Jinja, Uganda, December 29-January 1, 2016

We stopped at a "meat on a stick" spot for cook group shopping.  When a vehicle arrives, the 'blue shirts' attack, running to the vehicle, trying to sell drinks, meat on a stick (usually chicken), fruit and vegetables. If I could post a video, you wouldn't believe it-

We arrived at Nile River Explorers close to Jinja and from the bar we have a fantastic view of the Nile-

We went on a booze cruise for 2 hours and Rob, Jess and Adam had a great time-

So did Mark and Poppy-

The Nile-

So I've gone African!  95%+ of all African women have extensions in their hair.  Few have Afros - only the poor it seems.  If you see an African with straight hair, it's extensions.  They ALL have Afros.

So, I went to see Rose at the Best Lady Saloon-

The interior is decorated with posters of extensions.  Anything you might imagine is available-

Not sure I did the right thing! 

Before, with Rose, who by the way is now in the hospital with malaria-

And after-

Kind of crazy!  It's heavy and feels like plastic but apparently it will soften up in a week or two.  It took 2 women 4 hours to do it and cost $26 US.  It will last 2 months or so and then I'll have 'roots' although I'll be surprised if I can stand it that long!  Maybe I'll come home with it or get it removed in Cape Town.  It just has to be twisted out of my own hair.  I feel llike Taj!

We have had 4 nights here - yesterday was rafting on class 4 and 5 rapids - pretty sweet.  We tipped twice - the first time freaked me out: the water was rushing past my face and I couldn't breathe.  It was only for a few seconds but it was enough to scare me.  I ended up underneath the raft and there is about a foot of air there so I was all right.  That was only in a class 3 rapid!  Pussy!  I think I must have drowned in my last life!  The second dump was on the last of 8 rapids and it's a class 5.  There is a 75% chance of upsetting.  Our guide grabbed me first and I watched as 3 walls of water consecutively crashed into me and pushed me under.  I was more prepared so wasn't so scared.  We rafted 28 km in the Nile and went through 8 rapids.  It was a great day.  These photos are not of me, the cd cost $50 US, but this is what it was like-

The road outside our commune is mental.  Not sure how cars survive-

New Year's Eve was low key for me, just the way I like it.  I was asleep by 10 pm.  January 1 was a quiet day - reading and a few beer.  We're off at 4 am tomorrow morning for Nakuru, Kenya!