The horizontal zebra

Where do I begin after an amazing day filled with impressions I never had before?

After a short night, we had early breakfast at 6.30 in the morning: fresh watermelon, pineapple (so sweet, hmmmmm) and mango, pancake, chapati (do not know how to write it, but I know it tastes good 😊) and toast.  Could be worse, not?

We left at 7.00 am to Kibale to start the Chimpanzee tracking.  On our way, when sun started shining, the mist made us have very nice views.  Pictures were taken along the road by, most of the time, our colleague and friend Adriaan.  He has this very good camera, but is also a master in making good pictures.  So, I want to thank him already for that.  Beyond being a good photographer, he is also the one who is always making fun of me (and vice versa, I must admit).  And that is where the title of this blog comes from…  Yesterday, when I was wearing a T-shirt with stripes, he called me “the horizontal zebra”.  A title was born.    I do not think he realizes that my dressing is filled with a lot of “striped” clothes.  But every time I will wear anything with stripes in the future, all I will think about is….                  a zebra…

When we arrived at Kibale, we first had a briefing from a ranger, a woman dressed and proud of her UWA (Ugandan Wildlife Association) green overall, accompanied by a gun.  That is what I call a real “woman”.  Jessica told us about the park, the chimps, elephants, …  and especially what to do or what NOT to do when we would get in contact with a chimp.  We were informed it would be possible that we needed to walk for 2 hours before seeing a chimp.  So off we went.  And there, after only 5 minutes, there it was…  in front of us…  We all had this “exciting” feeling.  We were in so close contact with this beautiful chimpanzee.  All of us were taking pictures, filming, and the “ooooooohs” and “aaaaaaaaaahs” were recorded by those who were filming.  Can be annoying when you see it afterwards, but hey, this is not something you encounter every day.  And if you think our mission was accomplished, you are wrong.  We walked through the forest, hearing the chimps “talking” to each other and during the hike, we met several chimps.  Sometimes a mother with her child, running away quickly.  But we also met chimps, sitting in a tree above us, like for only 3 meters far, eating the leaves of the tree.  They had no attention for us, but only for the food.  Our colleague Aleidis turned out to be a “pro” in tracking.  She noticed several chimps in the bushes, long before any of the others had seen it.    

During the trip, the ranger explained to us that the chimps are less afraid of white people than of black people.  The reason is that sometimes the chimps get out of the forest to “steal” sugar plants from the locals.  And then locals get mad and hunt the chimps…  Whereas white people only come to visit the chimps and leave them alone and admire them.  This would be the opposite of what we think, isn’t it?

By the time we returned from the hike, we were all very hungry.  Ibs brought us to a very nice restaurant, along the road.  We could sit on the terrace of the first floor so we had lunch with a view.  As the previous evening, preparation of food was the African way…  Let’s look at the positive side: they gave us the chance to chat, rest and check our smartphones (without WIFI).  And the food was gooooooood. 

Then the ranger for our next hike was already waiting for us.  Ibs arranged him so we could visit the Wetlands.  But first: shopping!    There was this small craft shop that, what you bought, is donated to the women/mothers witout husband.  Then you need to buy, isn’t it?  (every excuse to shop is good)

We all got plastic boots, because of the “swampy” hike.  Unfortunately, there were no boots for Martine and Aleidis, so shoes would get wet.  During this hike, we encountered several sorts of monkeys (baboons - stealing crobs from the locals, redtail monkey, red colobus monkey ….) and very beautiful birds (…).  Nature, as always in Uganda was stunning.  And the small, wooden “bridges” the locals constructed, helped us crossing the wetlands.  For Martine and Aleidis not always optimal, as the bridges were sometimes to low, so you still walked in the water.  And soon it was clear, my boots were not water resistant.  My right boot had a leak 😊

Again, the oooooooooooooohs and the aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahs were very present.  We saw so many animals.  And so many pictures were taken.  Already looking forward to watch them all.  At the end of the visit, it started raining (a bit) and it was very welcome.  Temperature is rather high and having   a bit of refreshing rain is fine. 

When we arrived back were our hike began, I got this idea.  We met a Belgian student at the crafts store before (Thomas Moore school of Mechelen – Tourism).  I asked him if the women could use some clothing and toys for children, since I had this case full of it, brought from Belgium, donated by colleagues.  He confirmed all stuff would go directly to the local community.  I decided to leave the suitcase and wow, the smile and gratitude you get at that moment.  Such a warm and peaceful feeling.  Thank you again to Kirsten, Peggy and Barbara!

And then it was time to rush to Kyaninga lodge.  It is said to be the restaurant with the most stunning sunset in Uganda and the most beautiful view over the crater lake.  The drive towards the lodge was rather, euhm, adventurous.  Ibs showed us again his drivers’ competencies and we made it just on time before sunset. 

AB-SO-LU-TE-LY worth the drive and rush.  It was BEAU-TI-FULL.  When I tell you there is also a helicopter landing point in front of the lodge (the first one I saw in Uganda), I am sure you understand how extra-ordinary this place is.  After photoshoot time, we had our aperitif outside.  Dinner was served inside the restaurant, which was also a very nice setting.  The food was excellent, but especially the started was a bit funny to us.  They served “scotch” egg with vegetables.  We did not know what to expect, but it was this meatball with a hard-boiled egg in it (known in Belgium as “vogelnestjes”).  Not exactly what you expect to be served in Uganda, but hey, please keep surprising us 😊

And as always, Ibs brought us home back safely.  In the meantime, I learned from Natalie that our boys won their last football game.  They are now officially “Champion Scholieren 2017-2018”, for a second year in a row.  Boys, congratulations.  Sorry I missed the last match, but you were in my thoughts all the time. 

Ending of again a very beautiful day, filled with so many impressions and experiences, fun and good talks with my colleagues.  People I am now on the road with for 3 days and I appreciate all of them.  Some of them I did not know upfront, but getting along with all of them.  Thank you, guys, for this beautiful time. 

Wondering what the next day will bring.... Bye for now.