Bus ride in jpg format

After a long day of interviews and rounds yesterday, I couldn't have been less excited to hop back on a Gaagaa bus. The first part of today's trip to Gulu went by somewhat faster, as the on the 4-hour ride Karuma we stopped only three times before arriving. The problem was in Karuma. I waited two hours before my connecting bus to Gulu.

"Connecting bus" is an understatement. Basically, the company hires Toyota station wagons, all rear shocks conveniently absent, to make the one hour trip to Gulu on regular intervals throughout the day. Once a car is filled, they take off. "Filled" is also an understatement. Four people must be squeezed into both back seats, with one in the front, before leaving. That is 10 people per car. Luckily, the driver put me and my two backpacks in the front seat! I wish I could have taken a photo, but I felt bad enough that I had the best seat in the car.

While waiting in both Arua and Karuma, I snapped a few shots to give you an idea of my adventures.

Arua Gaagaa Station. The little white bench is where they searched our bags prior to boarding. They didn't even do this in Kampala.

Typical road side appearance. Multiple one-story buildings housing small convenience type stores, restaurants, or airtime shops. The little stand in from of the billboard is also the typical appearance of an airtime distributor. Although this one is yellow for the MTN company, they usually sell a few companies airtime cards and some snacks.

The race to feed the hungry mouths of travelers. In the background, meat-on-a-stick brushing against the bus. In the foreground, ladies roasting corn, meat and cassava.

Karuma apparently has the best roadside chicken. I couldn't bring myself to try, as the only chicken I saw and recognized were live ones with their legs bound, lying on the ground and panting from dehydration. Some people even brought the live chickens to the side of the bus to sell. In fact, one was in the car with us on the way to Gulu!

So far Gulu seems like a friendly enough town. Unfortunately the food in the hotel restaurant is not the best I have had in Uganda. I would love to explore the other restaurants, but nighttime walking in the Christmas season is a no-no for even the locals. Muggers and thieves are out in masses trying to scrounge funds for Christmas presents. Easter time is apparently the same. I guess it is stew, rice and cabbage salad for me for the next four days!

Have a yummy meal for me tonight everyone, I will be dreaming of it I am sure!
I am sure more hospital horror stories will be coming by Thursday night. Till then!
xoxo
Maryse