The temp connection in transit was not good enough to load pics. I will do that upon getting home safe and sound...
Joey
Friday, December 31, 2010
Headed home...
Leaving the Serenora Wildlife Lodge on our last day in Africa. Setting out to find the crocodiles, hippos and whatever else comes our way. Afterwards we are taking a puddle hopper from the Serengeti to Arusha.
BTW we did find the crocs, hippos an lots of other things...
BTW Hippos in the background of this shot...
We are now taxiing, in the single prop plane from the Serengeti Airport. Our pilot is Lulu, our co-pilot is Benji Fischman. Benji is sitting in the co-pilots seat, and is really excited.
I am now in the hotel room blogging, the kids are swimming, Sharon, Joanne and Losarian went to the city to try and figure out how to ship the bows, arrows and instrument back home. At the hotel we can shower and pack before driving to Kiliminjaro Airport for the first of 3 flights back to Minneapolis.
From Kilimanjaro to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, there is a short layover there, then off to Amsterdam, Netherlands. A 2 hour layover, then onward to Minneapolis.
As fantastic a trip this has been, I am excited to be going home. The things I am looking forward to are, nice toilets, hot showers, ready internet, no dust or pollution, and finally my own bed.
Joey
BTW we did find the crocs, hippos an lots of other things...
BTW Hippos in the background of this shot...
We are now taxiing, in the single prop plane from the Serengeti Airport. Our pilot is Lulu, our co-pilot is Benji Fischman. Benji is sitting in the co-pilots seat, and is really excited.
I am now in the hotel room blogging, the kids are swimming, Sharon, Joanne and Losarian went to the city to try and figure out how to ship the bows, arrows and instrument back home. At the hotel we can shower and pack before driving to Kiliminjaro Airport for the first of 3 flights back to Minneapolis.
From Kilimanjaro to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, there is a short layover there, then off to Amsterdam, Netherlands. A 2 hour layover, then onward to Minneapolis.
As fantastic a trip this has been, I am excited to be going home. The things I am looking forward to are, nice toilets, hot showers, ready internet, no dust or pollution, and finally my own bed.
Joey
Heading toward "Pride Rock"...
Left the lodge on the craters rim early this morning at 7:00am. We did this to make a detour, so that we could see the "great migration." The migration of the herds of wildebeast and zebra across the plains.
Before we searched out the herds, we went to the musuem at Olduvai. This is where the oldest carbon dated remains of homo erectus were discovered. This was a really neat side trip.
Then it was off to find the herds. We had some success, were able to see the wildebeast stretch across the horizon, way cool.
Had lunch, and headed to the Serengeti National Park. As I am writing this we are just starting our journey into the park to see lots more wildlife. The variety and amount of animals and things we were able to see was phenemonal!
Headed to the lodge in the Serengeti for the night, tomorrow more wildlife, then start out on our long journey home.
Joey
Before we searched out the herds, we went to the musuem at Olduvai. This is where the oldest carbon dated remains of homo erectus were discovered. This was a really neat side trip.
Then it was off to find the herds. We had some success, were able to see the wildebeast stretch across the horizon, way cool.
Had lunch, and headed to the Serengeti National Park. As I am writing this we are just starting our journey into the park to see lots more wildlife. The variety and amount of animals and things we were able to see was phenemonal!
Headed to the lodge in the Serengeti for the night, tomorrow more wildlife, then start out on our long journey home.
Joey
Hakuna Matata!!
Have left the lodge and are on our way to the Ngorogoro Crater. We will be circling the rim, before descending into the crater to the see all of the wildlife.
Lions, cheetahs, and rhinos, Oh My!! Inside the crater we were blessed with being able to see so much wildlife, up close in it's natural habitat. Our guide Donatus, knows many of the rangers and they guided us to see a cheetah, rhinos and lions. Donatus operates Wilderness Inquiry of Tanazania, www.wildernessinquirytz.com, anyone who is considering going could find no better, at any price! I took over 200 pictures, so I will eventually post a select few.
Another cultural visit to the Masai Tribe. This tribe is located in both Tanzania and Kenya. They are a people who raise livestock. We were warmly welcomed, by having them dress all of us up in ceremonial dress. They chanted and did a welcome dance, brought us into the village and did their "jumping dance." Here Benji got more spear throwing lessons and just had to get a spear and shield. We then were taken as honored guests for a goat slaughter! Yes, they slaughtered a goat in front of us, by suffocating it. Sharon and Shoshi could not watch, Benji and I did and videoed and filmed it all. The reason for suffocating the goat is because they value the blood, and drink it fresh. That was one thing we did not partake of. Donatus's partner Losarian is from this tribe. We were also shown the inside of one of their huts, shown kids in kindergarden, then bought a slew of stuff.
Headed back to the lodge for the night, once again no internet, (so I am posting in the by hour hotel room in Arusha, before we drive for our flights home from Kilimanjaro)
Joey
Lions, cheetahs, and rhinos, Oh My!! Inside the crater we were blessed with being able to see so much wildlife, up close in it's natural habitat. Our guide Donatus, knows many of the rangers and they guided us to see a cheetah, rhinos and lions. Donatus operates Wilderness Inquiry of Tanazania, www.wildernessinquirytz.com, anyone who is considering going could find no better, at any price! I took over 200 pictures, so I will eventually post a select few.
Another cultural visit to the Masai Tribe. This tribe is located in both Tanzania and Kenya. They are a people who raise livestock. We were warmly welcomed, by having them dress all of us up in ceremonial dress. They chanted and did a welcome dance, brought us into the village and did their "jumping dance." Here Benji got more spear throwing lessons and just had to get a spear and shield. We then were taken as honored guests for a goat slaughter! Yes, they slaughtered a goat in front of us, by suffocating it. Sharon and Shoshi could not watch, Benji and I did and videoed and filmed it all. The reason for suffocating the goat is because they value the blood, and drink it fresh. That was one thing we did not partake of. Donatus's partner Losarian is from this tribe. We were also shown the inside of one of their huts, shown kids in kindergarden, then bought a slew of stuff.
Headed back to the lodge for the night, once again no internet, (so I am posting in the by hour hotel room in Arusha, before we drive for our flights home from Kilimanjaro)
Joey
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Day two in Tanzania...
On a borrowed internet connection, I am updating the blog. Yesterday we flew into Tanzania, at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport, were picked and driven to Karutu, where we spent the night. Because of the no internet this is going to be brief, with no pics till I can log on and post for real...
Woke up today at 5:00am! Needed to meet the bushmen of Hadzabi tribe. Got to hunt with them using bows and arrows, were exposed to their culture. This tribe has been in this area for over 10,000+ years!
Spent time with the Datoga tribe next, they have been in the area for about 350 years. Visited a family of blacksmiths and saw them make jewelery and speartips.
Lastly, we visited with Daniel of the Iraqw tribe, they have been in the area for 200 years. Spent 2 hours with him, he taught us about their history and culture.
So today was a culture day, learned and experienced a tremendous amount. Tomorrow we head to Ngorogoro Crater, we will see lots of wildlife, at the end of day we will visit one more tribe the Masai to learn about their culture, and are scheduled to participate in a "goat feast." Should be another great experience.
Till I get a better connection....
Joey
Woke up today at 5:00am! Needed to meet the bushmen of Hadzabi tribe. Got to hunt with them using bows and arrows, were exposed to their culture. This tribe has been in this area for over 10,000+ years!
Spent time with the Datoga tribe next, they have been in the area for about 350 years. Visited a family of blacksmiths and saw them make jewelery and speartips.
Lastly, we visited with Daniel of the Iraqw tribe, they have been in the area for 200 years. Spent 2 hours with him, he taught us about their history and culture.
So today was a culture day, learned and experienced a tremendous amount. Tomorrow we head to Ngorogoro Crater, we will see lots of wildlife, at the end of day we will visit one more tribe the Masai to learn about their culture, and are scheduled to participate in a "goat feast." Should be another great experience.
Till I get a better connection....
Joey
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wedding Day....
Where to begin... it's been since Friday afternoon since I wrote last. We welcomed in Shabbat with services in the Synagogue.
They started at about 6:30pm. How to describe the services... well imagine that you can recognize only about 30% of the prayer tunes, another 35% of the prayers sound like a hebrew version of The Lion King, the remaining 35% of the prayers sounded like hebrew black baptist hymns. I am certain that there is no place in the world you can go and participate in services that have this type of ruach. The one thing that stood out for me was Lecha Dodi, it had an African melody, and we all san and danced around them bema. The little kids laughing and participating fully. The other interesting thing that happened throughout Friday services and afterwards was the power kept going on and off. It finally just went out, as we did kiddush and ate dinner in front of the Rabbis house, using only a few flashlights and solar powered lights. As a gift to the community, we sponsored both the Friday night dinner and the Saturday lunch. The people were very grateful and thanked us for doing this for them.
One of the things that has struck me the past few days is the amount of bottled water that everyone drinks. The tap water is not safe to drink. At least in this region, the empties are tossed out as garbage, or even burned. I had a crazy idea, find a way to build a recycling plant for the these bottles. To use this "free natural" resource to create jobs, and produce woven packaging for the indigenous coffee, tea and other industries. Friday night after dinner, I spoke to the Rabbi about the that, he loved the idea on many different levels. Jobs for the wider community, Tikkun Olam, repairing the world and raising the standard of living for the region. While Rabbi Gershom spends his time getting elected to Parliament, I will continue to enlist help, and research the feasibility of this endeavor.
Shabbat morning services were similar to the prior night, we were graced with the first Aliyah as honored guests of the community, and everyone did well. The thing I liked about the service, was that is was all "meat and potatoes." By the standards at home it was a short service, but we did it all. Another thing I want to mention about the services, the congregation has a "mechitzah", women on the left, men on the right. But when it came to the services, the women were full and equal participants in the services, leading the prayers, having aliyot and everything else.
After services was a time for study and meeting before lunch. I traveled around the world, to the middle of Africa and found a meeting!!! The Rabbi led a discussion with about 20-25 men who have either given up, or attempting to give up alcohol and/or drugs. I was able to tell them a little bit about my story, how I was able to stop, and what I continue to do to stay clean. I was also able to relate the parsha of the exodus story to my struggles and enslavement to drugs. My sobriety, as my personal freedom. As I spoke the Rabbi translated for me, it was apparent that this is a problem suffered by many here too. The little wisdom I was able to impart was, first don't think in terms of quitting for good, or for this year, or month, or week, but rather "just for today." The other comment I made was when one of the participants said they were missing someone, who should be in this group, I said in my experience the best way for each of them to help this man, was to take care of themselves, set an example for him to see, so that he wants what they have. By preaching to him, they will likely have little success in helping him. On my to to do list, I want to email some literature and the twelve steps the Rabbi, hoping that this will help.
While I was all serious having this meeting, Sharon and Shoshi led a pillates class for the women of the community. There were about 30 women who participated. They led them in basic moves and the women were laughing at each other as they were on their backs in their skirts doing the moves. Sharon said, "they don't need pillates, their entire life is filled with exercise."
After a group parshat discussion, we had a wonderful lunch. Had a chance to meet and greet members of the community. Was able to take a nice Shabbat nap, then went to a football(soccer) game that took place in honor of the Rabbis campaign. Oh by the way it was Christmas also, other than meeting and greeting the Christians at the game, we never would have known. On the topic of religion, it was also interesting that 5 times a day, we heard the call of the of muezzin. A place where all these faiths live together as neighbors, and friends, pretty neat.
Rest of the day was at rest, went to Havdallah, then Sharon, Shoshi and Joanne talked with Zipporah the Rabbis wife about helping with wedding cake for he wedding on today. They ended up going into Mbale to buy supplies for icing the cake. Upon their return, we ate, chatted and went to bed.
Sharon and Shoshi did decorate the cake, after someone brought the right ingredients. They were very touched by the contributions made by Sharon, Shoshi and Benji in making the cake.
Today was spend packing, getting ready to leave, making the wedding cake and saying bye to our many new friends. Our intent was to stay for the wedding that was to happen at 10:30am, well as its Africa, the ceremony is not taking place until 2:30pm. Unfortunately we needed to leave at 1:00pm to make it to Kampala for the Ndere Dance Troup performance. Well like I said we are on Africa time, so we left at 1:30pm!
Before I continue I wanted to say a special thanks to Rabbi Gershom and Zipporah Sizomu for their and their communities hospitaly. By far they have been the nicest and friendliest people we have encountered on our trip so far.
We are on the road from Mbale to Kampala. We were driven by Isaac and Samson, who were a great help. Got to the hotel Speke Hotel in Kampala, checked in, dropped luggage and headed directly to dinner and and the Ndere Dance Troup.
For anyone who is interested the Troup has a link at www.ndere.com, this troup is comprised of kids from 13-24 who are from all different regions of Uganda. Each brings their regions dialects, languages, customs and dance to share in the commonality of the entire Ugandan culture. It was established 26 years ago and its goal is to bring these kids together, and provide this stage and the revenue generated to further their individual educations, and promote a greater peace through Uganda. Besides the dancing was fabulous!!!
We are back at the hotel, its 12:10am and I am finishing the blog. Tomorrow we fly to Tanzania to begin the Safari portion of our trip. We are tired, excited and very grateful for this opportunity. Will write and post pics as soon as possible.
Joey
They started at about 6:30pm. How to describe the services... well imagine that you can recognize only about 30% of the prayer tunes, another 35% of the prayers sound like a hebrew version of The Lion King, the remaining 35% of the prayers sounded like hebrew black baptist hymns. I am certain that there is no place in the world you can go and participate in services that have this type of ruach. The one thing that stood out for me was Lecha Dodi, it had an African melody, and we all san and danced around them bema. The little kids laughing and participating fully. The other interesting thing that happened throughout Friday services and afterwards was the power kept going on and off. It finally just went out, as we did kiddush and ate dinner in front of the Rabbis house, using only a few flashlights and solar powered lights. As a gift to the community, we sponsored both the Friday night dinner and the Saturday lunch. The people were very grateful and thanked us for doing this for them.
One of the things that has struck me the past few days is the amount of bottled water that everyone drinks. The tap water is not safe to drink. At least in this region, the empties are tossed out as garbage, or even burned. I had a crazy idea, find a way to build a recycling plant for the these bottles. To use this "free natural" resource to create jobs, and produce woven packaging for the indigenous coffee, tea and other industries. Friday night after dinner, I spoke to the Rabbi about the that, he loved the idea on many different levels. Jobs for the wider community, Tikkun Olam, repairing the world and raising the standard of living for the region. While Rabbi Gershom spends his time getting elected to Parliament, I will continue to enlist help, and research the feasibility of this endeavor.
Shabbat morning services were similar to the prior night, we were graced with the first Aliyah as honored guests of the community, and everyone did well. The thing I liked about the service, was that is was all "meat and potatoes." By the standards at home it was a short service, but we did it all. Another thing I want to mention about the services, the congregation has a "mechitzah", women on the left, men on the right. But when it came to the services, the women were full and equal participants in the services, leading the prayers, having aliyot and everything else.
After services was a time for study and meeting before lunch. I traveled around the world, to the middle of Africa and found a meeting!!! The Rabbi led a discussion with about 20-25 men who have either given up, or attempting to give up alcohol and/or drugs. I was able to tell them a little bit about my story, how I was able to stop, and what I continue to do to stay clean. I was also able to relate the parsha of the exodus story to my struggles and enslavement to drugs. My sobriety, as my personal freedom. As I spoke the Rabbi translated for me, it was apparent that this is a problem suffered by many here too. The little wisdom I was able to impart was, first don't think in terms of quitting for good, or for this year, or month, or week, but rather "just for today." The other comment I made was when one of the participants said they were missing someone, who should be in this group, I said in my experience the best way for each of them to help this man, was to take care of themselves, set an example for him to see, so that he wants what they have. By preaching to him, they will likely have little success in helping him. On my to to do list, I want to email some literature and the twelve steps the Rabbi, hoping that this will help.
While I was all serious having this meeting, Sharon and Shoshi led a pillates class for the women of the community. There were about 30 women who participated. They led them in basic moves and the women were laughing at each other as they were on their backs in their skirts doing the moves. Sharon said, "they don't need pillates, their entire life is filled with exercise."
After a group parshat discussion, we had a wonderful lunch. Had a chance to meet and greet members of the community. Was able to take a nice Shabbat nap, then went to a football(soccer) game that took place in honor of the Rabbis campaign. Oh by the way it was Christmas also, other than meeting and greeting the Christians at the game, we never would have known. On the topic of religion, it was also interesting that 5 times a day, we heard the call of the of muezzin. A place where all these faiths live together as neighbors, and friends, pretty neat.
Rest of the day was at rest, went to Havdallah, then Sharon, Shoshi and Joanne talked with Zipporah the Rabbis wife about helping with wedding cake for he wedding on today. They ended up going into Mbale to buy supplies for icing the cake. Upon their return, we ate, chatted and went to bed.
Sharon and Shoshi did decorate the cake, after someone brought the right ingredients. They were very touched by the contributions made by Sharon, Shoshi and Benji in making the cake.
Today was spend packing, getting ready to leave, making the wedding cake and saying bye to our many new friends. Our intent was to stay for the wedding that was to happen at 10:30am, well as its Africa, the ceremony is not taking place until 2:30pm. Unfortunately we needed to leave at 1:00pm to make it to Kampala for the Ndere Dance Troup performance. Well like I said we are on Africa time, so we left at 1:30pm!
Before I continue I wanted to say a special thanks to Rabbi Gershom and Zipporah Sizomu for their and their communities hospitaly. By far they have been the nicest and friendliest people we have encountered on our trip so far.
We are on the road from Mbale to Kampala. We were driven by Isaac and Samson, who were a great help. Got to the hotel Speke Hotel in Kampala, checked in, dropped luggage and headed directly to dinner and and the Ndere Dance Troup.
For anyone who is interested the Troup has a link at www.ndere.com, this troup is comprised of kids from 13-24 who are from all different regions of Uganda. Each brings their regions dialects, languages, customs and dance to share in the commonality of the entire Ugandan culture. It was established 26 years ago and its goal is to bring these kids together, and provide this stage and the revenue generated to further their individual educations, and promote a greater peace through Uganda. Besides the dancing was fabulous!!!
We are back at the hotel, its 12:10am and I am finishing the blog. Tomorrow we fly to Tanzania to begin the Safari portion of our trip. We are tired, excited and very grateful for this opportunity. Will write and post pics as soon as possible.
Joey
Friday, December 24, 2010
Second day in with Abayudaya community
Spent the morning having breakfast in the guest house, met up with a man who was backpacking through Uganda. Jake Perlmutter, he was from Israel and is spending a month here, he joined us for most of the day. We spent some time talking about the community with Rabbi Gershom. About the needs and the things that are needed here. More about that later....
We all drove in to the Tobin Medical Center that was opened up by the community. There we donated all of the medical supplies that were donated by the greater Beth El community. The doctor there gave us a tour of facility and told us of the things they do. He said that 60% of Ugandans get Malaria, and that HIV and TB are also a problem here. During the tour, we were introduced to a women that who counsels people on HIV and TB, prevention, and education. Very interesting.
Ate lunch in an Indian Restauraunt, then shopped in a Supermarket, also bought Benji a Ugandan soccer jersey. The exciting part was that we took Botta Botta's back to the village, for those in the know they are motorcycles with a larger seat. Got lost, but found the village in the end. Am finishing the blog, taking a shower, then dressing for Shabbat. Benji and I get to wear our new shirts from from Paris. So thats it for now, tonight is Shabbat, don't know when I will right again. We are having a blast.
Joey
We all drove in to the Tobin Medical Center that was opened up by the community. There we donated all of the medical supplies that were donated by the greater Beth El community. The doctor there gave us a tour of facility and told us of the things they do. He said that 60% of Ugandans get Malaria, and that HIV and TB are also a problem here. During the tour, we were introduced to a women that who counsels people on HIV and TB, prevention, and education. Very interesting.
Ate lunch in an Indian Restauraunt, then shopped in a Supermarket, also bought Benji a Ugandan soccer jersey. The exciting part was that we took Botta Botta's back to the village, for those in the know they are motorcycles with a larger seat. Got lost, but found the village in the end. Am finishing the blog, taking a shower, then dressing for Shabbat. Benji and I get to wear our new shirts from from Paris. So thats it for now, tonight is Shabbat, don't know when I will right again. We are having a blast.
Joey
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The day in Mbale
Slept in later after our exhausting day yesterday. Had a small breakfast with Benji and Joanne, omelets. Was really good, the hospitality here is wonderful in the Abayudaya Jewish community. Sharon is spending time with Shoshi who does not feel so good now, has a stomach ache and slight fever. Is staying in today to feel better. Walked around and looked into the school, synagogue and some of the homes. Benji is like the pied piper, all of the village kids followed him around and loved him.
Had a rice and vegetable lunch, hung out and relaxed. At 4:00pm we went and were guest of honor at the Campaign Rally for Rabbi Gershom. He is running for parliament for his district. There were about 200+ people there, he had endorsements from many of the locals, including the local Imams, the Reverends wife and many more including Joanne. What struck me was how much a campaign speech is the same wherever you are. The striking differences were what the Rabbi promised. He wants to bring the district an ambulance, better education, and adding to the health clinic. He is running from the opposition party, but has a very good chance to win the seat.
We were held up and introduced as friends of the Rabbi, showing the people that his reach is well beyond the borders of the district, Uganda and extends internationally. Basically he has used his connections to bring resources to the Jewish community here, and has shared that with the wider community of everyone, Christians and Muslims alike. He told those gathered that he would reach out further to bring more investment and good will the the greater community that he would be representing. To paraphrase, he said something to the effect that "I have brought from all of my friends to my family many things, if elected you will be my greater family and I will bring these things to all of my family!"
After the rally, we met the Rabbi's wife and gave her all of the many things that we brought for the community. Including giving away my tennis shoes to Isaac, seeing as how they made my right foot and toe black and blue from the time in Europe. Good riddance.
Had a pleasant dinner of potatoes, fish and collared greens. Chatted about how to really give to the community, not just stuff or money, but actually some type of investment(s) that would allow the community to create sustainable jobs. As Maimonides said, "give a man a fish for day, or better yet teach a man to fish and its for life!" Or something to that effect.
Now I am sitting and writing my thoughts in the blog for the night. BTW Shoshi is feeling better with some advil and a little dinner in her. So nobody worry, we are doing well. Like I said today was WAY better than yesterday, and I expect tomorrow to be even better yet.
Joey
Had a rice and vegetable lunch, hung out and relaxed. At 4:00pm we went and were guest of honor at the Campaign Rally for Rabbi Gershom. He is running for parliament for his district. There were about 200+ people there, he had endorsements from many of the locals, including the local Imams, the Reverends wife and many more including Joanne. What struck me was how much a campaign speech is the same wherever you are. The striking differences were what the Rabbi promised. He wants to bring the district an ambulance, better education, and adding to the health clinic. He is running from the opposition party, but has a very good chance to win the seat.
We were held up and introduced as friends of the Rabbi, showing the people that his reach is well beyond the borders of the district, Uganda and extends internationally. Basically he has used his connections to bring resources to the Jewish community here, and has shared that with the wider community of everyone, Christians and Muslims alike. He told those gathered that he would reach out further to bring more investment and good will the the greater community that he would be representing. To paraphrase, he said something to the effect that "I have brought from all of my friends to my family many things, if elected you will be my greater family and I will bring these things to all of my family!"
After the rally, we met the Rabbi's wife and gave her all of the many things that we brought for the community. Including giving away my tennis shoes to Isaac, seeing as how they made my right foot and toe black and blue from the time in Europe. Good riddance.
Had a pleasant dinner of potatoes, fish and collared greens. Chatted about how to really give to the community, not just stuff or money, but actually some type of investment(s) that would allow the community to create sustainable jobs. As Maimonides said, "give a man a fish for day, or better yet teach a man to fish and its for life!" Or something to that effect.
Now I am sitting and writing my thoughts in the blog for the night. BTW Shoshi is feeling better with some advil and a little dinner in her. So nobody worry, we are doing well. Like I said today was WAY better than yesterday, and I expect tomorrow to be even better yet.
Joey
Stuck again!!!!
We are off to Mbale, stopped in Obwino Market in Kampala. A lot like the Shuck but way more crowded and felt a little more dangerous. Not certain if it's cause we stand out so much, although in Jerusalem, we also stand out. Ate lunch, A rice and meat meal, was really good. Sharon bought some fabric to make a skirt for Shabbat. Should have lots of extra to make other stuff with too. Will attach pictures as soon as I get a good internet connection. We are back in the van, trying to make it out of the market, oh boy is the traffic something. By the way, being a former British colony, the driving and steering wheels are on the "wrong" side.
So much for heading out of Kampala... Not only did we have to change to a new truck, at 5:00pm, but heading out, our guide Samuel did not check the gas and are sitting road side, out of gas. He is headed on a bodda bodda to get enough gas to then fill the tank. So I will read and talk in the mean time.
It is now 9:45pm... Samuels second truck just died on Turrini Road, 47 klicks to our destination of Mbale!! We have reached out to the community, Rabbi Gershom, to have someone come and get us. It's about an hour here, then and hour back... So we wait. It appears that the people who fixed his engine did not put oil into the engine, ergo the engine has totally seized up and died.
After lots of stories and laughs, Isaac from the community finally arrived at about 11:45pm! First, we added oil to the truck, started it, then watched it spew a plethora of gray/black smoke, not good. We decided to offload the luggage and ourselves to Isaacs truck and head to the guest house in Mbale. All exhausted, Sharon nauseous, me with a headache and neck ache, but on our way, again!!
Turns out we arrived at the guest house at 1:00pm! Had to leave Samuel with his truck, he ended up being to towed to a small village where he hopes to get it fixed tomorrow, then join us to return Joannes phone. It is 1:25am, Sharon and I are showering in cold water to wash off the grime of the day, before retiring for the "morning". Can't see how tomorrow could be any worse, it's all good!!!
Joey
Joey
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
We have arrived!!
Well we arrived last night at the Entebbe Airport. Met up with Joanne, and spent the night a hotel close by. We are headed to breakfast, then we have a 5 hour drive to the village of Mbale. Have not taken pics yet, am posting on a hotel computer so this post will have to be brief. The good news is that we have arrived safe and sound!! Post pics and an update soon.
Joey
Joey
Monday, December 20, 2010
We are headed to...
Below is the page from Joanne Triangle's page. She is our guide that will be traveling with us in Uganda and Tanzania. Her blog is http://myafricantravels.blogspot.com/
Arriving in Entebbe and then onto Nabagoye. Stopping in Jinja for some white water rafting in the White Nile on the way back and then onto Kampala to enjoy a bit of their famous nightlife!
Some Facts about Uganda
Government
The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and legislative elections. In January 2009, Uganda assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.
Six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge of Ugandan soldiers under the UK.
Abayudaya Jewish Community of Uganda
The Abayudaya Jewish Community is a growing 100-year old community of over 1,000 Jews living among 10,000 Christians and Muslims. They live in scattered villages in the rolling, green hills of Eastern Uganda. The largest village, Nabagoye, is near Mbale.After Kakungulu’s death in 1928, many members drifted away. In 1971, Idi Amin Dada came to power, banning Jewish practice. Many in the community were forced to convert to other religions. After the fall of Amin in 1979, the remnants of the Abayudaya community gathered to begin rebuild the community.
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