Even though we’re entering the end of our journey I still feel it necessary to update you on what we did these past few weeks.
(written on Thanksgiving)
Thankful for:
-family for supporting meat all stages in my life
-this Carpe Diem group–couldn’t have picked a group more strange or more amazing
-our leaders for helping us through the process and becoming fantastic role models and even better friends
-new experiences each and every day; adventures
-hiking–movement in general
-waterfalls–everything about them
-getting messy
-warm meals at the end of the day
(These are the things I wrote in my journal: two arms and two legs, hiking, caving, feet, puppies, showering in waterfalls, jumping into water, lifeguards, nice guides, being the one student on an adventure, getting caught in the rain and using a banana leaf umbrella, warmth, dry clothes, hot showers, not being afraid of slipping, fruit, peanut butter, dessert.)
Upon our arrival at Sipi Falls it was Sean, Josh and my job to organize our activities. We found two nice guides that were connected to our hotel and we managed to find options with which everyone was content and that were under budget. Double win!
We started the hike on Thanksgiving morning around 9 o’clock and after maybe twenty minutes came to view the first waterfall–ninety-seven meters of majestic power. After a simple viewing we dove further into the fun.We hiked down to a cave-like formation below the falls and showered in the water. 🙂 Not a soap shower, but a lovely, FREEZING rinse. After almost three months embracing the conservative culture I must say that it felt a little strange being in semi-public in a sports bra and shorts.Definitely worth it, though. We then hiked to a spot up above the waterfall to admire it and the surrounding area from above which was,naturally, gorgeous. That’s one aspect that was consistent throughout our entire Sipi Falls stay; everywhere you looked beauty was found.Our guides then showed us a swimming spot where you could jump off a rock and into the current below. Another freezing experience for sure, but, again, totally worth it. I love jumping into water and letting it do with you what it will. This wasn’t exactly one of those situations which I soon founds out, but Niko and Avy were being excellent life guards and helped us get back out of the current and onto dry-ish land. It was a pretty thrilling experience.
When we had all had our fill here the group split into two smaller groups: the group that went back to the hostel and the group that went on and did the full hike. The latter group consisted of Avy, Niko and myself (best group EVER 😉 ). WE hiked through coffee and flowers and fields and beauty and then came upon the third waterfall, which, although smaller (eighty meters) seemed more powerful. Perhaps it was just the fact that we were able to get pretty close to it so we got completely sprayed by the mist or maybe it was another reason entirely, but whatever the reason I loved it and am extraordinarily glad I opted for the full hike.
As we approached this waterfall not only were we sprayed by the falls themselves we were also getting misted by the light rain that had started. By the time we left it was raining quite a bit harder so, we did what every local does. We cut bananas leaves and held them over our head as umbrellas! I could NOT stop giggling. Every few steps between trying to avoid slipping and keeping the umbrella covering my head and camera bag I just became overwhelmed by how beautifully hilarious and natural the situation was and just had to laugh.
Our guide told us about this crystal cave and we decided that we might as well check that out too. I think my favorite part of it was getting in and out. The opening was pretty small so we kind of crawled through. So much fun. Our only light came from the slight bit that could enter from outside and from two mini flashlights that come built on many of the cell phones here. The crystals were pretty but I wish there had been more of them. Apparently people have been coming in and taking them to sell to tourists. We saw many bats, thought, which was exciting. And, we learned that back I the day people used to live in there as shown by the smoke stains on the rocks forming the ceiling. It seemed like a pretty good place to live. You’d have to watch out for animals, obviously, but it would keep you safe from the elements.
After that we headed back to our hostel for warm-ish showers and dry clothes to prepare ourselves for dinner. We had no idea what was in store for us.
Dinner took place at the Sipi Falls Resort which was a real treat. I think we all really enjoyed getting semi-dressed up and going out to eat. It was definitely different.
The resort typically has a beautiful view of the falls, but within minutes of our arrival a giant cloud rolled in and took over everything with was truly incredible to see. One minute everything was pretty visible just a little hazy and the next we were staring into the pale gray abyss. It was beautiful in a different way.
The actual dinner was totally unexpected, at least on my part. It started out with this creamy vegetable deliciousness of soup and bread with real butter then made its way into mashed potatoes (!), vegetables and chicken ( the turkey would have cost us approximately fifty dollars) and then this really interesting dessert they called a pancake but was really more like a puffed sweet bread. All was incredibly lovely.
We left Sipi Falls and got to Kampala after yet another cramped matatu ride and stayed at an amazing hostel called the Red Chili where we took full advantage of the pizza night offered both nights of our stay.
Then. It came time for Zanzibar. What should have been a simple plane and ferry over the course of two days turned into three flights and two nice hotels over the course of three days making up, by far, the craziest travel experience of my life.
But that’s another story. 🙂
Love, Ellie
Even though we’re home I still feel it necessary to update you on what happened through the last legs of our trip.