2 weeks!

I only have 13 more days until I leave!!!! Luckily I have everything I need now. I didn't want to be last minute packing so I already have a lot of my stuff in my bags. I don't know if I'm just trying to be responsible or way way to excited to get going! I've got all my shots and everything I could need can be found at Target!

 

My dad bought me a map of Uganda a few months ago and I (finally) found a very hard to find guide book of Uganda . I found it at the amazing Metsker Maps in Pike Place. We have been going to this map store since I was a little kid because my dad is a big fan of maps. I have been looking through the guide book and finding the places on the map to see what little excursions I can plan while I'm there! Here are my top places/things I want to see/do:

 

1. Go to a Cranes game!

The Cranes are the nickname for Uganda's national soccer team. I love soccer and would love to see a game in such a different place! I also really want to bring a Cranes jersey home.

 

2. Murchison Falls

I originally found this amazing place by searching 'Uganda' on Pinterest. The pictures they showed were amazing! It is the largest national park in Uganda and is located next to Lake Albert. My guide book says that its one of the best places to see wildlife in Uganda.

 

3. Mbale

This is where I will be staying while in Uganda so I have been reading quite a bit about it. My favorite excerpt from the section of the guide book is: 'Mbale lies about 235km from Kampala along an excellent surfaced road'. A customer who came into REI  a few weeks ago (who had been to Uganda) told me to invest in some good sports bras because the roads are so bad. I am glad I will be arriving at my new home on an excellent surface!

 

4. Mount Elgon

This is a mountain that is on the border between Uganda and Kenya. From the pictures I've seen it is a very beautiful place. (I don't think I've seen one picture of Uganda that isn't beautiful.) Mount Elgon is the 8th highest mountain in Africa. It has 'enormous hiking potential'. You don't need any special gear to reach the peaks and it isn't high enough for any altitude sickness.

 

5. Sipi falls

This is a waterfall at the base of Mount Elgon. There are trails around the falls that take you to caves in the cliff walls. It looks amazing and it is very near to Mbale!

 

I'm planning on asking locals about places I should go because who knows better then the people who live there!

 

I am so excited and busy with work and stressing about forgetting things I will need. I cannot wait to get there and start helping and meeting the amazing people!