I'm Sorry, I Cannot Canoe Today

July 19, 2011


While I love African bus trips, I was truly thrilled to arrive at Lake Bunyonyi. 

Lake Bunyonyi lies on the border of Uganda and Rwanda.  This region is home to the largest gorilla population in the world, hence Lake Bunyonyi has become a popular stop over for mzungu tourists who are gorilla trekking and safariing.  Katie and I, of course, could afford neither.  


We awoke to this gorgeous view:

We started out the day with a little tanning and swimming.  

I befriended a 14 year old Belgian girl who was vacationing with her parents.  The Europeans all observed us with fascination - much as other people do with strange exotic animals. 

Lake Bunyonyi is an absolutely incredible place to visit.  The entire region is transported primarily by dugout tree canoes.  Everything is carried in canoes. 

Obviously, Katie and I fit in seamlessly with African natives.  So it was only appropriate that we canoe ourselves around the islands. 

I wish I could tell you that we did someone - anyone - proud, but I can't.  We didn't.  But I can say that we entertained the hell out of a lot of people.  For almost 45 minutes Katie and I accidentally canoed ourselves in small circles around the inlet.  Lucky for us, our new Belgian friends were watching spellbound from the shoreline.

I waved.


At one point, one of the Ugandan employees, Justus, called our cell phone (which we had with us in our circle-making wooden demon machine).  


Justus: "Girls, I can seeeeeeeee you in your canoe.  Break left to go right!  Break right to go left!"
Me: "Um, Ok, Justus.  We did that and we went in a circle."
Justus: "Did you try breaking left?"


Unfortunately, we never got the hang of it.  At one point Katie just asked me to put away my oar.  Thank God that we had plenty of time to get pictures!

And then we accidentally ran into the reeds. Katie cried. 

Did I mention Katie cried.


So, we had intended to canoe over to the Rwanda border.  We made it 100 yards.  In public view. 


The best part:


Katie: "Wait, hold on.  I think I just got it.  Am I not supposed to be rowing if I am the rudder?"
Emily: "SHUT UP! You figure it out now that we are 10 feet from returning our canoe? Of course you aren't rowing - you are directing the canoe!"
Katie: "Shhhhhh, play it cool. All the Belgians are watching us again."