To Kampala dead or alive

A lot has happened since the last entry. Facial hair developments, a dead body, banana mayhem and mosquitos the size of bluebottles to name but a few.

We had a great afternoon on Saturday in the bush visiting three communities. Pastor Geoffrey kept us on schedule in true western style despite the typical African delays.

 

 Special welcome arch

 

Our second supper at Richard’s was a bit more relaxed. TV on and much conversation about the huge and hungry mosquitos that were all around us. Apac is the malaria capital of the world and last night was proof of why! Despite all this we both think we have escaped unscathed.

 

 Home made bunting at the Bishop's house for us

More visits to communities ensued all of which were greatly encouraging and inspiring. We were delayed around two hours as Bishop Richard needed three kinds of oil for his car. We waited and watched as he was frustrated at every turn and finally had oil poured into his sump that was as black as the oil we would drain from our own cars at home. The oil that went into his gearbox meant that by the end of the day it was slipping badly in reverse

Lady making bread as we waited for the oil change

We met with another pastor Geoffrey who wanted to show us how the intervention of the church had helped him get a complete grip of his life. He has planted out 30 banana trees since 2011 and is now harvesting so many that he is also planting coffee. pine trees and pineapples. He was an inspiring guy to meet and we would never have met him without the insight from our friends in Apac.

 Banana-rama Geoffrey. Another PEP success

We set off early on Sunday to reach the Masindi port ferry (a barge over a very short stretch of water) to get us to the tarmac Kampala road. 

Before leaving Apac we drop in at Bishop Richard’s to say goodbye to the family. They are all such lovely people and we have made genuine friends with them all. 

 

 Pastor Geoffrey at his house with us

Pastor Geoffrey has named his new bull after Paul

  Bishop Richard and family

The road to Masindi was red mud all the way. Very dusty but we managed it well and got to the ferry in 2 hrs – good going! 

It’s 08:38 and we check the timetable for the next ferry, which is at 09:30. Except this is Africa and we are told it will not depart until 10.00.

 Masindi Ferry

 Waiting...

 

Faffaage

We settle in the concrete waiting shelter, trying to avoid contact with the locals as we are bored with the same old questions about the bikes. 

 

 The bikes draw the crowds at Masindi

As we wait, one of the locals beckons us over to the waters edge and points to a raffia mat with two large plants sitting on it. “He is dead man” we are told. Both of us look at the mat but cannot see anything except the plants. That is, until we see a foot poking out from under the mat! 

It transpires that two guys were trying to cross a section of the lake at 1 a.m. and got into difficulties. Neither could swim, one escaped and one drowned. Martin asks is he going to be floated out on the river and burnt. 
 
After an hour or so (still no ferry) a small entourage appears and begin donning latex gloves. “This is the Doctor” we are told. “He has come to treat him”. I look forward to seeing what treatment they have in mind for a body that has been under the water for 8 hours!

They drag the poor guy out of the water and the Doctor puts a drip into his neck. I wait for the miracle, but unsurprisingly nothing happens. 

 

 Alternative ferry

As you can see from the pics we witnessed yet more things that can be carried on a motorbike as we travelled.

 

 

 

The road to Kampala was mainly very good tarmac but, as this is Africa, there are always surprises. Crazy road works, chunks just carved out of the road and the usual quota of maniacs coming in the opposite direction. We made it to Kampala and asked a boda-boda (motorbike taxi) to lead us to the American Club where we had decided to stay. We were looking forward to a treat as the club is quiet and comfortable with hot water and fridges! 

We arrived very hot tired and dusty to discover that the place has closed for a change of owner!!! After a few phone calls to Kampala friends we are now in the Africana Hotel which is lovely and just what we need and think we deserve.

Facial hair experiments continue as Paul is now sporting this Village People moustache.

 

Check in concluded we head out to the enormous Nakomat Supermarket to replenish our supplies. In addition to our usual staples, Martin buys enough talc for a Northern Soul weekend in Cleethorpes! And Paul ensures the supplies of the old 'gold watch' are reinstated!