At 43,000ft, Farewell to the Pearl of Africa
Cruising over the Indian Ocean on her way home, Cathy Ricciardone revisits Uganda in the last blog of the series.
So my last blog in my series as the official blog writer for the LRTT January Fellowship is being written from the plane taking me back to my hometown of Perth.
Fond Farewells
Over the past few days... the theme has definitely been fond farewells! It has been a roller coaster of emotions and nonstop special moments! Our first round of goodbyes started at The Lodge. Upon returning from the weekend Safari we were greeted by Priscilla and her band of merry men. It was our last dinner at our "home" and we had been prepared a feast! There was pork, potatoes, salad, this insanely incredible sauce and matoke. The tables had been taken outside to the grass, with candles lining the middle helping to set the emotive scene. The outdoor bar — fondly dubbed the Nile High Club — had been set up too!
Dinner was mind-blowing. Some enjoyed it so much they ate themselves into a food coma. It was super special to be able to share in the delicious food with the people who had helped make our Ugandan experience so special. The chefs, drivers, groundsmen and Frank the security man joined us. We were also privileged to have our two Ugandan teacher mentors Frank and Gloria with us too. We topped dinner off with a specially baked LRTT cake. It was impressive how such amazing culinary creations can be made with such limited stuff just kept impressing us all!
After dinner, a serving of kind-words, cards and song
After the meal were some heartfelt speeches and kind words. I had the absolute honour to speak on behalf of the Aussie contingent. To follow, some of us had organised an activity. Everyone had been made a card so we understandably spend the next hour passing along the cards to write messages for one another. It was a beautiful thing, writing about how much you valued each and every person in golden candlelight. Before our sensational staff left, they paid tribute and thanks to us by performing a tear-jerking melodic dance and song. A lot of emotion followed and then the rest of the night was spent reminiscing by the fire or at the bar.
Onwards to Kampala
Early the next day, we left the lodge for the final time and headed to Kampala. More than 14 hours and four flat tyres later, we were at the Bush Pig Hostel and ready for a merry night. We were mostly excited to get back into some hot showers and eat the delicious pizzas. Kampala came up a treat the next day with a trip to the markets where everyone loaded up on colourful trinkets and clothing and a visit to the Gaddafi Mosque where we got to climb the 300 step minaret and see the entire city.
Entebbe: dinner, and very personal mementos
After seeing and experiencikng the true vibe of Uganda's capital, we headed to Entebbe for our very last night together. We knew it was going to be a special night and it was only apt to all dress up in our tailored Ugandan wear. So there we were, 19 of the greatest most genuine people, looking bright and beautiful. We headed to a restaurant for our last meal together.
Dinner in itself was special, let alone what happened afterwards. With our bellies full and our drinks topped, our dutiful, organised and inspirational Team Leaders presented us all with individual and personalised awards. Andy and Lauren had, despite their unbelievably busy schedules, found the time to hand make us awards in tune with the quirks of each of our personalities. We were also presented with our LRTT t-shirts.
Oh, there was still time for another surprise
We thought that was it but we should have known better - the leaders had organised a farewell game! Everyone got someone's name and had to stand up and give a 30 second speech about that person. Kind, honest, beautiful and moving words were said by everyone. Tears were certainly flowing now and hearts full of love.Photos and chats filled the rest of the night.. With us all not wanting to leave the special group the next day.
Saying goodbye
And then that day came when three weeks of absolute joy and life changing moments came to an end. We spent most of the day by a pool next to Lake Victoria. Group goodbyes were the order of the day as different groups were on different flights. We set up a guard of honour for the first group’s departure and the gathering dwindled down until it was just Lauren and Andy left waving us off.
My group headed to the airport together, checked in and shared one final drink. The flight was easy unlike the final goodbyes. How frustrating and emotional it was to be living in opposite sides of the country, with people who you would continue to spend each day with if you could!
I did not know what to expect before I embarked on the trip. I did not think it would've been so hard to say goodbye to people I only knew for 3 weeks. It’s fascinating how teachers can connect, know each other and grow so close after not even a month together. The bonds that have formed on this trip, I no doubt believe, will continue to be lifelong professional and emotional friendships. Trips are already being planned so we can catch up again.
To a year of clear minds, full hearts and determination
2017 has started like no other year! This trip has opened our hearts and souls to some special and talented people and I cannot wait until our paths all cross again. Thank you Uganda for showing us why Churchill fittingly calle dyou the “The Pearl of Africa".
There are now 16 teachers who are now going into the year with clear minds, full hearts and a bucket-load of determination to better education for not just ourselves or our students but the world as a whole.
LRTT January fellowship in Uganda has been a life changing experience. If anyone reading this is wanting to combine their love for travelling and teaching together to learn, grow and develop into a better educator and person - then please consider doing a fellowship!
Thank you to those who have been following my posts. I know they have been long but hope they have given you some insight into what this journey has held for us all. Bring on the start of the school year — we are ready to share with our workmates and students our experiences and create classrooms that reflect all that we have learnt from being apart of this global project!
This article is Part Five of this feature:
- Part One: From the White Nile to Paradise Among The Trees
- Part Two: Life in the Lodge
- Part Three: Uganda Fellowship Fun
- Part Four: A Lake Bunyonyi Adventure
- Part Five: At 43, 000ft, Farewell to the Pearl of Africa
Cathy Ricciardone is a primary school teacher from Perth, Australia. She was an LRTT Uganda January 2017 Fellow.
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