Day 14 Tuesday 27th

Today we relocated back to Red Chilli. We enjoyed the time spent at Papaya Holiday Home with Mama Florence and will use the accommodation again when we travel in these parts. Red Chilli is better located for the final part of this trip. Tomorrow morning we are collecting two volunteers from the airport and then we are firmly into wind down. It has been a fabulous trip and we have to tie up the many loose ends that always need sorting at the end of such activities. Red Chilli Hideaway is Uganda's premier stop over for back packers and travellers from all over the world. After many trips to Africa this feels like home in some senses. As we walk to reception everyone wants to shake our hands. We are known by most staff on first name terms. It is really like visiting old friends. 

After a quick bag dump we took Mama Florence and David with lawn mower to the repair / main dealer in the city. The traffic was horrendous and it took us much longer than expected. 

We then visited John Asiimwe Kash at Master Signs. It is time to name the building and lay a marker at Malangata. The signage is now being prepared. Photos on Friday. This evening the proofs were approved and many texts have flown between myself and the printer/sign writer. 

Paul has been unwell for a couple of days and so I have had sole use of the SPAU pickup. It has been a great experience, learning to drive in the hump capital of the world. I can cope with the aggressive behaviour. I can deal with the lack of rules. I can deal with the ancient unroadworthy vehicles but I am not very good at avoiding pot holes and always seem to miss the humps. 

We had lunch with Angie and swapped our life stories. We chatted much about Possibilities and Uganda in general and of course what we do here and how. It was a very useful time. After a brief return to leave the vehicle at Red Chilli, we set off for the city on 3 boda's. my bike was the third and as we drifted effortlessly through the late afternoon traffic as it stood stationary, i watched Sim and Angie in front and it crossed my mind that this could be a scene from a movie. We seemed to be a crack team with a mission and nothing would stand in our way. It was as if we untouchable as we sailed effortlessly through the frustrated drivers and irritated taxi drivers. 

It's actually not that idyllic but I love to dream. We headed for the craft markets for something to do and to begin to pick up those knick- nacks for loved ones. After much banter and pretend negotiations, I came upon a group of artists. I had no intention of buying a picture but suddenly the picture attached shouted out at me. I think art is truly in the eye of the beholder just like beauty. It screamed out to me and I just had to buy it. After a successful firm but fair negotiation it was mine. I am mesmerised by the beauty of the image. I have the same desire to gaze upon Denise when I return home. Beauty needs to be appreciated and gazed at in wonder. Those of you that visit my home in the UK will be able to marvel at its beauty next week. The picture is of a Karamojo woman and I am spell bound.