Pedicure Prerogative

Amidst the buzzing of boda-bodas & the heavily laden hawkers, weaving between dawdling cows, goats & pot holes, there are small havens for the vain on the streets of Kampala. Hair-braiding, shoe-shining, manicures and pedicures are all on offer – just about everywhere in fact. On Saturday morning, Marlies, Elena & I decided to splash out with 1,000 shillings (about 30p) & give our toes some treatment. Everything started out well – our feet were cleaned with an old toothbrush & the polish of our choice was applied… that is, until the chap decided to get creative. Step forward, 30 sparkly & luminous toes; add some wind swept dust & you have quite the speckled effect. Just as well we had late night dancing on the agenda!

Nightlife

Kampala reportedly hosts some of East Africa's best nightlife & my local is no exception: the Dutch-owned, breezy Iguana bar, with its plump couches, cool & daring-do DJ & soul-beat atmosphere, it's chock-a-block on both Friday & Saturday nights. By peering over the balcony, you can spy boda boda drivers waiting for passengers, late-night snack sellers & the whole of Kisementi. Fortunately, K'la's current hot-spot is also a convenient 10min walk from my house!

Mt Elgon

Nine VSOs donned their crampons for a 4-day trek to the summit of Mt Elgon, in eastern Uganda. Everyone was on ‘peak’ form (get it?!) & made it to the top of the mountain’s Wagagai peak (4,321 metres), from which you can look out across to Kenya. From bamboo groves, rugged slopes, spectacular waterfalls & caves at the base, through to almost sci-fi landscapes of giant lobelia & heather, followed by crater lakes towards the top, the trek was stunning. Though my feet have yet to forgive me, it was definitely worth it! Next stop, Kilimanjaro…