Back in March 2006, I headed off to Uganda, and sure enough, it turned out to be an amazing experience far more than what I had ever expected. The only downside of the trip was the day I had to leave. The idea of coming back to the States was definitely not top on my list.
I left for Uganda on my own, ready to see the other side of the world. I met up with some kayaking friends who had been spending some time there already. Home base was right near Bujagali Falls, about 8 km downstream of Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River. It is a kayaker’s paradise; the river is warm and surrounded by a green, lush jungle. The White Nile has everything I could ever dream of: multiple channels with plenty of different lines, big drops, and best of all, world-class big water play boating. We spent hours surfing at the Nile Special, the Ugly Sisters wave, and the Super Hole. What truly blew me away was watching the local kids swim right above these huge rapids, or paddle around in their homemade wooden canoes while out fishing for the day.
Aside from kayaking, it was a great place to be: cheap camping, great local food, a fun, genuine culture, and memorable Ugandan style shuttles back to camp. My local “boda-boda” (moped) driver picked me up at the take out, and the adventure home was almost as exciting as the run itself. The trick was to straddle my boat between me and my driver and hold on tight as we bounced along the narrow dirt road. Trying to avoid hitting the trees and brush, or even herding goats, with the bow or stern of my boat always made an extra challenge.
On the “boda-boda” ride back, the road went through the farms, the small villages, the schools, and the mud huts these people call home. Tons of young kids would come running out of their huts as they saw us driving by with our kayaks. Their hands waved through the air with contagious smiles on their faces. “Jambo! Jambo!” I would yell back. I loved this place; I loved where I was.
Life was so simply lived, yet so terrifying and uncertain for all of these families. It could be malaria, HIV, malnutrition, drought, or the violence and oppression in Northern Uganda, but these people I encountered every day were filled with so much joy and excitement. They were friendly and curious, as was I. The river brought me to this place originally, but the interaction with the locals is what truly brings me back.
I feel very privileged to have had this experience, and very lucky to be able to go back to Uganda and help out with the malaria project (www.softpowerhealth.org). I will do my best to keep everyone posted during my adventure. Best wishes for the winter.
