Joan Has Her Say

er Say14th June 2008

JOAN’S BLOG FROM AFRICA


Well I didn’t think I would get to write anything this trip as we have had so many slow internet services with just enough time for Gary to post his blog and that was it. We’ve also been on the move and not had much time when we stop.
Now we have an enforced stay at Kampala and time I thought I would finally write something.
The trip home has been very different than the one last year. Quite out of my comfort zone on some of the roads once we reached Africa. Even Kenya where we expected an improvement once we reached Nairobi was pretty rough. No wonder the poor old clutch went with the potholes and 38,000 kms, something had to go although we are a bit disappointed not getting through unscathed (which was hard to believe, considering the work other vehicles needed done). We had hoped it would continue at least to South Africa where they have VW parts.
At this stage we expect it to arrive from Nairobi early next week and then a day to replace.
We have caught up with a lot of washing, clothes and car plus sorting out, probably for the last time before coming home.
It’s very civilised here with cappuccinos and BLT’s to rival any at home and the big Supermarket is full of ‘comfort foods’ which helps.
At the moment Gary has just watched the All Blacks win over UK and now Australia is beating Ireland so he is very happy.
The Red Chilli Hideaway Camp where we are staying caters for Backpackers and a lot of volunteers enroute to their NGO’s. We met a girl from Iceland who had been here 3 months working with People with Disabilities associated with the degree she was doing at home.
We like the African people, especially the Ethiopians and Ugandans. I think Ethiopia has been my favourite country so far despite the poverty in the rural areas, the natural beauty and helpfulness of the people really appeals to us.
Travel is pretty easy here in Uganda .It helps to have English spoken so well as elsewhere in Africa and everyone has ‘easy to remember’ Christian names like Charles, Patrick even Dennis. Although they have African names too, people love it when you can remember their name. No-one seems to hassle but they are always willing to help if you need it.
It’s hard to believe we have been away 3 months and at times it seems much longer. We should hear from the shipping agent in Durban next week and get an idea of some sailing dates for the van but we aren’t in any hurry! No work to go back to!!
Now the 18th June, the parts have arrived and we hope to get the van back today or tomorrow. We were lucky to get a self contained cottage at the campsite, not exactly luxury but very convenient.
Then it’s on the road again to Tanzania via Rwanda.
Thank you all for your emails, travel gets tough at times and we appreciate hearing from you very much. It’s a thrill to get your news.
If I haven’t replied it’s because we lost our addresses when we had work done on the computer at home. Also we can’t access your address from the Blog Comments. So if you email to garyc@midcoast.com.au I will then have an address to reply to. Emails that are sent to our jelga@midcoast.com.au are forwarded by Jane but that means we don’t have your address to reply to.
I trust you are all well. Take care until we see you again
Joan