We went to Byumba with Ranger David and one of the elders, after a considerable delay at the UWA. Children were dancing when we arrived. Blackie was there with the Batwamobile. We were introduced to the kids and we each told them a little about ourselves and why we were there. They put on a wonderful performance for us. We then went into the forest with a group of pygmies who call themselves Batwa. We had lunch and then drove back to Buhoma which took about 45 minutes over very bumpy roads. We all had a cold shower, then drove up to the Silverback Lodge for drinks. We picked up the 2 Danish medical students: Milton and Nina who were staying at the Guesthouse. Then we went to dinner at the Guesthouse and then back to our cabins.
Hurry up and wait. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is under the protection of UWA, the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Like any government agency, it is very bureaucratic. Fees, permits, authorization, supervision by UWA guards, and others matters all had to be ironed out before setting out. Eventually all was made right (for a few extra shillings) and we were on our way.
Arrival at Byumba
The school children were there to greet us.
I had no idea that we were such celebrities.
The little school girls were intrigued with Erin's white skin, blond hair, and--dare I say it--painted toe tails.
I showed this picture in the view mode of my camera to this little girl. I don't think she has ever seen a picture of herself before. Soon a gaggle of her friends were crowding around my little camera to get a glimpse of their now-famous schoolmate.
There didn't seem to be any A.D.D. in this group.
Maybe not Indiana Jones but at least California Nate.
Levi introduced each one of us and when P.J. and I mentioned we were from Chicago, I heard Levi say, "Chicago (the Bulls)," followed by many "Oooo's and Aaaah's" from the audience.
+introducing+us+at+the+school.jpg)
At least we didn't hear, "Chicago (Al Capone) Rat-a-tat-tat!"
I'm sure this was a nice diversion from classwork.
If we didn't beg to leave after a good while, I think they would have sung and danced the whole day long.
This was my view of Byumba for the first time.
The clinic: a substation of the Bwindi Community Hospital
I had no idea that we were such celebrities.
The little school girls were intrigued with Erin's white skin, blond hair, and--dare I say it--painted toe tails.
I showed this picture in the view mode of my camera to this little girl. I don't think she has ever seen a picture of herself before. Soon a gaggle of her friends were crowding around my little camera to get a glimpse of their now-famous schoolmate.
There didn't seem to be any A.D.D. in this group.
Maybe not Indiana Jones but at least California Nate.
Levi introduced each one of us and when P.J. and I mentioned we were from Chicago, I heard Levi say, "Chicago (the Bulls)," followed by many "Oooo's and Aaaah's" from the audience.
+introducing+us+at+the+school.jpg)
At least we didn't hear, "Chicago (Al Capone) Rat-a-tat-tat!"
I'm sure this was a nice diversion from classwork.
If we didn't beg to leave after a good while, I think they would have sung and danced the whole day long.
This was my view of Byumba for the first time.
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