Kennedy Sibling Reunion Tour 2016 Part Two: The Kennedy Kids take on Kampala

Well, after a busy, hit-the-ground-running sort of few days, Mike and I weren't disappointed when the rains prevented us from departing on our day-long tour of Kampala. The only problem, was that we didn't have any breakfast foods, and the heavy rain was preventing Michael from giving in to his new-found addiction to rolex. But, alas, the rains calmed down, and we found ourselves in front of my rolex guy's* stand.

Our first stop, post-rolex, was Lubiri Palace. This is supposed to be the home of the King of Buganda, but it turns out, he doesn't actually live here. In other words, we didn't get to accidentally meet the King this time. What we did get, was a tour of the Palace grounds, which included a lot of history about Idi Amin - an aspect I was pleasantly surprised about.

Lubiri Palace

I don't think I'll be taking this one home with me... but it is rocking a pretty stellar weed garden!

This is Amin's torture chamber. The details are pretty gruesome.
It was kinda freaky though, when my camera started recognizing faces that we couldn't see... 

Squint your eyes and you'll see Buganda's Parliament Building. (More on that later!) 

The Royal Mile, with Parliament at the end.

After this little adventure, there was a bit of confusion about where we wanted to go next. I had asked them to take us to Parliament, which I assumed our escorts would know I meant the Buganda Parliament, but instead we ended up at the National Parliament Building. It was cool to see, but not what either of us were keen on doing. 

So, instead, we hopped back onto our bodas and made our way to the Uganda National Museum. Here we browsed around, while being followed by a swarm of elementary school kids - all of which were eager to stroke our hands or just say hello. It's very difficult to concentrate on a museum exhibit when 20+ adorable kids are trying to get your attention! This time, at least, the diorama area was actually opened. And while they weren't overly well done, at least I didn't fear for my life! 

Next we took a quick lunch break, which gave Michael another opportunity to enjoy the local food. Then we took a bit of a drive to the Bahá'í Temple. It turns out this is one of only 7 in the world! The tour included a brief history of the faith (which I'm interested in exploring further...) and a few minutes sitting in on a prayer service. Then we took a look at the cemetery, before our walk back down the big hill to our bodas. 

The Bahá'í Temple - one of only 7 in the world.

Our final stop of the day was our intended first/second stop - the Buganda Parliament Building, also known as the Bulange Building. This serves as the administrative headquarters for the Buganda Kingdom and is a place to learn about its cultural aspects. Here we learned about the various Clans found within the Buganda, including my personal favourite - the Shit Clan**. I'm not joking, either. It's unfortunately no longer in existence, but I would like to make it a personal mission to revive it. It is interesting, though, because one cannot eat the symbol their clan represents. For example, the Monkey Clan cannot eat monkey, the Dog Clan cannot eat dog, and the Shit Clan cannot... well, you can fill in the blank!

Anyway, further to this we were able to enter the room where Parliament takes place. Here we learned that the King of Buganda only attends two session a year - the first and last. We also learned that to become a Minister, you have to fulfill the following five criteria: Be from the Buganda Kingdom (aka speak the language), be married, live within the bounds of the Kingdom, be rich and one more that my jet-lagged/under-caffeinated brain cannot remember. Point is, I, obviously got sworn in as the Minister of Canadian Tourism/Mzungu. (Joke's on them - I'm not rich, married, or of from the Kingdom of Buganda!)

A few of the Buganda Clan symbols, featuring the former Shit Clan. 

My swearing in ceremony. The boys are obviously interested in this...

Where the magic happens. 

A statue of the current King of Buganda in front of the Bulange Building,
featuring our boda drivers - Adolf and Isaac. 

The following day we attempted an early start to Entebbe, but were once again rain delayed. Our mission for the day - the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Yes, you have heard of this place before if you've been following my blog over the last couple on months. This time, however, we opted for the Behind the Scenes tour, because well, lions. And this time my failed attempt at a lion snuggle was successful!

The Behind the Scenes Tour is a bit more pricy compared to the general admission (US$70 per person vs. UGX30 000, or approximately CA$12). But - it was well worth the money! We spent around 3 or 4 hours feeding the animals, enjoying a little play time, and even a few up close and personal encounters (aka lion snuggles!). We even had access to the cheetah cubs, where Mike and I were challenged to a race***. Anyway, this included some fun and exciting times and some not so enjoyable moments. Holding a snake was one of those moments that I'm glad I did in hindsight, but in the moment was not so thrilled about. Of course, it didn't help that, as I was trying to decide if I was crying or laughing, I turned to find a random group of Asian men taking my picture. Not one of my finer moments!

All suited up - time to get to work!
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Two of the 18 white rhinos in Uganda.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Nope. Not loving this.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Excellent facial expression, Mike!

Mike, laughing like a moose, and me being Britney Spears.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Chimp Island... where I learned that this beings are far more intelligent that I.
In the video below, you will see one scooping an orange out of the water using a
tree branch, because they don't like to get what. I would have just looked at it and given up...
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

One of the rarest birds in the world - the shoebill stork. This sir is Sushi,
and was so soft and fluffy. He liked me more than, Michael!
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Dreams DO come true... meeting my lion friend. It was love at first sight!
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Yummy - it's fading time!
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Siblings hard at work.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Feeding Albert, the G-riffy!
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

Hoisting up the Giraffe feed. It took me a minute and twenty-six seconds to complete this task.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

The final days involved a visit to the craft market, climbing the many stairs in the National Mosque, and visiting my office. The good news is that I think Michael now understands why I love this country continent so much. The bad news is that I think he now realizes why I want to live here... permanently.

-the Orange Canadian

*I know what you're thinking - she's got a rolex guy? Yes. Yes, I do. And when I don't come for a few weeks, he gets worried about me.
**I apparently was the first person to correctly identify what the symbol of this Clan was depicting. They didn't see so keen on putting my photo in the office to commemorate this overwhelming accomplishment!
***I obviously beat the cheetahs, although I think they were bored by the time it was my turn!

Kennedy Sibling Reunion Tour 2016 Part One: On the Road Again...

It was just 11 months ago that the Kennedy Kids met up for an epic adventure. Last time it was Copenhagen and Manchester. This time it was the beautiful country of Uganda - and Michael's first experience on African soil. I had a busy week of activities planned for us, that started almost from the moment he got off the plane. Our first stop? Well, Jinja, of course!

I must say, I was a little nervous taking Mike to Jinja so early into our adventure - not because of Jinja itself, but because I was afraid he'd be uncomfortable hopping on a boda boda so quickly. Thankfully, he took to this mode of transportation quickly... and like a champ!

After witnessing his first rainfall, we made our way to the taxi park, and began the picturesque journey to Jinja.

When we arrived, we quickly checked into the guesthouse, and then made a b-line to the best pork I've ever consumed (which was conveniently located just a short walk down the street!). Then we wandered through the craft market, and eventually made our way to the Source of the Nile. Here I introduced Mike to Gandhi before we took a quick boat ride to the source of the Nile.

Pork. Smoked and then BBQed. AMAZING.
This is unquestionably in my top 5 things I will miss about Uganda!
Photo Credit: Mike Kennedy

Setting off on our boat tour. If you look close you can see a rizard.

SEE!

At the Source of the Nile.

In the evening, Mike was introduced to some of the local cuisine. Then we played a few rounds of pool, before an early bedtime! Someone was tired... and it wasn't Mike!

Photo Credit: Mike Kennedy

Day two in Jinja consisted of Mike trying his first rolex* and rafting on the Nile. You will notice in the photos below, that I am missing from the main boat. This is because of my past history with Bilharzia (which it turns out, I still have!). So, I opted for a spot in the Safety Boat, or what is otherwise known as the Chicken Boat. And to that, I say this - sure, you may not flip and swallow as many litres of water as if you were on the "legit" boat, but the Safety Boat has added features that are missing from the standard rafting trip. These include, but are not limited to**: a luxurious cruise of the Nile with minimal but still present rapids, philosophical conversations on a wide range of topics, entertaining banter and shenanigans between Nalubale staff, and what I'd like to think of as the start of the first Nile River Whitewater Rafting Book Club. So, while Mike may have enjoyed a more bumpy trip, I gained a wealth of knowledge on rafting jargon, the history of the Nile, and a new reading list. Who's the real winner here?!

Mike and the gang receiving the safety talk from Ashiraf.
Photo Credit: Nalubale Rafting

See - the Safety Boat is quite relaxing.
And yes, I am rocking a plaid flannel shirt in 30 degree weather. Don't judge me!
Photo Credit: Nalubale Rafting

Mike is ready to tackle that rapid... I'm pretty sure they flipped here.
Photo Credit: Nalubale Rafting

The day's rafting team. I'll be honest, I felt like a traitor here.
Photo Credit: Nalubale Rafting

After a good few days in Jinja, we were transported back to Kampala, where we quickly unpacked and then quickly repacked, and showered. Then we were off to Red Chilli Hideaway***. Here we spent the night in the hostel before our next big adventure - Murchison Falls National Park, or as I have now dubbed it, the time we met the entire cast of Babar!

The first day of our tour we set off fairly early - 7:30am to be exact! We had enjoyed a good cup of Ugandan coffee and so it made that departure time a bit easier. To get to the park, it is approximately 5 hours, including pee breaks, and supply stops. It also included a flat tire stop. But, it was great to relax and taken in the beautiful scenery that never fails to amaze me about this country.

Eventually we made it to our first destination - a hike around Murchison Falls. Now when I say hike I mean a little more strenuous than usual walk. But, it was all worth it. Getting views from a distance and up close gave us a much deeper appreciation for the waterfall's power! It's also when I realized some of the rapids we had faced the day before weren't so crazy after all! To get a better sense of this spot, check out the short video that follows the photos below.

A view from on top of the falls looking out.

Murchison Falls.

Our little tour group, and guide for the hike.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

After our little trek, we were taken to basecamp where we were warned of late night hippo encounters, curious/hungry warthogs, and then taken to our tents. We were pretty quick to hit the showers before having a drink and relaxing while waiting for dinner. We were even visited by a few friends.

At camp, just before dinner. Unfortunately, these guys weren't on the menu.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy 

The nightly campfire, less marshmallows.
Photo credit: Mike Kennedy

The next day was an even earlier start. We grabbed our packed breakfasts and were on the road by 6:15am. This took little effort however, because we were heading out on a four-hour game drive where I was finally able to live my dream of seeing lions in the wild - a mama and three cubs to be exact. It was pretty magical. The whole tour was, really. We saw such a variety of wildlife, and in far greater quantities that I ever could have imagined! A few highlights can be found below, along with a fairly lengthy video.

Elephants!

A beautiful landscape, and if you look hard enough, you might see some antelope.

The moment my dream of seeing lions in real life came true!

Waterbuck.

Hippos! Look how cute that one is smiling as he/she dreams. I wonder what hippos dream about?!

Sibling Selfie!

Giraffes! 

Next we were given a few hours to relax, enjoy some lunch, and even have a nap! Afterwards we boarded a boat and took a 3-hour boat safari. Unfortunately, I did not capture the largest crocodile I ever care to see in photographs, but if you check out the video that follows, you will understand why I wish not to see one bigger! This tour, however, was really great. It gave us an opportunity to get up close, and sometimes a little too personal with some of the wildlife. The turn around point was in front of Murchison Falls. This made for a great photo-op spot, as well as a decent backdrop of a cold bevy!

Look out for the hippos!

Hippos and buffalo

Sleeping hippos are pretty cute!

Elephant, hippos, and a few birds.

Elephant!

Murchison Falls.

As with the previous evening, there was dinner and relaxing in front of the fire. I forgot to mention that last part. But what was most enjoyable, was the epic lightening storms we were able to witness both nights! It made early bedtime a bit harder.

The next morning started around the same time and began with a hunt for rolex. Mike appears to have gained a bit of an addiction to these delicious breakfast snacks! Then we made our way to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This is home to 16 of Uganda's 18 known white rhinos****. Two of these residents include a 3-week and 6-month old rhino - and they're pretty freakin' cute!

It's a little hard to see, but that is a 3-week-old rhino laying down next to his mama!

This one is about 6 months.

Can you spot the chameleon?

We found ourselves safely back in Kampala just in time to head to The Lawns to sample some of the creatures we'd seen over the last few days. Meat. Is. Good.

Jinja, as always, didn't fail. If your'e heading there anytime soon and are brave enough to face the rapids, be sure to contact Nalubale Rafting (of course, I might be a little biased in this recommendation...). But my expectations of the safari were surpassed by far! Red Chilli offers safari tours at much lower prices than other tour companies, but the level of service offered was not reflected in those prices. My only complaint was that there wasn't any tours running during my last few days that would have allowed me to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. Oh well! Guess I'll just have to come back...

-the Orange Canadian

*Oddly enough in the exact same spot I had my first rolex!
**Throw back to Mr. Bullock, once again...
***Which provided a very overtired and sunburnt Emily with far more drama than necessary. Next time, bring a map.
****The other two are in the Entebbe Zoo... which may or may not make an appearance in Part Two of this adventure. (Hint: THEY DO!)