Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Gorillas/Safari & Closing thoughts
Well it seems like ages ago that I was in the heart of Africa and I never had the chance to blog about the last few days in Uganda. I believe I left off when I discovered the beauty of camping and their roads. We drove for thirteen hours to a town called Bwindi. Now try to imagine a lime green jeep on a poorly built roller coaster for 13 hours. That's a little like what I experience for the day. The roads over there are horribly built and the government doesn't have the money to keep them in good shape. Therefore, the potholes are like craters in the moon. It's not even comparable to the ones you see here in the States. A tiny bump in Uganda is probably around 3 feet long, 5 feet wide, and maybe 2 feet deep. Keep in mind that on my 13 hour road trip it consisted of tiny, massive, medium, and large sized potholes. However, it wasn't always a bad thing because I did get a nice back massage with the constant vibrations. In addition to all the craters, speed bumps were very popular on the roads. There were a couple of roads that we went down with a full mile of speed bumps. Our driver tried to dodge them but there is really no way to go around a speed bump, let alone a mile long road of them. During that part of our journey it was a steady up, down, drive a foot, up, down, drive a foot, and so on. Not only were the roads a shock to me but the people in each village we passed were in shock by us. Some of the reactions were very welcoming and nice but others seemed as if they were filled with hatred. No matter where I was, the kids always stared, I waved, and automatically I received a loving wave and smile back! Truthfully, when I came back home to Northbrook that was one of the things I missed the most. I wish that where ever I am, a wave can be accepted and welcomed the way the children seek a wave there. However that's really not the case in the U.S. I think I tried it a couple times and every time I got a dirty look, a confused glare, or I was just ignored. I don't understand how one culture with so little can be so loving and welcoming yet a culture with everything and anything can be so cold-hearted and unfriendly. I wouldn't be lying when I say that I think of those kids every other day and just the thought of them can put a smile on my face.
Once we arrived it was time to relax and explore a little. I took it to my advantage to look around at the horizon of trees, a secret river, and home of a very unique ecosystem. As everyone else began to get lazy, I set off on a little hike down the road. As I was walking I heard some foot steps following behind me. I looked back and there was a man probably around the age of 22 or 23. He sped up to me and engaged in a conversation. At that point, I was frightened, just because I was alone and unsure of this guys intentions. He introduced himself to me, I made up a fake name, Rose, and a fake home of Canada. He really was a sweet guy and I definitely judged him way to early. All he wanted was a friend. In a culture where being white is looked at as a higher power, he took the opportunity to learn about a place, America. A place were he'll probably never get to experience. For this guy I'm probably the closet thing he'll ever get to America. From that interaction, he taught me a very important lesson. To never be to quick in judging an unfamiliar person. Now I might try to go up to someone that isn't necessarily like me because I can see that I'm able to learn from those that are different from me.
That night was my first experience living one on one in nature. By that I mean that I've never camped before. Just looking up was an amazing feeling by itself. I was able to see a sky filled with stars and a shinning moon. After the tents were up and it was time to go to bed, I listened to all the creatures in nature. That was remarkable. I recall a monkey getting into a fight with a cat, making that cat growl, some odd insects, the trees sway to a soft breeze, and quiet chatter from the local village. From the few nights that I shared close to the ground, I then began to appreciate the beauty that everything has. For me, I can easily say that there is something magnificent within everything. Some things show off their beauty but others hide it. I know that I can observe anything and find something exquisite to look at. Camping made me appreciate what the world has to offer.
Bright and early the next day, we trekked for an animal that has around 99% of the same DNA as us humans. We hiked uphill for about an hour, taking short water breaks, in the unbearable heat. We finally got to the top of the mountain, the home of the Gorillas. Instead of there being a paved path to walk on, we entered their true habitat. I mean walking through bushes, climbing over rocks, pretty much finding a path the way the Gorillas would. Getting to the place where the Gorillas were eating and playing it took about another 20 minutes. We got pretty lucky because some days it takes anywhere from an hour to 5 hours to get to the place where the Gorillas are. On the way, there was a pile of leaves and branches so i thought it would be a solid ground to walk over. After I almost rolled down the entire mountain, I realized it was a hole covered with some wet leaves. Thankfully, my friend rescued me and we all continued on our journey to find the beautiful animals. Finally, we came to a tree were a few Gorillas were playing and eating in. The family of Gorillas that I was able to spend time with consisted of 5 or 6 Gorillas. As soon as we arrived on their territory one Gorilla, probably middle aged, came over to us and laid on the ground. He started hitting poses for us, as if he were to be a model or something. This Gorilla loved the attention, he scratched his head, wiggled around, laid on his back just waiting for our group to capture pictures of him. However after 10 minutes, a silverback Gorilla came howling through a bush over to where we were standing. Automatically the Gorilla that was modeling for us got up and went back into a surrounding tree. A silverback Gorilla is the oldest and most powerful. Therefore, all the younger Gorillas pay respect to the eldest. This is very similar to the way humans interact as well. When the silverback came pounding through the bush, he ran over to us, hit his chest, and communicated with a loud sound. Truthfully, it was pretty scary since I was in contact with a dangerous animal that was galloping toward the group. Needless to say, our trekking guides knew how to handle any situation with the Gorillas. In addition, for some reason I felt really safe in that forest. There were no complications, nothing to worry about, every sound flowed, and all living things were happy and calm. We then moved downhill to observe a hidden Gorilla eating branches of leaves. This Gorilla just sat there, enjoying his food which is a common activity in the life of a Gorilla. After spending some time with that Gorilla, we moved onto another one that was also eating. All of a sudden, I started feeling pinches and tiny itches all over my body. I look under my shirt, in my socks, in my pants, everywhere...there were ants covering my body that pinched. It was such an odd feeling because ants are so little and if you swipe them off, they don't move. The best way to get rid of them is to squeeze them and them throw the ants back into the forest.
This experience is really hard to describe since it's not like I went to a zoo and just looked around at animals. I interacted with, and spent time with the Gorillas in their home. It's actually really sad to say but these animals could be extinct soon. Considering there aren't many left in nature and with hunting playing a role too. But for me, seeing the Gorillas was such an amazing experience. Gorillas are gorgeous animals with a playful side.
The next few days I was able to see a variety of animals. Such as elephants, hippos, water buffalo, different monkeys, a bunch of birds, lions, and more. The safari was awesome. We were able to open the roof so we could get a better look at the animals. It was really neat because we drove through open land where the animals lived.
Each morning and night were unbelievably pretty sunrises/sunsets. The sky lit up like a candle on a birthday cake. The colors ranged from a deep purple to a neon orange. Just staring at the sun lifted my energy. All of those moments when I could see a rainbow of light made every worry disappear. It seemed as if everything was in sync and nothing could ever go wrong. If only that moment could last forever.
Now that I'm safely home, I'm able to look back at my experience. It boggles my brain to think of all the adventures I had, the lessons I learned, the friends I made, and the confidence I gained. Some days I wish I could go back and just stay there forever. The life the people have in Uganda is as simple as can be. Obviously those people struggle day to day but I admire the actions and events that make the Ugandans happy with a smile. They can make a game from a simple stone. We get bored after watching to much T.V. or browsing around on our computers. They look forward to school. We make up excuses to not go to school. They complain after not eating for a week. We complain when we don't have air conditioning. Our cultures are very different yet we share the same world. Now that I experienced their life for myself I'm trying to spread the knowledge.
Some people doubt that one person can make a difference. I know for a fact that that statement is false. Sofia, a girl that I met from one of the schools, changed my life. I think about her often and know that what she taught me might have been small but I'll carry it on with me forever. Now if a girl like that can make a difference in my life, I'm not sure who doesn't have the potential to. Everything begins with a step, just don't be afraid to take it. I know that my journey has just begun.
Once we arrived it was time to relax and explore a little. I took it to my advantage to look around at the horizon of trees, a secret river, and home of a very unique ecosystem. As everyone else began to get lazy, I set off on a little hike down the road. As I was walking I heard some foot steps following behind me. I looked back and there was a man probably around the age of 22 or 23. He sped up to me and engaged in a conversation. At that point, I was frightened, just because I was alone and unsure of this guys intentions. He introduced himself to me, I made up a fake name, Rose, and a fake home of Canada. He really was a sweet guy and I definitely judged him way to early. All he wanted was a friend. In a culture where being white is looked at as a higher power, he took the opportunity to learn about a place, America. A place were he'll probably never get to experience. For this guy I'm probably the closet thing he'll ever get to America. From that interaction, he taught me a very important lesson. To never be to quick in judging an unfamiliar person. Now I might try to go up to someone that isn't necessarily like me because I can see that I'm able to learn from those that are different from me.
That night was my first experience living one on one in nature. By that I mean that I've never camped before. Just looking up was an amazing feeling by itself. I was able to see a sky filled with stars and a shinning moon. After the tents were up and it was time to go to bed, I listened to all the creatures in nature. That was remarkable. I recall a monkey getting into a fight with a cat, making that cat growl, some odd insects, the trees sway to a soft breeze, and quiet chatter from the local village. From the few nights that I shared close to the ground, I then began to appreciate the beauty that everything has. For me, I can easily say that there is something magnificent within everything. Some things show off their beauty but others hide it. I know that I can observe anything and find something exquisite to look at. Camping made me appreciate what the world has to offer.
Bright and early the next day, we trekked for an animal that has around 99% of the same DNA as us humans. We hiked uphill for about an hour, taking short water breaks, in the unbearable heat. We finally got to the top of the mountain, the home of the Gorillas. Instead of there being a paved path to walk on, we entered their true habitat. I mean walking through bushes, climbing over rocks, pretty much finding a path the way the Gorillas would. Getting to the place where the Gorillas were eating and playing it took about another 20 minutes. We got pretty lucky because some days it takes anywhere from an hour to 5 hours to get to the place where the Gorillas are. On the way, there was a pile of leaves and branches so i thought it would be a solid ground to walk over. After I almost rolled down the entire mountain, I realized it was a hole covered with some wet leaves. Thankfully, my friend rescued me and we all continued on our journey to find the beautiful animals. Finally, we came to a tree were a few Gorillas were playing and eating in. The family of Gorillas that I was able to spend time with consisted of 5 or 6 Gorillas. As soon as we arrived on their territory one Gorilla, probably middle aged, came over to us and laid on the ground. He started hitting poses for us, as if he were to be a model or something. This Gorilla loved the attention, he scratched his head, wiggled around, laid on his back just waiting for our group to capture pictures of him. However after 10 minutes, a silverback Gorilla came howling through a bush over to where we were standing. Automatically the Gorilla that was modeling for us got up and went back into a surrounding tree. A silverback Gorilla is the oldest and most powerful. Therefore, all the younger Gorillas pay respect to the eldest. This is very similar to the way humans interact as well. When the silverback came pounding through the bush, he ran over to us, hit his chest, and communicated with a loud sound. Truthfully, it was pretty scary since I was in contact with a dangerous animal that was galloping toward the group. Needless to say, our trekking guides knew how to handle any situation with the Gorillas. In addition, for some reason I felt really safe in that forest. There were no complications, nothing to worry about, every sound flowed, and all living things were happy and calm. We then moved downhill to observe a hidden Gorilla eating branches of leaves. This Gorilla just sat there, enjoying his food which is a common activity in the life of a Gorilla. After spending some time with that Gorilla, we moved onto another one that was also eating. All of a sudden, I started feeling pinches and tiny itches all over my body. I look under my shirt, in my socks, in my pants, everywhere...there were ants covering my body that pinched. It was such an odd feeling because ants are so little and if you swipe them off, they don't move. The best way to get rid of them is to squeeze them and them throw the ants back into the forest.
This experience is really hard to describe since it's not like I went to a zoo and just looked around at animals. I interacted with, and spent time with the Gorillas in their home. It's actually really sad to say but these animals could be extinct soon. Considering there aren't many left in nature and with hunting playing a role too. But for me, seeing the Gorillas was such an amazing experience. Gorillas are gorgeous animals with a playful side.
The next few days I was able to see a variety of animals. Such as elephants, hippos, water buffalo, different monkeys, a bunch of birds, lions, and more. The safari was awesome. We were able to open the roof so we could get a better look at the animals. It was really neat because we drove through open land where the animals lived.
Each morning and night were unbelievably pretty sunrises/sunsets. The sky lit up like a candle on a birthday cake. The colors ranged from a deep purple to a neon orange. Just staring at the sun lifted my energy. All of those moments when I could see a rainbow of light made every worry disappear. It seemed as if everything was in sync and nothing could ever go wrong. If only that moment could last forever.
Now that I'm safely home, I'm able to look back at my experience. It boggles my brain to think of all the adventures I had, the lessons I learned, the friends I made, and the confidence I gained. Some days I wish I could go back and just stay there forever. The life the people have in Uganda is as simple as can be. Obviously those people struggle day to day but I admire the actions and events that make the Ugandans happy with a smile. They can make a game from a simple stone. We get bored after watching to much T.V. or browsing around on our computers. They look forward to school. We make up excuses to not go to school. They complain after not eating for a week. We complain when we don't have air conditioning. Our cultures are very different yet we share the same world. Now that I experienced their life for myself I'm trying to spread the knowledge.
Some people doubt that one person can make a difference. I know for a fact that that statement is false. Sofia, a girl that I met from one of the schools, changed my life. I think about her often and know that what she taught me might have been small but I'll carry it on with me forever. Now if a girl like that can make a difference in my life, I'm not sure who doesn't have the potential to. Everything begins with a step, just don't be afraid to take it. I know that my journey has just begun.
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