A day off today got us to the Nile for a boat ride. Needless to say it was incredible, despite the weather conditions (rain). Lunch at the Hotel Triangle with the Tilapia fish, once again amazing. We followed on to the rapids where we caught 2 canoeists speeding down the masses of water flowing down the Nile. The group of us staying on for the weekend definitely got a taster of what is in store for us on our whitewater rafting trip. The group nap next to the rapids didn’t go amiss either.

Tuawa and Jamil – our guides/drivers – then took a stopoff at the local night market. Masses of men and women selling fruits and vegetables amongst other things filled the streets of Lugazi. Speaking to Tuawa he explained to me that most of the stalls and shops would be bringing in around 3000 shillings a day – less than a pound. People there would also work in the day in the sugar factory across the road if they could. Although the people here have very little, something we have all noticed is how high morale is, and how happy and welcoming people are. This is definitely something I’ll be bringing back with me.

Two cockroaches and a giant spider means Vicky has now been named Chief Cockroach Catcher (CCC). Building site this morning – digging and clearing the site around the school. Plastering on some extremely wobbly scaffolding eventually ended up in two local builders collapsing into heap.

Visiting the IN medical centre in the next village (Kindi) was a real eye-opener. Old and torn posters adorned the walls – lots of pictures to follow upon return. I think what struck us all today was the environment of the medical centre – although the staff there are doing a great job there is still a lot of room for extra resources and building TLC.

Football followed today and Johnny (the American) annoyed us all with his American flag and matching cap. Although he did attempt to sing along to his national anthem, he was somewhat unsuccessful – especially as he didn’t know the words.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a wonderful torrential downpour – so dripping wet and ever so slightly jetlagged, we ran through the river of water that had covered the ground outside. After squeezing into the mini buses for a soggy drive to the bank and a stop off at the supermarket, we were away. Buikwe just a dusty dirt-track away.

We have met so many of the children today its been absolutely amazing. The atmosphere at the centre is a constant buzz and I think we are now all realising why past visitors are so keen to return.

A tour of the schools and village, then dinner, followed by a campfire and some marshmallows, left us all tucked up in bed. A bedtime momentarily interrupted by poor Katie’s scream as a cockroach climbed over her. Oh boy this is going to be fun!!!

So, we all arrived in one piece at T5N checked in and successfully boarded a somewhat packed plane. Everyone is now fast asleep as I write, after eating a rather questionable rice dish, and glugging the last alcohol for the week, it seems we have all calmed down a bit! Mood seems to mix between frantic excitement and the overwhelming realisation of sleep deprivation. Now sleep time it is… Over and out.