Jinja

Our second full day in Uganda was another relaxing one; a fantastic start to the trip. When I first heard that we were visiting Jinja, I immediately thought we'd be visiting an isolated colony of gingers (too many british comedy sketches, I guess?).* So when I found out that it’s believed to be the source of the great Nile River I was slightly disappointed (kidding). The source of the Nile! Sweet. Since I saw the source of the Mississippi river when I was about 10, I had been eagerly awaiting the chance to complete my River Source Bingo Card (cross it off the bucket list!). I’ve included some pictures of the Nile/Lake Victoria. It was very photogenic.

* To be honest, when I first heard the name Jinja, I thought Daudi had said Ninja. They have a town called Ninja?!? Not bad. Then he said it again and I realized that the town was missing out on a huge tourism opportunity. Who wouldn't visit a town named Ninja?

After we all had an eyeful, we headed to a nearby hotel called The Triangle Hotel. It overlooks the Nile with dramatic views across the river and up towards Lake Victoria. Our host Daudi decided that it was a nice setting for a beer. Incidentally, there is a brewing company named Nile Brewing Co, which produces a beer called the Nile Special. SO, we had a Nile while looking at the Nile (cross that off my bucket list too?). I have to say, their marketing campaign could use some work. Their slogan is mighty weak: “Straight for the source.” C’mon, I came up with a better slogan in .5 seconds: “You’re in denial if you’re not drinking Nile.” A-oh!

A vial of Nile near an isle on the Nile.

After THAT, we went to a restaurant called Kingfisher which was delicious. Fresh tilapia caught right in Lake Victoria! And another Nile! It looks a little touristy in the pictures, but I can assure you that we were the only tourists. I asked. Things are looking good, Uganda. Real good.

Let me know if the pictures are NOT working. (Click on the link to the right.)

Asante sana (squash banana)