Blog 12 - Personal

28/04/12

As I sit here in Nairobi writing my final blog, it gives me the opportunity to reflect not only on my final week in Uganda but also the wonderful opportunity that Ashleigh and I were given to complete a semester of study in Africa.

Throughout our trip in Uganda there has “been more to see than could ever be seen”(Rice, 1994) and last weekend was no exception when we took our three day safari trip to Murchison Falls.  I had anticipated this trip to be a real life scene from the lion king and you will be glad to know that it did not disappoint us.  After experiencing an African sunrise at 6am we were off in our four wheeled drive to see some amazing animals in their natural surroundings.  These animals included giraffes, leopards, herds of buffalo, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and the list goes on.  Needless to say Ashleigh and I found this game drive quite amazing, the vast plains of reserve and various types of animals were quite remarkable and it didn’t end there!

The next day we took a hike to the top of Murchison (freedom) falls were we saw the breathtaking scenery of where the falls begin and meet the river Nile.  The many colourful rainbows and 360 degree views were something that was well worth the journey to the top!  It is hard to believe that the end of this wonderful weekend was the beginning of the end of our adventure in Uganda.

As we said our many goodbyes this week I know that I will be leaving a part of me behind.  I have made so many long lasting friends and memories here that it has definitely become a home away from home.  This contrasts with my first night in Kampala in which I found the prospect of staying here three months quite overwhelming.  But as each week past I grew more attached to the wonderful people, children and surroundings which I was submerged in for nearly thirteen weeks.

My favourite part of my time spent here has been volunteering at the ‘Tomorrow’s Heroes’ programme on a Sunday.  I am so grateful for the time I spent getting to personally know and love these boys and I will really miss them all when I return to Northern Ireland. 

Even though Ashleigh and I are saying goodbye to Uganda for awhile we still have a few more countries to conquer before we return to Northern Ireland.  We are both looking forward to seeing what exciting things Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Egypt have in store for us both.  I am sure that none of them will compare to our time which has gone so fast in Uganda but I am confident that my memories of this beautiful country and these wonderful people will hold a piece of my heart forever.