What an unexpected experience we have had getting ready for this trip. We were all set to fly to Dubai on Emirates, stay overnight there and then fly on to Entebbe the next day. Then Trump started a bombing raid on Iran and all hell broke loose in the Middle East. We and everyone else in our group of 20 headed for Uganda were suddenly scrambling to secure safe transportation. Many ended up on Turkish Air. Mark and I opted to go through Europe via Lufthansa. We will fly to Munich, Vienna, Addis Abba and finally, Entebbe. Exhausting and tedious, but, hopefully, safe. We still depart on March 4, late in the day and reach Entebbe mid day on the 6th with 2 hour layovers between legs.
Looking at the map, Entebbe, the international airport for Uganda, is just below the capital of Kampala. Bwindi, where the Bwindi Community Hospital is located is literally in the SW corner of the country just south of the village of Kanungu, which is indicated on the map.
It has been a year since we were last in Uganda and since then, the Dental Vision Clinic has been completed, furnished and is now in use. Mark and I are taking some supplies for the Clinic as are about 20 other people who are traveling to Bwindi from Nevada County. It will be very exciting to see so much activity in the building. I hope to send many photos of the building and of people at work. As we are not medical people, Mark and I will be doing a survey of local people as they wait to be seen by a doctor.
Jean Creasey is heading up the group coming from Grass Valley and has helped them get organized with visas, clothing suggestions, things to give away in Uganda, and air arrangements. After everyone was all set, they suddenly have to change flights, just as we did. Jean has done a yeoman’s job of keeping everyone resolved to make the trip and get revised air. My hat is off to her.
After spending one night in Entebbe, we will fly to Murchison Falls, where we will stay in a brand new lodge, on the shores of the roaring Nile river, we may be the first guests, owned by our friend who was our guide on our first trip in Uganda in 2002. We will stay at Jonathan’s place 5 nights, recover from jet lag, and enjoy the sights near the falls.
Then we will fly to Buhoma, where the hospital is located, and catch up with other old friends, especially our goddaughter Julianah. We will be in the Bwindi area 8 days.
For the moment we are in the process of getting there. If only we could beam ourselves there.
Adventures with Julia 