Uganda Read This!: Ballin’ in Kabale

The time had finally come… I needed a break. A weekend away from site that didn’t include cooking, as did Thanksgiving and Christmas. I wanted to see something new and exciting. Well thank gosh for living in the southwest because three hours later on the Post Bus and I was in Kabale.

Now, I have traveled to Kabale once before for World Youth Day but this weekend was different. No daylong event filled with speeches, traditional dance performances, and being on public display as the muzungu volunteers from America.

This weekend included catching up with fellow Volunteers, eating seafood, dancing out at the club, and an overnight trip out to Lake Bunyonyi. A simple twenty-minute taxi ride brought us to the shores of this gorgeous lake. The island we were staying at, Byoona Amagara, had a motorboat waiting for us so we piled in. As we slowly made our way to the island we passed Ugandans in traditional dug out canoes, tourists taking a dip in the water, and rolling hills where you could see men and women harvesting and planting.

Some facts about the lake. It is the second deepest in Africa, is located 1.2 miles above sea level, it is 15.5 miles long, 4.3 miles wide, and 29 islands are scattered throughout. Lush hills border the lake along with resorts, homes, schools, churches, and Rwanda. The water on the surface is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit but dip your big toe more than an inch or so below and you feel like you swimming in snow.

Anyway, once on the island we were showed our accommodations. I chose to sleep in the dorm, which opened up to the still water of the lake and trees that house many species of birds. It was a great place to read, journal, and reflect. The latrines were eco-friendly and included not just a hole in the cement but an actual toilet that was cemented into the foundation. It was different but my thighs appreciated the break. Oh and the showers were fabulous. Made out of stone and overlooking the water it felt like paradise. The water is even somehow not freezing as the collection container sat in the sun. Glorious.

My friends and I passed the time playing Uno, Bananagrams, eating fresh, savory seafood, catching up on life at site while sitting on the dock, and drinking hot chocolate accompanied by candy canes from America.

The weekend away proved to be successful as I was able to have some me time that included a good book and fresh coffee outside of my concrete jungle.