ROAD TRIP DAY ONE: Kampala to Masaka to Lake Nabugabo

I decided to agree to a trip "away" to regroup and refresh my weary soul. Eric Arts, his Father in law (John Walker) and Uncle (Bob Walker) had already planned a road trip for 4 days to western Uganda. Given my recent experiences coupled with a lack of time off, I was told this was a "Not an option" trip. My generous brother and sister in law (Marty and Sabrina) arranged to have it funded for me to avoid any excuses I might have. 

We left early Friday 2/12/13 AM heading West along the southern route to Kasese. Our first stop was in a town called Masaka in Central Uganda to visit one of Eric and John's long time friends, Stephanie. She is an amazing one woman show running a farm and a preschool on her own at a near 70 years old. She was widowed many years back and has dedicated her life and funds to helping out the local children with education and food. 

Anyone wanting to volunteer in the peaceful, beautiful environment can contact me. You can help with farming, chores and teaching or any of 1,000 things Stephanie has to do in a day. I would love to live in  such a quiet and peaceful place as hers if I were to stay here. 

We then walked up the road to visit the primary school which was in session. We had to opportunity to meet these wonderful teachers working for very little money. It was sad to see many of the beautiful buildings in disrepair from lack of funding. 

Stephanie had us tour some of the abandoned schoolrooms and get an update on conditions from the local teachers. John and Bob plan to come back and help out before they leave for the USA.

Stephanie's compound

AHHH..peaceful (he was quiet, really) 

John checking out the coffee crop

Matoke and sweet bananas growing in
Stephanie's yard

Visiting the local school up the road

One of the abandoned classrooms in need of
funding

Stephanie, the ever talented and untiring hostess, made us a lunch of homemade pumpkin soup with all the ingredients, including spices, from her garden. We were fed and ready to head out in the early afternoon. 

We made it to Lake Nabugabo by later afternoon following a drive through winding hills covered in tea plantations. The scenery was reminiscent of a lush green patchwork quilt. This is a freshwater lake about 3 miles wide and 5 miles long. It remains quite shallow and thus was as warm as bathwater! All of us enjoyed a refreshing dunk and then a pleasing supper of talapia. 

beautiful peaceful hut at the lakeside

Bob and his Fish! (of which, I ate 1/2 of...a girl's got to eat!)