. I took the suitcase said ok and then went up to departures with the church rep. Upstairs I handed her the suitcase and said thanks and please leave the airport now with the stuff. I felt like a drug dealer. I then went through security and finally made it to the gate. As I sat there I again felt like drug dealer and thought what if customs saw me give the bag away and they are going to arrest me right off the plane. How many years would they give me in a Uganda prison. I thought of Midnight Cowboy and thought what would I say if a fellow prisoner asked me why I was in the slammer, the rock, the big house? Would I say I smuggled flip flops in or make up a taller tale to make myself look tough. I struggled with this and could hardly wait till I was on the plane and they shut the door.
We finally boarded the plane and they finally shut the door. After shutting the door they made an announcement that before take off they would be coming through the cabin and spraying the cabin for bugs and not to be alarmed. They then spray this heavy spray to kill any mosquitoes in the plane so they don’t get into the country the plane is going. WHAT THE? Anyway we were “wheels up” (that’s airplane talk) right on time and I was now only 23 hours of flying time from a Starbucks.
8 hours and 5 minutes later we touched down in Brussels Belgium. I always wanted to have a waffle in Belgium. We then learned our flight to Brussels was delayed to New York. So delayed that we would then miss our connection to Chicago. We then waited in a very long line to rebook another flight from New York to Chicago. We then boarded the next 8 hour flight to New York. Upon arrival to New York JFK we had to shuttle over to LaGuardia to catch the only other flight to Chicago. This is no easy thing to do with 8 people and luggage. We then made it to LaGuardia only to find out the flight to Chicago was delayed and possibly going to be canceled due to weather. This would mean we were stuck in New York again but this time we would be on our own. We boarded the plane and finally we were headed to Chicago. My flight in Chicago was delayed 1 hour (of course) and finally said goodbye to the group as they were headed home. I still had another 3 hour flight to Arizona. That last 3 hours seemed like forever. I landed at Sky Harbor and found Maureen and the puppies waiting for me. IT WAS GOOD TO BE HOME. Maureen had no idea that just 23 hours earlier I was very close to being imprisoned for years of hard labor in a Ugandan prison. I told her of my close call and asked her if she would have “waited for me” on the outside while I was in prison. Being the good wife she is, she said yes, but deep down I knew she was thinking “PARTY”. I let her think her thoughts privately and I just had to let it go. It was then I knew Africa had changed us both forever.
I was told I needed a pass to enter the arrival portion of the airport to visit the “lost luggage” desk. I had to go to a special desk to get “the pass”. As I made my way to an area of the airport that was ummmmm lets just say “SCARY”, the airport lost power and it was 9 pm which means IT WAS DARK! Ok, I have made it 2 weeks in New York City and some very scary areas of Africa, but now just before boarding a plane to a to Starbucks I’m going to meet my maker in an alley of the airport getting a pass for a lost piece of luggage. Luckily the power came back up and I approached the desk and the lady wanted my passport before she would even talk to me about a pass. I explained my passport was in the airport with my son checking us in for a mercy flight to Starbucks. I was able to talk her into allowing me to use my Arizona Drivers license to get the coveted pass. I again had to make an entry into a high tech spiral notebook. I then went down to arrivals and had to walk past a sign that said STOP NO ENTRY. Needless to say it looked like the way so I did. The only obstacle that stood in my way to getting to the Lost Luggage forever in Uganda desk was a man wearing a tattered polo shirt sitting in a lawn chair with a Boston Red Sox cap. As I passed him he yelled “WHERE ARE YOU GOING”? To the “KEEP MY LUGGAGE FOREVER DESK” I replied. He said I needed a pass. I proudly showed him my pass. I then approached the desk to find over 30 people with lost luggage that just got off a flight from who knows where. It would be literally over 2 hours before it was my turn so at this point I tried to do the right thing and bring this bag here and give these things to the people who needed it but I was about to miss my flight to a Venti Latte and I had to go.
I went up to retrieve my license, sign out, and get to the gate. I signed out and upon entering the airport ticket counter I was stopped by security because I had no luggage. I told them I had luggage which was being held hostage downstairs and wish I had luggage, but they would not help me. They then dispatched an airline rep to check the missing bag for me. I then made my way to the ticket counter and met up with Andy who was now just approaching the ticket counter. What timing! The entire group we were with made it through with no problem. As we however told them our names and presented our ID’s there was typing, typing, typing, and more typing, typing. She then said I don’t see you on this flight. WHAT THE? She then called over Suzy, and Tom, and Frieda and there was more typing, typing, typing. If I had to rent a plane I was getting out of Uganda tonight. They then hit the magic key and found us. We would be making it out. I then was notified that they found the bag. I then went downstairs to get the bag at arrivals. I went with the church rep who I was giving the bag to so she could distribute the items to the people. Upon arrival downstairs I saw that Uganda customs was now interested in the bag. WHAT THE? I could see them through the glass window open the bag take out the flip flops and tooth brushes. They put them all back and the airline rep came out and advised me that Customs wanted me to take the bag and it contents back to the US. WHAT THE? She said customs think you brought these items to Uganda to resell. Ok I fly 10, 800 miles and spent $150 just to get this bag here and I was going to sell 50 pair of flip flops and 200 tooth brushes to make a killer profit in Uganda? Oh by the way the bag I brought was a brand new black suit case and the bag that the stuff was in was a tattered green broken suit case and approx 10 pairs of flip flops and 50 tooth brushes were missing. I took the suitcase said ok and then went up to departures with the church rep. Upstairs I handed her the suitcase and said thanks and please leave the airport now with the stuff. I felt like a drug dealer. I then went through security and finally made it to the gate. As I sat there I again felt like drug dealer and thought what if customs saw me give the bag away and they are going to arrest me right off the plane. How many years would they give me in a Uganda prison. I thought of Midnight Cowboy and thought what would I say if a fellow prisoner asked me why I was in the slammer, the rock, the big house? Would I say I smuggled flip flops in or make up a taller tale to make myself look tough. I struggled with this and could hardly wait till I was on the plane and they shut the door.
We finally boarded the plane and they finally shut the door. After shutting the door they made an announcement that before take off they would be coming through the cabin and spraying the cabin for bugs and not to be alarmed. They then spray this heavy spray to kill any mosquitoes in the plane so they don’t get into the country the plane is going. WHAT THE? Anyway we were “wheels up” (that’s airplane talk) right on time and I was now only 23 hours of flying time from a Starbucks.
8 hours and 5 minutes later we touched down in Brussels Belgium. I always wanted to have a waffle in Belgium. We then learned our flight to Brussels was delayed to New York. So delayed that we would then miss our connection to Chicago. We then waited in a very long line to rebook another flight from New York to Chicago. We then boarded the next 8 hour flight to New York. Upon arrival to New York JFK we had to shuttle over to LaGuardia to catch the only other flight to Chicago. This is no easy thing to do with 8 people and luggage. We then made it to LaGuardia only to find out the flight to Chicago was delayed and possibly going to be canceled due to weather. This would mean we were stuck in New York again but this time we would be on our own. We boarded the plane and finally we were headed to Chicago. My flight in Chicago was delayed 1 hour (of course) and finally said goodbye to the group as they were headed home. I still had another 3 hour flight to Arizona. That last 3 hours seemed like forever. I landed at Sky Harbor and found Maureen and the puppies waiting for me. IT WAS GOOD TO BE HOME. Maureen had no idea that just 23 hours earlier I was very close to being imprisoned for years of hard labor in a Ugandan prison. I told her of my close call and asked her if she would have “waited for me” on the outside while I was in prison. Being the good wife she is, she said yes, but deep down I knew she was thinking “PARTY”. I let her think her thoughts privately and I just had to let it go. It was then I knew Africa had changed us both forever.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Good Bye Uganda
The last day here in Uganda for me it met with mixed emotions. I always wanted to do something extra ordinary in my life. I wanted to do something that when you told someone what it was, they would be amazed that you did it. I think this was it. I will miss this place when I return to my normal life. It certainly was not the luxury vacation I could have gone on for the money I spent, but it was truly a trip of a lifetime. These people are so poor and so remote. I asked our group a question. I reminded them of a lady we met in a remote village we met earlier in the trip. I asked them if they were dropped off there today and would not be picked up for a year would you do it for a million dollars. My answer would be no. Its unbelievable conditions and I really would not do it for a million dollars.
The city is dirty filthy and packed with people and cars, trucks, taxis, that belch out diesel fumes that would make anyone choke. You drive past street children as young as 4 years old begging in the street with no one around. You drive deep into the jungle and meet people with nothing except a yellow water jug that they have to walk miles to get muddy dirty water that we would not even touch let alone drink. They have clothes that we would throw away. The live off the land and eat food that they have to go far to get. They never go to bed without the fear of starving, illness that will kill them, and being attacked (animals or people). Many are sick and will die because they cannot afford less than the $100 it would cost to cure them of such things as Malaria and other curable diseases. There are so many orphans that are left to fend for themselves because both parents are dead of aids. However they go forward everyday and yet when we encounter them they smile. Every village every time the people smiled because we showed up and spent time with them. Most of the time we had nothing to give them except our time and they smiled. It is those smiling faces that I will miss.
I hated the fact that I had things to give to some and not to others. I hated giving money to those who needed it most but not to others. I hated that when we went to a village that knew we were coming they set up a make shift shelter for us to sit under and had food and drinks for us while they sat in the hot sun and had nothing. I hated that there were people that for $100 or less would be cured and could not give them the money to do it. I hate that there is so much of this. I went to just a few tiny villages in a very small country. There are thousands of these villages and there are so many countries in Africa just like this. The governments are corrupt and offer almost no help and in fact deny access for groups like this to come into their countries. I used to see programs and commercials on TV about Africa and its problems. I also am afraid that when I get home it will be very hard to explain it to everyone. Being here using all five senses is the only way to effectively experience it. I can describe it as taking a picture while at the Grand Canyon. You stand at the edge of the Canyon and see this amazing thing right before your eyes and take a picture of it. You then have the picture developed and show it to your friends. As you show it to them although it’s a great picture, it does not capture what you saw when you stood on the edge that day and took the picture. I took some great pictures that I hope have captured my time here. I hope you have enjoyed reading my adventures, but it’s not the same as being here. I’m not sure really what to do when I get back home. I know I want a Starbucks right away with a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. I know I want to be greeted by my wife and my puppies at the airport. What I don’t know is what will happen to the people I met during these last 2 weeks. What I miss already is those smiling faces.
The city is dirty filthy and packed with people and cars, trucks, taxis, that belch out diesel fumes that would make anyone choke. You drive past street children as young as 4 years old begging in the street with no one around. You drive deep into the jungle and meet people with nothing except a yellow water jug that they have to walk miles to get muddy dirty water that we would not even touch let alone drink. They have clothes that we would throw away. The live off the land and eat food that they have to go far to get. They never go to bed without the fear of starving, illness that will kill them, and being attacked (animals or people). Many are sick and will die because they cannot afford less than the $100 it would cost to cure them of such things as Malaria and other curable diseases. There are so many orphans that are left to fend for themselves because both parents are dead of aids. However they go forward everyday and yet when we encounter them they smile. Every village every time the people smiled because we showed up and spent time with them. Most of the time we had nothing to give them except our time and they smiled. It is those smiling faces that I will miss.
I hated the fact that I had things to give to some and not to others. I hated giving money to those who needed it most but not to others. I hated that when we went to a village that knew we were coming they set up a make shift shelter for us to sit under and had food and drinks for us while they sat in the hot sun and had nothing. I hated that there were people that for $100 or less would be cured and could not give them the money to do it. I hate that there is so much of this. I went to just a few tiny villages in a very small country. There are thousands of these villages and there are so many countries in Africa just like this. The governments are corrupt and offer almost no help and in fact deny access for groups like this to come into their countries. I used to see programs and commercials on TV about Africa and its problems. I also am afraid that when I get home it will be very hard to explain it to everyone. Being here using all five senses is the only way to effectively experience it. I can describe it as taking a picture while at the Grand Canyon. You stand at the edge of the Canyon and see this amazing thing right before your eyes and take a picture of it. You then have the picture developed and show it to your friends. As you show it to them although it’s a great picture, it does not capture what you saw when you stood on the edge that day and took the picture. I took some great pictures that I hope have captured my time here. I hope you have enjoyed reading my adventures, but it’s not the same as being here. I’m not sure really what to do when I get back home. I know I want a Starbucks right away with a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. I know I want to be greeted by my wife and my puppies at the airport. What I don’t know is what will happen to the people I met during these last 2 weeks. What I miss already is those smiling faces.
Safari Day 2 By sea
Safari by sea
Again it was a 5:30 wake up call. I got up and let our pets out (snake & bat). We then went down to the river and boarded two small boats to go up river toward the falls. These boats sat about 10 people each and they were smaller than the hippos that were wading just a few feet away. I thought of the movie Jaws when he said “I think we are going to need a bigger boat”. We motored up the river and saw amazing hippos and saw the largest crockodile of the Nile. We defiantly need a bigger boat. The giant crock was basking in the son on the bank and was at least 100 feet long (it probably was really only 16 feet but seemed like 100 feet long) and it then jumped into and under the water. Hmmmm where is he? I shouted “let’s go” and we motored away quickly as this is no Jungle Cruise at Disney world.
Just before the falls we also encountered a dead hippo that had just come over the falls. It looked like a giant blow up hippo. As we approached the falls the river became very fast and the currents swirled around our little boat and it was then I noticed that we had no life preservers. I’m sure it’s because if you fell into the river something would eat you anyway. The falls were really beautiful and made Niagara Falls seemed tame. Then it was back down river and get on the bus to go see the falls from the top.
At the top we saw the falls up close. This is very dangerous and the sight was amazing. This was the most violent water I have ever seen. The river narrows to a very small opening and crashes against the rock walls to the river below. It was here that it was the hottest it had been on the whole trip. It was hot and very humid. We got back into the bus for our very long bumpy trip home. It was over 6 hours on the worst road I have ever traveled. It also is the most dangerous road I have ever traveled. The dirt roads are narrow and pot holed and trucks with unsecure and heavy loads race by narrowly missing us. Well this is the last bus ride until tomorrow when we go to the airport.
Six long hours later we arrived safe at home. We ate dinner and met as a group for the last time and talked about our time here. We were all very tired and went to bed. I was lonely without my snake and bat though.
Again it was a 5:30 wake up call. I got up and let our pets out (snake & bat). We then went down to the river and boarded two small boats to go up river toward the falls. These boats sat about 10 people each and they were smaller than the hippos that were wading just a few feet away. I thought of the movie Jaws when he said “I think we are going to need a bigger boat”. We motored up the river and saw amazing hippos and saw the largest crockodile of the Nile. We defiantly need a bigger boat. The giant crock was basking in the son on the bank and was at least 100 feet long (it probably was really only 16 feet but seemed like 100 feet long) and it then jumped into and under the water. Hmmmm where is he? I shouted “let’s go” and we motored away quickly as this is no Jungle Cruise at Disney world.
Just before the falls we also encountered a dead hippo that had just come over the falls. It looked like a giant blow up hippo. As we approached the falls the river became very fast and the currents swirled around our little boat and it was then I noticed that we had no life preservers. I’m sure it’s because if you fell into the river something would eat you anyway. The falls were really beautiful and made Niagara Falls seemed tame. Then it was back down river and get on the bus to go see the falls from the top.
At the top we saw the falls up close. This is very dangerous and the sight was amazing. This was the most violent water I have ever seen. The river narrows to a very small opening and crashes against the rock walls to the river below. It was here that it was the hottest it had been on the whole trip. It was hot and very humid. We got back into the bus for our very long bumpy trip home. It was over 6 hours on the worst road I have ever traveled. It also is the most dangerous road I have ever traveled. The dirt roads are narrow and pot holed and trucks with unsecure and heavy loads race by narrowly missing us. Well this is the last bus ride until tomorrow when we go to the airport.
Six long hours later we arrived safe at home. We ate dinner and met as a group for the last time and talked about our time here. We were all very tired and went to bed. I was lonely without my snake and bat though.
Safari Day
We left Gulu very early for our Safari location 3 hours away. I was glad to have this village in our rear view mirror. I felt bad leaving these people, but I felt un safe even at the hotel. I’m sure it was not as un safe as I imagine, however I had a very sleepless night thinking that every noise I heard was someone coming to get us for going into the camps and talking to the people.
We got on the bus (I was the first one on) and then had to drive 3 hours to get to the safari lodge. We drove about an hour until we got to a very very remote road that I would not take a 4X4 quad let alone a bus. We then drove 40 miles deep into the jungle to our destination. The jungle was at times just what you would think, lush deep trees and vines filled with baboons. They are considered the rats of the jungle, but I thought they were interesting. The jungle at other times were also what you would think high grass plains with the occasional big shade tree (think Lion King). About 20 or so miles we spotted our first large game sighting, a giraffe. It is so strange to see these animals out in the open just feet from you and not in a zoo. We then saw so many giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, and other animals they became common.
Before long we got to our safari lodge called Para Lodge. This is in the middle of no where and located right on the Nile River. We crossed the Nile originally after leaving our last destination and as we crossed one in our group took a photo on the Nile while we crossed the bridge. As soon we crossed Uganda army came out of the bushes and stopped us and made us delete the photo. You are not allowed to take pictures in Uganda of bridges, police, military, embassies, and many other things. Very scary!
We checked into the lodge which is one of the best hotels in the country. It’s very old and this is where famous explorer Stanley Livingston was made famous. This is decorated in old antique Africa explorer memorabilia (I thought how much I could make on ebay). We got our room and the key to our room had a wooden hippo attached to it with the room number. The hippo was as big as Buick. There was no way you could lose this key. It however was a problem when you put it in your pants to go out for dinner. Whether you had it into your front pocket or back pocket it looked bad (well maybe good in the front).
We then were treated to a buffet of great food for lunch. It was the best meal I had here. It was real food. After lunch we had 3 hours until our land safari so I just pulled up a chair and sat and watch the Nile roll by. By the lodge the river is very wide. But just 2 hours up stream is the raging Murchison Falls. The river narrows to a mere 7 meters and the water is very violent and beautiful at the same time. While at the Nile you get all the Nile Jokes just like when you go to Hoover Dam. Queen of “DE Nile” stuff like that.
At 4pm our land portion of the Safari began. We then drove out into the open looking for big game. We encountered elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, wart hogs, all kinds of antelope, but never found a lion. It however was a thrill of a lifetime to get out of the bus and stand mere feet away from these creatures. You however would not want to do this with hippos. They kill one person a week in this region even though the are vegetarians. They charge you and then bite you in two and then run down to the river to wash their mouths out as your blood is distasteful to them. What the? We sadly did not find a lion, but it was amazing to say the least.
Back to the lodge for another amazing meal for dinner. We ate outside at sunset on the veranda overlooking the Nile. The sun set and there was nothing really to do but sit out on your patio and listen to the sounds of the jungle and Nile river. It was quite the symphony of sounds. I thought I might get eaten alive by mosquitoes, but I never saw one. I did however see plenty of bats. They flew by every few minutes. One then flew into my open patio door into my room and now could not get out. It was soooooooooo creepy. I finally open the door wider and he finally flew out. It was the end of a very interesting day. Even the bat I later name Morris (Morris the bat) was interesting.
Wait I thought it was the end. My son Andy shared a room with me on this trip. He came back to the room and went right to sleep. During the middle of the night he woke up sat up in bed and very loudly said there was a snake in the room and it was attacking him. Now let me paint the picture. The jungle/Nile river is very very very very dark as was our room. I mean lo light at all. My son is telling me that he is being attacked by a snake. I had no idea where the light switch was. I love my son but I am figuring he is he will be dead soon so it’s every man for himself. He then tells me that the snake was given to the group as a gift last night. I’m thinking my son who is being killed by a snake and it was a gift? I found the floor and ran into the bathroom prepared to do battle with the Anaconda that ate my son. I peered into the bedroom expecting a giant snake with a belly that had an outline of Andy. Instead he was sleeping and was dreaming this. I was relieved he was alive, but now I was going to kill him. I had my first heart attack in Africa.
Good night!
We got on the bus (I was the first one on) and then had to drive 3 hours to get to the safari lodge. We drove about an hour until we got to a very very remote road that I would not take a 4X4 quad let alone a bus. We then drove 40 miles deep into the jungle to our destination. The jungle was at times just what you would think, lush deep trees and vines filled with baboons. They are considered the rats of the jungle, but I thought they were interesting. The jungle at other times were also what you would think high grass plains with the occasional big shade tree (think Lion King). About 20 or so miles we spotted our first large game sighting, a giraffe. It is so strange to see these animals out in the open just feet from you and not in a zoo. We then saw so many giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, and other animals they became common.
Before long we got to our safari lodge called Para Lodge. This is in the middle of no where and located right on the Nile River. We crossed the Nile originally after leaving our last destination and as we crossed one in our group took a photo on the Nile while we crossed the bridge. As soon we crossed Uganda army came out of the bushes and stopped us and made us delete the photo. You are not allowed to take pictures in Uganda of bridges, police, military, embassies, and many other things. Very scary!
We checked into the lodge which is one of the best hotels in the country. It’s very old and this is where famous explorer Stanley Livingston was made famous. This is decorated in old antique Africa explorer memorabilia (I thought how much I could make on ebay). We got our room and the key to our room had a wooden hippo attached to it with the room number. The hippo was as big as Buick. There was no way you could lose this key. It however was a problem when you put it in your pants to go out for dinner. Whether you had it into your front pocket or back pocket it looked bad (well maybe good in the front).
We then were treated to a buffet of great food for lunch. It was the best meal I had here. It was real food. After lunch we had 3 hours until our land safari so I just pulled up a chair and sat and watch the Nile roll by. By the lodge the river is very wide. But just 2 hours up stream is the raging Murchison Falls. The river narrows to a mere 7 meters and the water is very violent and beautiful at the same time. While at the Nile you get all the Nile Jokes just like when you go to Hoover Dam. Queen of “DE Nile” stuff like that.
At 4pm our land portion of the Safari began. We then drove out into the open looking for big game. We encountered elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, wart hogs, all kinds of antelope, but never found a lion. It however was a thrill of a lifetime to get out of the bus and stand mere feet away from these creatures. You however would not want to do this with hippos. They kill one person a week in this region even though the are vegetarians. They charge you and then bite you in two and then run down to the river to wash their mouths out as your blood is distasteful to them. What the? We sadly did not find a lion, but it was amazing to say the least.
Back to the lodge for another amazing meal for dinner. We ate outside at sunset on the veranda overlooking the Nile. The sun set and there was nothing really to do but sit out on your patio and listen to the sounds of the jungle and Nile river. It was quite the symphony of sounds. I thought I might get eaten alive by mosquitoes, but I never saw one. I did however see plenty of bats. They flew by every few minutes. One then flew into my open patio door into my room and now could not get out. It was soooooooooo creepy. I finally open the door wider and he finally flew out. It was the end of a very interesting day. Even the bat I later name Morris (Morris the bat) was interesting.
Wait I thought it was the end. My son Andy shared a room with me on this trip. He came back to the room and went right to sleep. During the middle of the night he woke up sat up in bed and very loudly said there was a snake in the room and it was attacking him. Now let me paint the picture. The jungle/Nile river is very very very very dark as was our room. I mean lo light at all. My son is telling me that he is being attacked by a snake. I had no idea where the light switch was. I love my son but I am figuring he is he will be dead soon so it’s every man for himself. He then tells me that the snake was given to the group as a gift last night. I’m thinking my son who is being killed by a snake and it was a gift? I found the floor and ran into the bathroom prepared to do battle with the Anaconda that ate my son. I peered into the bedroom expecting a giant snake with a belly that had an outline of Andy. Instead he was sleeping and was dreaming this. I was relieved he was alive, but now I was going to kill him. I had my first heart attack in Africa.
Good night!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Danger Day
Thursday we went to Gulu Africa. This is the site of several camps in which people have fled during the past several years from attacks by rebels. These camps are mostly young mothers and their children. During these raids many people were killed and children from the ages of 5 years old to 15 years old were taken and forced to join these rebels. The woman was raped and many had children from these attacks.
I thought the people we were helping before were poor. These people are the poorest of the poor. These people make the homeless in America look like millionaires. They have nothing. They have no food, clothing, and sometimes the shelter is just a hut with a dirt floor. We then asked a several people to describe their lives during these attacks and most were very afraid to talk about as they feel they may come back. People who talk about the attacks have been found and their tongues cut out. One old woman told us her son was taken in a raid on the village 5 years ago when he was about 10 and she has no idea if he is dead or alive.
This is the only time I was uncomfortable and un safe on the trip. We were deep in the village and a long way from our bus. I kept expecting someone to come and get us. Somehow in Africa I don’t think that “I want to see my lawyer” works.
We then met about 25 very young mothers from the ages of 15-20 and their children. I gave one girl the Hotel Valley Ho doll that I took to Africa “Dia-Ho”. Look at her picture. She was so proud and happy to get this doll. I thought the most interesting thing happened here when we were talking to these poor mothers with no food or anything for their kids. They were asked what one need the had they felt would help them most. I thought the answer would be FOOD. They almost all together said “EDUCATION”. I was floored. Here they starving and they want education even before food. I also included a picture of this boy and his smile. The photo is great!
We then went to our hotel and spent the night in the town just outside of these camps. The hotel was pretty bad and again wanted the night to pass and go to our next stop which was a safari very far from here.
I thought the people we were helping before were poor. These people are the poorest of the poor. These people make the homeless in America look like millionaires. They have nothing. They have no food, clothing, and sometimes the shelter is just a hut with a dirt floor. We then asked a several people to describe their lives during these attacks and most were very afraid to talk about as they feel they may come back. People who talk about the attacks have been found and their tongues cut out. One old woman told us her son was taken in a raid on the village 5 years ago when he was about 10 and she has no idea if he is dead or alive.
This is the only time I was uncomfortable and un safe on the trip. We were deep in the village and a long way from our bus. I kept expecting someone to come and get us. Somehow in Africa I don’t think that “I want to see my lawyer” works.
We then met about 25 very young mothers from the ages of 15-20 and their children. I gave one girl the Hotel Valley Ho doll that I took to Africa “Dia-Ho”. Look at her picture. She was so proud and happy to get this doll. I thought the most interesting thing happened here when we were talking to these poor mothers with no food or anything for their kids. They were asked what one need the had they felt would help them most. I thought the answer would be FOOD. They almost all together said “EDUCATION”. I was floored. Here they starving and they want education even before food. I also included a picture of this boy and his smile. The photo is great!
We then went to our hotel and spent the night in the town just outside of these camps. The hotel was pretty bad and again wanted the night to pass and go to our next stop which was a safari very far from here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Pictues
Here are some additional pictures. The signs here are really unbelievable. There are even "Dudes" here too. I loved this kids so excited to see the White man. Notice he only has one flip flop.
Monday & Tuesday
We left very early Monday morning and drove forever. I think we drove to Europe. It seemed like we drove and drove and when we could not drive anymore we drove some more. I think I saw a sign that said “Welcome to Paris”. When I say we drove I don’t mean on a luxury coach or on a highway. I mean a dirt road with pot holes the size of the tower at the Valley Ho.
Upon arrival Monday we were taken to Tooro High School. This is a school in the middle of nowhere. This school stated just a year or so ago with a handful of students. With the help of the organization that I came with the school has now about 140 students, most of them orphans. It’s amazing that these kids thrive in this environment and all have uniforms and people who care about them. The girls all live at the school because as orphans they would be attacked or raped. The kids then did several songs for us each one better than another. I then wanted each student to place a fingerprint in my book and sign their names. They were lined up and were so interested in being in the book that they wanted to know if they could sign a classmates name as she was not at school due to illness.
We then checked into our “Hotel” it was called Tooro Hotel. It had 11 rooms and we bought it out. It was a negative 3 star hotel. It did not even have a concierge. It did have a security department though. He even had a very loaded m-16. It however was the best night’s sleep I had since being here. It actually had a real bed and hot water. That being said the pressure was so low that it actually dripped, but it was hot water.
On Tuesday we woke up even earlier and drove even further into the jungle. I mean the remote remote jungle. We went to a village that had never seen white people. I thought how could this be true, but it was. The entire village turned out to see us. Some of these people travel miles on foot to be there. There were a couple of hundred people there and most just stared at us as we were so different and we had cameras and video recorders. When we take pictures or video we show them to the people and sometimes it the first time they have seem themselves for the first time other that in a murky water reflection. They have no mirrors and certainly no cameras. When they see themselves in our cameras they go crazy. They love it. There was one very young girl who was screaming because she was afraid of the “White” people. She was terrified. She must have been about 4 years old and she was screaming something clearly telling her parents how afraid she was. The entire village was laughing at her. I then approached her slowly and then gave her my hand. She touched it and realized that she would not explode or melt she stopped crying. It was really interesting.
There was another ceremony about us being there and there was yet another animal given to us that we had to take. This time it was a rooster. Yeah now we have a Hen & a Rooster. Yes we now have eggs.
We then drove a total of 10 hours back to the compound. We all just wanted get back and take cold showers and have dinner and get on the internet. It’s very very weird to be in the jungle and have no idea of what time it is or what is happening around the world and more important that that if the Cubs won.
As we drove up to the house the power went out. It was the worst. That meant no internet or anything else. I brought 2 glow sticks and everyone made fun of me. They were not making fun of me now as they came in handy. Oh well we broke out an old movie and watched it on a charged computer. It was funny to see 6 people crowded around a computer watching a movie in the dark. The power went back on just before we went to bed. It will be Wednesday which means T minus 5 days left.
Upon arrival Monday we were taken to Tooro High School. This is a school in the middle of nowhere. This school stated just a year or so ago with a handful of students. With the help of the organization that I came with the school has now about 140 students, most of them orphans. It’s amazing that these kids thrive in this environment and all have uniforms and people who care about them. The girls all live at the school because as orphans they would be attacked or raped. The kids then did several songs for us each one better than another. I then wanted each student to place a fingerprint in my book and sign their names. They were lined up and were so interested in being in the book that they wanted to know if they could sign a classmates name as she was not at school due to illness.
We then checked into our “Hotel” it was called Tooro Hotel. It had 11 rooms and we bought it out. It was a negative 3 star hotel. It did not even have a concierge. It did have a security department though. He even had a very loaded m-16. It however was the best night’s sleep I had since being here. It actually had a real bed and hot water. That being said the pressure was so low that it actually dripped, but it was hot water.
On Tuesday we woke up even earlier and drove even further into the jungle. I mean the remote remote jungle. We went to a village that had never seen white people. I thought how could this be true, but it was. The entire village turned out to see us. Some of these people travel miles on foot to be there. There were a couple of hundred people there and most just stared at us as we were so different and we had cameras and video recorders. When we take pictures or video we show them to the people and sometimes it the first time they have seem themselves for the first time other that in a murky water reflection. They have no mirrors and certainly no cameras. When they see themselves in our cameras they go crazy. They love it. There was one very young girl who was screaming because she was afraid of the “White” people. She was terrified. She must have been about 4 years old and she was screaming something clearly telling her parents how afraid she was. The entire village was laughing at her. I then approached her slowly and then gave her my hand. She touched it and realized that she would not explode or melt she stopped crying. It was really interesting.
There was another ceremony about us being there and there was yet another animal given to us that we had to take. This time it was a rooster. Yeah now we have a Hen & a Rooster. Yes we now have eggs.
We then drove a total of 10 hours back to the compound. We all just wanted get back and take cold showers and have dinner and get on the internet. It’s very very weird to be in the jungle and have no idea of what time it is or what is happening around the world and more important that that if the Cubs won.
As we drove up to the house the power went out. It was the worst. That meant no internet or anything else. I brought 2 glow sticks and everyone made fun of me. They were not making fun of me now as they came in handy. Oh well we broke out an old movie and watched it on a charged computer. It was funny to see 6 people crowded around a computer watching a movie in the dark. The power went back on just before we went to bed. It will be Wednesday which means T minus 5 days left.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday "The Big" Day
Sunday was the big day. We were going to the church where we have been working for the past week. They finished the roof and built almost half the pastors house. They also plastered the alter area of the church. We drove for 2 hours again and walked up the very long path and were met by the people of the village who we have been working with. This time however they were all dressed up especially the women. They have very fancy dresses they make. The boys also are more dressed up as well. The church was decorated with fancy linens and had wooden benches. It was very interesting to see this building complete compared to just the walls that stood for close to 10 years with no roof. The service in the church was packed this tiny church had over 200 people in it. The little children sat on the alter and the rest of the people had to be outside and I took pictures of these faces looking in the windows.
The service was supposed to be for 4 hours but we needed to leave after 2 hours. The village then wanted a representative of our group to be honored to sacrifice a goat. So they bring this goat in from the jungle on a rope to the front of the church. I’m sure the goat thought “hey it must be my birthday I’m going for a walk” Then when he saw all of us he must of thought “hey look at all the people here for my birthday party” Then he thought “hey look at all these people surrounding me for birthday cake”. Then he thought “hey what is this guy coming at me with a real big knife? It must be for my birthday cake”. Then BAM they cut the goats thought and strung it up in a tree. What the? I guess I’m in Africa. Then we tried to leave and the village did not want us to leave. They wanted pictures with entire families and to hold their children. We then had to go as we were headed to another village. I had no idea what it must be like to be a rock star, but as we started for the bus it was like the concert was over and the fans were surrounding our tour bus. As we drove drove the dirt road through the jungle the village people (not the disco Village people) lined the road and we threw shirts, soccer balls, shoes, water bottles, and other things out the window of the bus. They ran to get these items like we were throwing $100 bills out the window.
We were then off to a very very remote village and a widow and her children were waiting for us. We drove for a very long time on the jungle dirt road and then the bus could go no further. We then walked to what I thought was Europe to get to her home. Along the route I warned all the goats of this village not to visit the other village especially if anyone asked them if they wanted to take a walk. We again we met by about 60 people who sang songs and were so happy we were there. The group then had a suitcase full of clothes for her kids. We then were presented by the widow a chicken we had to take or she would be offended. After about an hour we tried to leave but they followed us to the bus back where we left it. This is beyond sad here. These people have nothing. They live in mud homes and have nothing. It’s not just a small remote area, its everywhere. You wish you could help every person you see, but you can’t. Again it’s beyond sad. We then took our chicken and boarded our bus. The chicken was a nice chicken and we even took it to dinner. We had dinner at a place called I Love New York Pizza. This is located at the mall in the parking garage. I don’t mean the restaurant was on the same floor as the parking garage. No it was in the parking garage and it was outdoor eating in the garage. Wow I’m eating pizza in a parking garage with diesel fumes from cars and a live dirty chicken. I’m not sure I had a shot for this. We came back to the compound and go to bed until the dogs wake me up or our chicken flips out.
The service was supposed to be for 4 hours but we needed to leave after 2 hours. The village then wanted a representative of our group to be honored to sacrifice a goat. So they bring this goat in from the jungle on a rope to the front of the church. I’m sure the goat thought “hey it must be my birthday I’m going for a walk” Then when he saw all of us he must of thought “hey look at all the people here for my birthday party” Then he thought “hey look at all these people surrounding me for birthday cake”. Then he thought “hey what is this guy coming at me with a real big knife? It must be for my birthday cake”. Then BAM they cut the goats thought and strung it up in a tree. What the? I guess I’m in Africa. Then we tried to leave and the village did not want us to leave. They wanted pictures with entire families and to hold their children. We then had to go as we were headed to another village. I had no idea what it must be like to be a rock star, but as we started for the bus it was like the concert was over and the fans were surrounding our tour bus. As we drove drove the dirt road through the jungle the village people (not the disco Village people) lined the road and we threw shirts, soccer balls, shoes, water bottles, and other things out the window of the bus. They ran to get these items like we were throwing $100 bills out the window.
We were then off to a very very remote village and a widow and her children were waiting for us. We drove for a very long time on the jungle dirt road and then the bus could go no further. We then walked to what I thought was Europe to get to her home. Along the route I warned all the goats of this village not to visit the other village especially if anyone asked them if they wanted to take a walk. We again we met by about 60 people who sang songs and were so happy we were there. The group then had a suitcase full of clothes for her kids. We then were presented by the widow a chicken we had to take or she would be offended. After about an hour we tried to leave but they followed us to the bus back where we left it. This is beyond sad here. These people have nothing. They live in mud homes and have nothing. It’s not just a small remote area, its everywhere. You wish you could help every person you see, but you can’t. Again it’s beyond sad. We then took our chicken and boarded our bus. The chicken was a nice chicken and we even took it to dinner. We had dinner at a place called I Love New York Pizza. This is located at the mall in the parking garage. I don’t mean the restaurant was on the same floor as the parking garage. No it was in the parking garage and it was outdoor eating in the garage. Wow I’m eating pizza in a parking garage with diesel fumes from cars and a live dirty chicken. I’m not sure I had a shot for this. We came back to the compound and go to bed until the dogs wake me up or our chicken flips out.
Saturday Our "Day" Off
Saturday was our “day off”. It was a welcome day off from the very hard work we have been doing. I woke up excited that we would be able to have some free time. The plan was to go into the city and get coffee “like Star Bucks” and then go to the mall. As I was in bed (a piece of foam with a piece of cloth over it) I thought it was very nice to have a day off. I then thought, the people in the village we have been working at don’t really ever get a day off. They never ever get to go into the city and even if they did they would never be able to go to the mall. What I would spend on a cup of coffee would be enough to feed a family for 2 weeks. They every day have to fend for them selves in the jungle. They can never have a day off. They get up everyday and have to gather food, firewood, and everything else just to survive.
I usually am one of the first up and work on this blog. The only thing I would like most is a hot shower and a hot cup of Star Bucks, but neither exists here. I then looked out and saw our security guard. We have a security guard 24 hours a day and our compound is locked and has high walls with razor wire. If not people would come in and I’m not sure what they would do but everywhere you go people have shot guns and rifles. I noticed that the security guard Mark had worn the same outfit everyday (he is security here 24 hours a day). I then gave him a Hotel Valley Ho shirt and hat and told him that I was in charge of security at the hotel and he needed a uniform if he was going to do security. He speaks no English but I could tell he was so happy to have these things. He put them on immediately and took his post at the front gate. About 20 minutes later he appeared on the front porch with the housekeeper who spoke English and she translated to me that Mark wanted to thank me and he was honored to receive the gifts I gave him. Again I realized that we have so much and the simple act of giving a T shirt and hat is so big here it’s almost an event every time it happens.
We then ventured into the streets to catch a taxi into the city. The taxi is a van and it cost about $1. As we got into the taxi it started rain. I mean it poured and the streets are dirt so its a mud hole. The traffic then came to a screeching stop and we sat in a van with no air conditioning and the windows fogged up. I felt like I was in a humidor. The reason we were stopped for so long was that the traffic police runaway when it rains so the traffic does not move. I suggested that we rob a bank if the police run away when it rains. That was shot down quickly as I’m sure the prisons here are just like in the US. We finally got to the mall where I had the worst steak ever. The mall is expanding and they are building an addition next to it. The way they build here is a series of sticks supporting the floors being built. This is unbelievable and I have attached a picture of this OSHA approved practice.
I found a store that sells shoes and they had a great pair of shoes for a small amount of money. I asked if they had size 12. The entire store only had sizes up to 11.
The entire mall has about 10-15 stores that were very small.
Oh well we finally came back from the mall and went to bed. About 2am some wild dogs barked all night and kept everyone awake all night. Finally when the dogs stopped it was 5am and the rooster started. I felt like My Cousin Vinnie and the train that kept them up all night. Oh well who needs sleep?
I usually am one of the first up and work on this blog. The only thing I would like most is a hot shower and a hot cup of Star Bucks, but neither exists here. I then looked out and saw our security guard. We have a security guard 24 hours a day and our compound is locked and has high walls with razor wire. If not people would come in and I’m not sure what they would do but everywhere you go people have shot guns and rifles. I noticed that the security guard Mark had worn the same outfit everyday (he is security here 24 hours a day). I then gave him a Hotel Valley Ho shirt and hat and told him that I was in charge of security at the hotel and he needed a uniform if he was going to do security. He speaks no English but I could tell he was so happy to have these things. He put them on immediately and took his post at the front gate. About 20 minutes later he appeared on the front porch with the housekeeper who spoke English and she translated to me that Mark wanted to thank me and he was honored to receive the gifts I gave him. Again I realized that we have so much and the simple act of giving a T shirt and hat is so big here it’s almost an event every time it happens.
We then ventured into the streets to catch a taxi into the city. The taxi is a van and it cost about $1. As we got into the taxi it started rain. I mean it poured and the streets are dirt so its a mud hole. The traffic then came to a screeching stop and we sat in a van with no air conditioning and the windows fogged up. I felt like I was in a humidor. The reason we were stopped for so long was that the traffic police runaway when it rains so the traffic does not move. I suggested that we rob a bank if the police run away when it rains. That was shot down quickly as I’m sure the prisons here are just like in the US. We finally got to the mall where I had the worst steak ever. The mall is expanding and they are building an addition next to it. The way they build here is a series of sticks supporting the floors being built. This is unbelievable and I have attached a picture of this OSHA approved practice.
I found a store that sells shoes and they had a great pair of shoes for a small amount of money. I asked if they had size 12. The entire store only had sizes up to 11.
The entire mall has about 10-15 stores that were very small.
Oh well we finally came back from the mall and went to bed. About 2am some wild dogs barked all night and kept everyone awake all night. Finally when the dogs stopped it was 5am and the rooster started. I felt like My Cousin Vinnie and the train that kept them up all night. Oh well who needs sleep?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Day 3 Uganda
Day 3 in Uganda was the hardest work I have ever done. We moved a stack of bricks from one place to another and move dirt from what seemed like a mountain to the foundation of the house we are building. It was hot and very hard work. The villagers came to greet us again and the roof of the church is almost complete. The people here are so poor yet they seem so happy. They really like that we are here and even more than what we bring or do for them is the time we spend with them. I thought of an idea before we left and that was to bring a scrap book and have them place a finger print and their name in the book. I thought I would do this everyday we were here. On the first day I got some people to do this, but today there was a line on people who wanted to be in the book. Some mothers took their kids out of the school and came to the church to be in the book. Some of these children were only months old. There were 2 small children I would say 3 years old who when they went to place their fingers on the ink pad to place the finger print pulled away and started crying. They thought they were getting a shot from a doctor.
I also gave a hat away today and 5 pair of sandals and 2 T shirts. This had to be done very carefully as there are hundreds of people and if you hand out things they rush you and all want something. Yesterday when we were getting ready to leave I was in our bus and started to eat some nuts (with shells). I had a group of people standing outside the bus window. A small boy came up to the window and asked for a nut. I gave him one and it was a mess. About 20 kids ran up to the bus wanting some. He gave the nut to his mom and they could not figure out how to open it. There are so many kids and they are in need of everything. One small boy probably about 3 cut his foot pretty bad. I asked if there was anything we could do. The answer was no. He was barefoot so putting on a band aid and any kind of anti biotic would not even last a few minutes. Attached you will see the boy I gave my hat to. I have enough hats to give one away a day. As I leave for the day I just pick a child and put it on his head and then get on the bus. They are so proud to get the hat. As a sign of respect they kneel at your feet.
I have never been this tired in my life. The work is long and very hard labor, but at the end of the day very rewarding. I am also attaching a sign that says “report the dead”. What the?
We are off tomorrow from the hard labor and on our own/free time. I can hardly wait to see what kind of trouble I can get into.
I also gave a hat away today and 5 pair of sandals and 2 T shirts. This had to be done very carefully as there are hundreds of people and if you hand out things they rush you and all want something. Yesterday when we were getting ready to leave I was in our bus and started to eat some nuts (with shells). I had a group of people standing outside the bus window. A small boy came up to the window and asked for a nut. I gave him one and it was a mess. About 20 kids ran up to the bus wanting some. He gave the nut to his mom and they could not figure out how to open it. There are so many kids and they are in need of everything. One small boy probably about 3 cut his foot pretty bad. I asked if there was anything we could do. The answer was no. He was barefoot so putting on a band aid and any kind of anti biotic would not even last a few minutes. Attached you will see the boy I gave my hat to. I have enough hats to give one away a day. As I leave for the day I just pick a child and put it on his head and then get on the bus. They are so proud to get the hat. As a sign of respect they kneel at your feet.
I have never been this tired in my life. The work is long and very hard labor, but at the end of the day very rewarding. I am also attaching a sign that says “report the dead”. What the?
We are off tomorrow from the hard labor and on our own/free time. I can hardly wait to see what kind of trouble I can get into.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Uganda Day 2
Day 2 in Uganda was surprising! We drove 2 hours into the village in the Jungle and drove our bus on a road that was not a road. I cannot believe that the bus made it down the road. We then had to get off the bus because the weight could tip it over. We then walked up the path towards a church we were putting a roof on. We were then met with a parade of people from the village. They were singing and waving branches from trees and they were very LOUD! I first thought that they were really glad to see us or we were lunch. I don’t mean have lunch with us, but we were the lunch. It turns out they were glad to see us.
Over the last 10 years they have built this very basic church, but it has never had a roof. Today we built about ¾’s of the roof. It took ten years but we are almost done with it. We also helped with the pastor’s house next door. On Sundays the pastor has to come to this church from 12 miles away. There are no cars for these folks.
This was hard hard work. All the people rallied around and there were about 100 people working on these projects. We are returning tomorrow to finish the project. The kids just tear your heart out and are amazing. They are very shy and when you make eye contact with them they smile real big at you. I gave kid the hat I was wearing and he followed me everywhere for the rest of the day. It’s hard to talk with them as they do not speak English, but everyone seems to eventually understand.
I am sooooooo glad I brought Pop Tarts because that’s what I eat for breakfast and I have no lunch (by choice). I don't do packed lunches. EWWWWWE
They kind of encourage you to litter here. When you are done with the bottled water, you can throw it out the window and people will run to get the plastic bottle as they use them over again. Uganda is going green.
I am sooooooooooooooooo tired. Sleep is hard to get with all the animals at night making noise. I might have to kill something.
Over the last 10 years they have built this very basic church, but it has never had a roof. Today we built about ¾’s of the roof. It took ten years but we are almost done with it. We also helped with the pastor’s house next door. On Sundays the pastor has to come to this church from 12 miles away. There are no cars for these folks.
This was hard hard work. All the people rallied around and there were about 100 people working on these projects. We are returning tomorrow to finish the project. The kids just tear your heart out and are amazing. They are very shy and when you make eye contact with them they smile real big at you. I gave kid the hat I was wearing and he followed me everywhere for the rest of the day. It’s hard to talk with them as they do not speak English, but everyone seems to eventually understand.
I am sooooooo glad I brought Pop Tarts because that’s what I eat for breakfast and I have no lunch (by choice). I don't do packed lunches. EWWWWWE
They kind of encourage you to litter here. When you are done with the bottled water, you can throw it out the window and people will run to get the plastic bottle as they use them over again. Uganda is going green.
I am sooooooooooooooooo tired. Sleep is hard to get with all the animals at night making noise. I might have to kill something.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Uganda Day 1
Finally! We made it to Africa! The flight finally left on time. We flew all night from 11:30pm until 7:30am. My lost luggage is still lost and the lost & found luggage in Uganda is 2 people with a .99 cent spiral notebook. Needless to say they have no trace of my lost bag. Customs was very difficult. THERE WAS NONE. You could have walked through the airport with a nuclear weapon and they would not have stopped you. However the police are dressed like army guys with AK-47’s everywhere in the country. The also do not like their picture taken and will take you camera away from you and not return it.
We were picked up and driven about an hour from the airport and we literally dropped our bags off and hit the ground running. We got back in the bus and drove about an hour into the jungle. We helped a widow who has taken in 17 orphans with no house. We were helping her build her house as she has no house. We relocated heavy bricks from about 100 yards away to the building site. AHHHHH this was hard work. What the? The bricks were used to build the house and 2 men were helping with this project. They needed water for the mortar for the house so we needed to walk to get water. They use these yellow jugs everywhere and when filled they are heavy. We walked ½ mile in one direction to a spring that had murky dirty water and filled up about 10 of these jugs and then had to walk bag with these very very heavy jugs of water. This is their drinking water to. YUCK! This was unbelievable that this woman has 17 orphans almost all because both parents had aids and died. We worked for a few hours making some pretty good progress and then an entire school of young kids came down from the school and sang for us while we worked.
I knew before I went that we would be getting into the jungle and seeing these people who have rarely seen white people. They were so happy to see us. There were 3 boys who wanted me to go to their home which was a hut and meet their mom and their 9 rabbits. I walked over to the hut and they went inside and pulled 3 rabbits out by their ears.
The entire day was very overwhelming as these people just wanted us to be there. The house will be completed by the group within the next few weeks. The material was paid for by the group as well. The woman who’s home it will be cried every time we did something for her. When we were done I could not resist I said “Move that Ox”. We are very tired as most of us have not slept since Sunday really.
This country is very poor and I know I knew about it before I left but being here and seeing it first had, it’s all hard to really believe that it’s real.
The house we are staying is very nice with the exception of the shower. THERE IS NO HOT WATER! Oh well no hot water and the woman we helped has no house and she has no water!
Tomorrow we are helping build a church for the next few days. I told them I wanted to be the Sidney Portier in the “Raisin of Uganda” and lay the last brick on the steeple. They are down with that. They have made me in charge of security at the house (I’m serious). Tomorrow it’s a 2 hour drive into the jungle. I have only seen 3 goats, 9 rabbits, and 2 dogs so far.
They know who Flava Flav is here.
We were picked up and driven about an hour from the airport and we literally dropped our bags off and hit the ground running. We got back in the bus and drove about an hour into the jungle. We helped a widow who has taken in 17 orphans with no house. We were helping her build her house as she has no house. We relocated heavy bricks from about 100 yards away to the building site. AHHHHH this was hard work. What the? The bricks were used to build the house and 2 men were helping with this project. They needed water for the mortar for the house so we needed to walk to get water. They use these yellow jugs everywhere and when filled they are heavy. We walked ½ mile in one direction to a spring that had murky dirty water and filled up about 10 of these jugs and then had to walk bag with these very very heavy jugs of water. This is their drinking water to. YUCK! This was unbelievable that this woman has 17 orphans almost all because both parents had aids and died. We worked for a few hours making some pretty good progress and then an entire school of young kids came down from the school and sang for us while we worked.
I knew before I went that we would be getting into the jungle and seeing these people who have rarely seen white people. They were so happy to see us. There were 3 boys who wanted me to go to their home which was a hut and meet their mom and their 9 rabbits. I walked over to the hut and they went inside and pulled 3 rabbits out by their ears.
The entire day was very overwhelming as these people just wanted us to be there. The house will be completed by the group within the next few weeks. The material was paid for by the group as well. The woman who’s home it will be cried every time we did something for her. When we were done I could not resist I said “Move that Ox”. We are very tired as most of us have not slept since Sunday really.
This country is very poor and I know I knew about it before I left but being here and seeing it first had, it’s all hard to really believe that it’s real.
The house we are staying is very nice with the exception of the shower. THERE IS NO HOT WATER! Oh well no hot water and the woman we helped has no house and she has no water!
Tomorrow we are helping build a church for the next few days. I told them I wanted to be the Sidney Portier in the “Raisin of Uganda” and lay the last brick on the steeple. They are down with that. They have made me in charge of security at the house (I’m serious). Tomorrow it’s a 2 hour drive into the jungle. I have only seen 3 goats, 9 rabbits, and 2 dogs so far.
They know who Flava Flav is here.
London in a Day
London in a day was kind of wet. We got into London and went downtown on the subway. We saw Big Ben and Westminster Abby and then it was time to get back to the airport. It was raining and kind of miserable London was very very expensive. We then finally left town and got on a plane to Uganda. It was even on time! Mind The Gap! They did not even know the show the Bachelor. I mean the last Bachelor was from LONDON ENGLAND. Posh Spice and David Beckem, whatever!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Day 1 in New York
We awoke from a nightmare and were very hungry. We got vouchers from the airline for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We could use them at the airport which is 30 miles away or even at the hotel restaurant. Dressed and freshly showered we set out for a great breakfast at the restaurant. Hmmmmmm sign on the restaurant door CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY. Seriously you could not even make this up. I must of pissed off a Buda in another life. We then took a bus into New York City and went to 42nd & Broadway. I always wanted to see Times Square and today was the day. I will tell you that it is crazy! The street vendors, weirdos, pierced people, nut jobs, and everyone else, it was fun. We decided to try and see a Broadway play. We walked outside of the theater where Young Frankenstein was playing and we were there at the right time. It was of course silly expensive money and was not going to pay that for a day I planned to be helping in Africa. Then a woman came up to me and said if you were looking for tickets I have 2 extra tickets as my friends could not make it. I asked her how much and she said $40. SOLD. Our luck was turning. We saw the musical and it was great! After that we bussed it back to our hotel which was just blocks from Shea Stadium. We went to the game and paid $8 for tickets and went to a game a t Shea Stadium between the Mets and Dodgers. This is Shea Stadiums last year before they tear it down so it was kind of cool that we got to be at a game there. This was fun good day.
Tomorrow is another day and another flight. Will we make it? Will it be on time? What will my new suitcase look like? Will my other bag be found or is it on vacation somewhere else? I will keep you posted.
Tomorrow is another day and another flight. Will we make it? Will it be on time? What will my new suitcase look like? Will my other bag be found or is it on vacation somewhere else? I will keep you posted.
I love New York
Well it went from bad to horrible. The plane we were taking to Brussels had engine trouble and had to be towed away. This took 2 hours just to get the tow truck to tow it away. I guess they called AAA and they were busy. By the time they got a new plane it was 3 hours late to Brussels which would cause us to miss out flight to Africa. They gave us a choice. We could stay in New York until Monday night and they would pay for the hotel and food or we could go to Brussels and they would pay for one night. We chose New York. They then took our baggage off the flight and we then went to baggage. They lost one of my bags. They were so understanding and helpful................... NO THEY WERE NOT. This all took another 2 hours and still no bag. I then gave up and we went to the shuttle to take us to the Holiday Inn.
It was now midnight and upon arrival to the Holiday Inn there was a line of people getting rooms out the door! The manager came and met our van and told him to take us back to the airport as they had no more rooms. Back at the airport there was now a crowd of people who also were returned to the airport due to no hotel rooms. The American Airlines worked as slow as their baggage claim service on this problem. Finally at 2am they found a hotel across town at La Guardia airport. Off in a van with another man who was homeless too. Upon arrival at the Clarion I bolted for the van and was first in line. It was a good thing because he only had one room left and turned the other homeless guy back to the airport. We finally got a room at 3am.
We walked down the hallway for what seemed like an hour and finally checked into the last room and think we crossed the border into New Jersey. This was a great hotel......if you want to be raped, murdered, robbed, or bumped from a flight for 2 days.
The final straw was I then realized my other suitcase had been split open and now would be staying in New York. I have to buy another suitcase. A perfect ending to the evening or I should say morning. We are now going to London instead of Brussels. We will be there for 10 hours on a layover. That's what they say but it might be days.
It was now midnight and upon arrival to the Holiday Inn there was a line of people getting rooms out the door! The manager came and met our van and told him to take us back to the airport as they had no more rooms. Back at the airport there was now a crowd of people who also were returned to the airport due to no hotel rooms. The American Airlines worked as slow as their baggage claim service on this problem. Finally at 2am they found a hotel across town at La Guardia airport. Off in a van with another man who was homeless too. Upon arrival at the Clarion I bolted for the van and was first in line. It was a good thing because he only had one room left and turned the other homeless guy back to the airport. We finally got a room at 3am.
We walked down the hallway for what seemed like an hour and finally checked into the last room and think we crossed the border into New Jersey. This was a great hotel......if you want to be raped, murdered, robbed, or bumped from a flight for 2 days.
The final straw was I then realized my other suitcase had been split open and now would be staying in New York. I have to buy another suitcase. A perfect ending to the evening or I should say morning. We are now going to London instead of Brussels. We will be there for 10 hours on a layover. That's what they say but it might be days.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Another Rivetting flight
As always our flight from Chicago to New York was delayed almost 2 hours. As a result we had to do the OJ Simpson to our next flight to Brussels. We OJ'd to the gate to discover that flight is delayed and hour.....so far. I have however moved up towards first class. The last flight I reported that I was in 30F and had a great view of the engine and its rivettes. I now was on row 29 and one row closer to first class. I now could look into the engine. It revolves really fast. The people here in New York talk funny. So next stop Brussels (home of the Brussel Sprout). I might break out my pop tarts as they are getting heavy in my carry on. Oh by the way the inside of the engine has 100 rivettes. Twelve more than the outside.
See you in Brussels, which I think is near Orlando. I need a map or a GPS or maybe even just a latte.
See you in Brussels, which I think is near Orlando. I need a map or a GPS or maybe even just a latte.
A Rivetting flight
Well I had a very "rivetting" flight from Phoenix to Chicago. When I booked this flight I got the last seat on the flight 16E which of course in the middle seat. I hate the middle seat. When I checked in however there was a window seat available. My luck has turned I thought. Seat 30F a window was mine. As I waited in line to board there were 2 screaming infants that were already a nightmare. I thought who ever is near them is going to have 3 hours of fun. I finally had to leave Da Coach and then pass him as he sat in first class to my seat 30F which was the second to the last row of the plane. I settled in to my window seat to discover that my window seat had a great view of the engine. I don't mean I could see the engine and some of the outside of the plane, no my window view was only the engine just inches away from my face. Then things improved. Both of the screaming infants were in front of me and the other just behind me. I was a screaming infant sandwich and they were louder than the engine inches from my ear.
I put my noise reducing earphones on thinking this would offer some relief, but the batteries were dead. Then if it could not get any worse a couple approx 60 years old sat next to me. The man looked like he worked at Best Buy in the Geek Squad and the woman was of....."size" Of course she sat next to me and her "size"oozed over and under the armrest we shared. In other words her butt lapped over into my space up against my thigh. After the plane took off she bent over and got a picnic basket filled with food. She then grazed for over 3 hours and ate bannanas, crackers, sandwiches, and cheese that smelled like goat butt. I thought I was sitting next to Yogi Bear and his picnic basket. Boo Boo her husband was silent during the feeding frenzy. Yogi when she was not eating thought it was a great idea to play peek a boo with the screaming infant behind us. Everytime she turned around her "size" scraped up against my left thigh like butt sharpnel. My left thigh is now chapped and I might seek medical attention.
Finally we landed at Ohare and then parked on the tarmac for 30 minutes because they had no gate for us. This gave Yogi time to now turn completly around and talk with the mother of the screaming infant. She told everyone that she was a grandmother of 3 and when she had her 3 children she nursed them all and after she was done nursing them she ovulated right away and got pregnant again. Wow how touching. Breast feeding and ovulating right there in row 30.
As we sat there just feet from my final destinantion for today, the flight attendant ran down the endless connecting flight gates. It went on for ever! Is really anyone going to Toledo? NO SO WHO CARES WHAT GATE THAT FLIGHT IS AT.
Oh well. I'm in Chicago for 12 hours and then off for the marathon 4 flights to Africa. I can only hope that I sit next to some other cartoon character to Brussels.
Oh by the way I looked out my window and had 3 hours to count the rivetts on the engine next to me. There were 88.
I put my noise reducing earphones on thinking this would offer some relief, but the batteries were dead. Then if it could not get any worse a couple approx 60 years old sat next to me. The man looked like he worked at Best Buy in the Geek Squad and the woman was of....."size" Of course she sat next to me and her "size"oozed over and under the armrest we shared. In other words her butt lapped over into my space up against my thigh. After the plane took off she bent over and got a picnic basket filled with food. She then grazed for over 3 hours and ate bannanas, crackers, sandwiches, and cheese that smelled like goat butt. I thought I was sitting next to Yogi Bear and his picnic basket. Boo Boo her husband was silent during the feeding frenzy. Yogi when she was not eating thought it was a great idea to play peek a boo with the screaming infant behind us. Everytime she turned around her "size" scraped up against my left thigh like butt sharpnel. My left thigh is now chapped and I might seek medical attention.
Finally we landed at Ohare and then parked on the tarmac for 30 minutes because they had no gate for us. This gave Yogi time to now turn completly around and talk with the mother of the screaming infant. She told everyone that she was a grandmother of 3 and when she had her 3 children she nursed them all and after she was done nursing them she ovulated right away and got pregnant again. Wow how touching. Breast feeding and ovulating right there in row 30.
As we sat there just feet from my final destinantion for today, the flight attendant ran down the endless connecting flight gates. It went on for ever! Is really anyone going to Toledo? NO SO WHO CARES WHAT GATE THAT FLIGHT IS AT.
Oh well. I'm in Chicago for 12 hours and then off for the marathon 4 flights to Africa. I can only hope that I sit next to some other cartoon character to Brussels.
Oh by the way I looked out my window and had 3 hours to count the rivetts on the engine next to me. There were 88.
Friday, May 30, 2008
DA Coach Sky Harbor
Well the travels woes start. The weather in Chicago is very nasty and my flight is delayed 1 hour 15 minutes. Who is sitting right next to me and on my flight to the City of big shoulders? DA Coach Ditka (Da Bears). Yep he is wearing his Super Bowl ring and we are shooting the breeze until we can get on our flight. He looks great clearly dyes his hair because he is older than me and he does not have the "silver fox" look. People are coming up to us thinking he is DA Coach and I'm Phil Simms of the Giants. I go the same thing when the Super Bowl was here in February. Anyway we talked about Da Bears and Walter Payton.
Well very nervous about the Africa thing now that its finally here and this flight delay is not helping. I also heard that there is no Bachloretette, No Flavor Flav, No Desperate Housewives, No Rock of Love, YIKES no reality TV for 16 days??????? Well I hope we get to Chicago tonight or I might chicken out of the whole thing.
Ok Coach I will be right there. Da Coach is calling me so I have to go, but I will let you know if I got out of the Valley of The Sun.
Boogla Boogla
Terry B (T'Licious-my rapper name)
Well very nervous about the Africa thing now that its finally here and this flight delay is not helping. I also heard that there is no Bachloretette, No Flavor Flav, No Desperate Housewives, No Rock of Love, YIKES no reality TV for 16 days??????? Well I hope we get to Chicago tonight or I might chicken out of the whole thing.
Ok Coach I will be right there. Da Coach is calling me so I have to go, but I will let you know if I got out of the Valley of The Sun.
Boogla Boogla
Terry B (T'Licious-my rapper name)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Africa 1 week from today
I leave for Africa 1 week from today and I am testing this "BLOG" to see if it works. I will be in the jungle of Africa for over 2 weeks. I am seeking to find the missing pieces to my family tree. Its an oak tree and there are a couple of branches that were stolen last month just outside my back door. I'm told they are in Africa where the water meets the sky and where the lion sleeps tonight. Wish me luck in finding the answers I have been seeking the entire My 2008.
I will write when I can as the jungle is deep and when ever I can find a Satrbucks with WIFI I'll get back with you. In the mean time BOOGALA BOOGALA which means "I'm lonely".
I will write when I can as the jungle is deep and when ever I can find a Satrbucks with WIFI I'll get back with you. In the mean time BOOGALA BOOGALA which means "I'm lonely".
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