A World Away

I have just returned from 3 days and 2 nights at Ngamba Island. What an experience!!! It is such a peaceful, beautiful place. It was very hard to leave. I am inspired by the work that they do and the dedication of the staff. I can't wait to apply the new knowledge to both my teaching here and my teaching back at home.

I'm not going to go into great detail about the specifics about what we did because I don't beleive I can do them justice. I am going tell you that we had the opportunity to prepare food and feed the 44 chimps that live in the island and that we were privileged to be able to go for a walk in the forest with 7 of the chimps that live there. Walking through the forest with a chimp on your back at sunrise is an experience that I will never forget. It was amazing to get the opportunity to interact with them on their level. Each of the chimps has a very distinctive personality, that even in my short time at the island I could see. My favourite chimp was a male named Tumbo which means 'stomach' in Swahli. He has this really interesting grey colouration to his hair. As the chimps started to head to the bed for the night, Tumbo stayed close by trying to get everyones attention. If he got your attention he would becken you forward and then push you in the direction of the papaya tree (his favourite fruit). He tried it with several of the caregivers, he was very persistent!! Unfortunately for Tumbo there was no papaya to be had that night.

The staff at the sanctuary do amazing work. They are an incredibly dedicated, knowledgable and friendly bunch of people. I learned so much from them while I was there, not only about the chimps and their different personalities but also about Uganda. It renewed my passion for the environment and conservation.

I hope to be able to tell you more about Ngamba Island when I get back, show you pictures and tell you more stories!! Tomorrow, Rakhi and I head to Kibale to the Primate Lodge. From there we will head to our workshop location. I am not sure if I will have internet access from this point until I return to Entebbe on the 23rd. If I am able, I will definately keep you updated!