Friday, October 16

Sipi Falls

October 13th, 2009

So over the weekend Kate, Alex and I traveled to Sipi Falls. We actually were only gone for a day and a half, but still the vacation away from Jinja for a little bit was a great idea. We woke up early on Sunday morning, sat in a matatue for about 2 hours, left in matatue by 9:30 , arrived in Mbale about 4 hours later, hired a driver to take us up to Sipi, and finally came to our destination in the afternoon. We quickly unloaded our stuff at a beautiful camp-lodge area called Crow's Nest. Took a few deep long breaths, admired the beautiful view of each waterfall (because there are four), then we're changed and ready for our 2 hr. hike.
Our guide's name was Patrick. He has lived in Sipi his whole life. Is now 24 years old. Has been seriously dating a girl named Solivia for the last one and a half years. He is not wanting to be married yet, at least not till he has more money saved up. He currently is a self-employed Sipi Falls Trail Guide and has been doing so for the last 6 years. The top of his head came to about my chin. Kate saw six toes on his left foot and I noticed that his calf’s were the size of oranges. He was good looking in a small boyish way and his smile was pearly white and pretty perfect. So now that you have a mental picture of who Patrick is, I will continue on.
Sipi is gorgeous. By far, one of the most luxurious places that I have been on this earth. It was more tropical then I was anticipating. Every plant and every flower I saw was new. Green was the theme and I loved it. It rained six minutes into our hike, Alex's mind made up, we continued. The trail was narrow, path muddy, steep steps that went down at a 35 degree angle, with rickety steps and railings. It was no doubt made by village hands. The path was extremely slippery that we all made a bet that whoever falls flat on their face or butt has to pay 1,000 Ugs (meaning fifty cents). Luckily nobody fell that day. The waterfall (Sipi number one) was beautiful, the hike was well worth the matatue ride, and the exercise was exceptional. YES! I LOVED IT!

It was great getting to be around nature. So refreshing. It was good to have peace. To not hear children screaming (the fun kind of screaming), to not hear cars, or the Muslim prayer, it was great to have a little bit of peace and a little bit of quiet.

TO SUM IT UP

We had four hours of hiking the next day, traveled back to Mbale. A man I did not know on the ride there kept playing footsie with me. That made me uncomfy for sure. Oh well, if you just move your foot and glare at the person they normally stop. He did.
We changed vehicles in Mbale, from van to matatue. Got home finally and was able to talk to my mom which was really nice and good to hear her voice, awww ;). Very true though. Then I slept.

LOVED IT!

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