We are on the truck, leaving Kampala, heading to Queen Victoria National Park, Simba Campsite. The past two days have been long, long days full of driving. Last night was at least a bit relaxing as we had an early dinner and then had time to sit at the bar and unwind before heading to bed.
My trip is coming to an end and so I have been thinking about what’s next. There are many places I want to see in the world, and talking to others has given me new places to add to the list to research and look into. Sri Lanka, Iceland, South America, riding the Trans-Siberian Rail, Goa… the list is endless.
I came to the realization the other day, on one of our many long, long drives, that I am very happy with the way things have turned out the past year. From decisions to choices, I know without a doubt that I did well and that things are just as they should be, were meant to be and how I want them to be. I feel very at peace and at ease with myself; there are no questions or hesitations or doubts any more. I have always known that I am blessed and very fortunate with regards to my family, my friends and my life in general. I think sometimes I just need to sit and realize and accept and celebrate. I forget sometimes and get caught up in things.
We are heading to the gorillas on the 18th. I could always imagine seeing lions, and elephants and rhinos and hippos but for some reason, the idea of sitting quietly amongst the gorillas still seems dreamlike to me. Wilson reminded us that we are lucky; there is a 98% chance we will see them. Jackson quickly pointed out that we should hope we aren’t part of that unlucky 2%. 
That would be awful.
I thought I should mention that Jackson is a great cook. The other day we had fried tilapia, which is a typical Kenyan dish and he made this onion sauce to accompany it that was just divine. Yesterday we had a pasta dish with a veggie and meat sauce. It was also quite tasty. He has a habit of whipping up salads at lunchtime which is a nice addition to our sandwiches.
In a couple of days we will pitch our tents and not have to take them down for 3 nights! I can’t wait. Stef and I are tenting together and it’s been great. I think we probably annoy the others in the group as when it’s lights out, we seem to find the funniest things to talk about and then the laughter gets louder and usually a little out of control. No one has said anything yet, so fingers crossed they are all heavy sleepers. We have started putting our tents further and further away from the others so we don’t disturb them.
I have laundry that needs to be done and it will be nice to actually take my backpack off the truck and unpack some stuff. I think I can start unloading and getting rid of things. This trip has been hard on my clothes and belongings. Remember, I only brought three pairs of trousers on this trip… that’s a lot of wear! I think they might be able to walk home on their own they are so well-used. There have been at least four casualties on this trip, the most recent being my phone. Everything is still operational, some held together with surgical tape; so much for not spending on stuff and instead borrowing. I am going to have to do some replacing when I get home!
Last night I dreamed my tooth fell out, my back bottom molars on the left side. It was huge, more like two molars together than just one. Anyway, it didn’t fall out of my mouth and I didn’t swallow it or anything. It was just in my mouth and I could use my tongue to put it back in to place but it wouldn’t stay. I kept showing people because they didn’t believe me. Now is a time I would love to have Google so I could check out what this means, if anything. I’ll ask around because maybe someone else knows.
