After
completing formalities in triplicate, we boldly went in the Kichumbanyobo Gate,
and drove the red path of the rainforest. All we could see for nearly an hour was dense
forest with local baboon lifeforms, who greeted us by showing their red
bottoms. Delayed at the start of our journey, we failed to catch the planned
transporter across the Nile, and waited 2 hours at Chilli Rest Camp for the
next one. Eventually the cumbersome,
flat yellow ferry made slow progress across the fast flowing river, avoiding
schools of hippos guarding their young by the bank. No-one said “She’ll no’
make it captain!”
We arrived
at our destination, the planet of Paraa Safari Lodge.
This is unlike anything we have previously
encountered. Rich white people stay in beautiful, smart rooms, with every
required amenity. Ladies wear short shorts and tight jeans – something we only
encountered in Kampala before. The
temperature on arrival was almost unbearably hot, but there was a swimming pool
where we could cool down.
There is too
much food! We were instructed to take lunch before going to our rooms. Lunch
was nearly over, but there was still a plentiful buffet of Ugandan, Asian and
Western food. Charles sleeps with other drivers but eats with us. He is not
allowed to walk between his room and the restaurant as there are more lifeforms
roaming near his lodgings. We have taught him a new word, ‘Warthog’.
After
resting, a local guide took us on a nature walk. We examined the excrement of
many native animals. We saw adult and baby hippos swimming in the river, a
crocodile catching fish, water buck, and a huge variety of birds. This planet is inhabited by species that are
new to us. Our guide was well equipped
for the trip, carrying a stick, Kalashnikov, and mobile phone. Bob the Mouse stayed safely in his transport
(my bag), he was therefore not at risk of being the expendable member of the
crew. The guide communicated with central command by frequent texts and calls,
we were confident that if danger occurred we could be safely transported back
to the starship Paraa.
In the
evening we had a 3 course meal to the accompaniment of a local band and
dancers. This is a truly beautiful
place. The people are very friendly and always helpful. It is very clean, and
the food is excellent. The chef is incredibly helpful with the peculiar diet of
Dr. Tom. Altogether a pretty good new civilisation. Bob the Mouse had a near
miss at breakfast when he fell under the table and was left behind. Charles is
beginning to accept this alien lifeform, and rescued him at the last moment to
bring him back to the safety of our room.
Last night
it rained very heavily, and we were unable to make a scheduled trip to observe
more of the land and wildlife. This afternoon we took a boat trip in the
company of tetchy Swiss twitchers, despite the shortage of dilithium crystals, the expeditionary force then hiked to the top of Murchison Falls. On arrival at the top of the falls, Charles
had successfully navigated the park to find us, and beamed us back to the hotel
(though being transported took 1½ hours). As well as spectacular scenery, we saw
many interesting native species, including two giraffes.
Tomorrow we
travel to Soroti.
We are looking
forward to seeing our Soroti friends, but we cannot underestimate the privilege
of this time to rest and reflect. 
This is
an oasis of plenty in a land of much poverty. Here we contribute to the tourist
industry, but we sit relaxing on our paved patio, outside our solid room with a
clean, fresh bed with mosquito net, knowing we can eat as much as we want 3
times a day, cooked and served by lodge staff.
Outside this world, we met people struggling to survive, sleeping on the
floor, sloshing in mud, not knowing if there is a next meal, unable to pay for
their children’s education.
Our
challenge is - what we do next?
How do we
live our faith, and care for the vulnerable and marginalised?
How do we
demonstrate our concern for justice and righteousness, and contribute to the
relief of suffering?
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