GETTING THE BOOT

I am being kicked out of Uganda. It sounds so dramatic, I love it. I applied for a visa extension but I guess the Ugandan government has decided that it's time to crack down on those pesky volunteers. I dropped my passport off at immigration a couple of weeks ago and actually met with someone in 'investigations,' yesterday. Ahhh Uganda. It was a little worrisome when they told me they wouldn't return my passport until I showed them proof that I was leaving, soon. The investigations woman showed me my application and it had written on it (in red ink) 'please advise traveller to leave soon.' It all felt a bit uncomfortable.

The lady went on to inform me that maybe I was just a tourist but they were worried that westerners were coming here looking for jobs, so they're becoming more strict with visa extensions. She then told me that I could leave Uganda for awhile then get a visa at the border when I returned. So I'm only actually being kicked out temporarily. What a great reason to travel. Now I need to decide (and quickly apparently) where I'd like to go. Phrases like 'being escorted to the border' have me a touch anxious so I'm planning on finding a bus ride leaving to somewhere next week. I've had a day to process this little hickup and now it seems rather funny...in a twisted kind of way. I wonder if it would be appropriate to ask the immigration lady for the document with the red ink...I'd like it as a keepsake.

This past week I was able to travel a bit in Uganda. This country is beautiful. I went up north to Murchison Falls, didn't see any rebels from the LRA but did see many giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocs, monkeys, chimps and baboons. And one massive snake. As I poked my head out of our safari vehicle to check out the family of giraffes a couple of feet away, I couldn't help but think 'holy bleep, i'm on safari in Africa.' It was surreal and wonderful.

Africa sure keeps me on my toes.

Karen-I received your package, thank you so much. The kids will love the stuff you sent and I have already eaten two of the granola bars, or is it three...