Day 18 and 19: On their way home!

TThe team have been dropped at Entebbe airport and are on their way home....

Thank you so much for reading the blog. We know the team can't wait to show you their own photos and share their experiences with you too.

It's been a pleasure working with Royal Russell School and we can't wait for the next team to come back to Uganda to work with Two Bridges school again!

Thanks

All at Team Inspire 

Day 17: The Falls

Once again we had an early start today but we were all looking forward to seeing Murchison Falls.

After an hours drive we arrived and were greeted by a guide. We then embarked on a hike up to different viewpoints of Murchison falls which was very beautiful. We also got the chance to climb over a rather uneven path to get next to the falls which was a once in a lifetime experience.

We then had a long car journey back to Papaya, our first home of the trip, where we had our final meal consisting of a delicious bbq and a final review of the trip. 

We are now all ready for a restful nights sleep ready for our mammoth flight home tomorrow.

Day 16: Safari Day 2

Today was an early start to embark on our safari adventure! We were extremely lucky to be able to see 'the big 5' (lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants and rhinos) along with loads of giraffes, antelope, hyenas and exotic birds, it was very exciting! 

We then returned to our campsite for a lovely lunch, where most people chose a beef burger which was definitely a treat after our 2 weeks of a mostly vegetarian diet. 

After lunch, we took a boat safari on the river Nile where we saw crocodiles, hippos, more elephants and other exotic wild life. It was very fun until we had a close encounter with a 5 meter crocodile, which some of us thought was fake but were corrected when we made it jump! 

We were all very brave apart from Mr Rocca who flew from his seat and hid in the corner of the boat, letting out some profanities that I cannot repeat, however it was absolutely hilarious and a personal highlight of the trip. 

We then went up stream to Murchison Falls where we saw the most breathtaking waterfall. After taking photos we travelled back down the river where we were sadly caught in a rather vicious African storm which left us all freezing, but it was definitely a memorable experience! 

Overall it has been a very special, unforgettable day full of laughter and memories. We have all pretty much recovered from the emotions of the last day on project site, however I still haven't managed to bring myself to look at any of the pictures of the children on my camera! We are also really excited to see you all on Wednesday and are feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a hectic 2 weeks. 

By Lucy. 

Day 15: Rhinos!

After an early departure and more farewells  we set off on the long journey to Murchison Falls. 

On the way we stopped off at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and got very close to four rhinos. 

We finally arrived at Red Chile rest camp in Murchison Falls at 5.30. It overlooks the river Nile and apparently you trip over Hippos and Wart hogs if you go to the loo in the middle of the night! 

Everyone enjoyed the food as it was a bit more  English than Ugandan.  Tomorrow is an early start. We  need to get the ferry across the Nile at 7.00am in order to do the game drive. It's great to see everyone in such good spirits and eating healthily. 

Day 14: Last day... And chickens!

So today was an emotional rollercoster to say the least, filled with laughter, celebration and many, many tears. 

With a full day of performances and speeches, one of which Alannah and Lucy delivered amazingly as they both did so well to hold back the emotions to the audience. 

Saying goodbye to so many friends was the hardest thing to do. Heartbreaking moments seeing children burst in to an hysterical cry, no one could hold back the tears. However we all know that contacts have been exchanged with the children and that we'll keep in contact with people. 

Oh and in the morning, Ben, Jess and Iyanla killed chickens with their bare hands for our dinner that evening. 

Thanks guys, it was good. 

By Isla 

Day 13: Nearly there

The team have been working exceptionally hard today to get the classrooms finished before the last day on site tomorrow. It's been a pretty hectic day and so they have asked if they can send their blog tomorrow instead.

Meanwhile some piccies for you tonight!

Day 12: Painting and Poetry!

Today we carried on with our project work and teaching the kids English. 

This morning Isla had to get up to cook us a delicious breakfast of cake and bread. We then went to the school to teach the kids and at 10.30 half the group went back to their poetry or dancing while the others began to paint but instead of painting the outside they started painting the inside of the classroom. 

After lunch Jess, Luc, Lucy, Georgie, Bogdan and Alex J continued to paint the insides of the classrooms white. 

Meanwhile Alex H and Skyla drew pictures on the walls and made a banner for the celebration on Friday.

The team were so dedicated to finishing the project today, that some even stayed behind till 6 to complete as much painting as possible. This included Alex J, Skyla, Lucy, Luc, Alannah , Jess and Alex H!  

However, the dreaded fresh water carry could not be neglected. The day finished with us all very tired!

Alex H, Jess and Alex J

Isla- "I'm glad everyone is well and happy, miss you all loads. I've read all of your comments and I'm very grateful for them. Can't wait to see you to tell you everything about it and hear what you've been up to too. Thank you Lucy, the Edwards and Mel for your comments too, lots of love Isla" x x x x x 

Jess- "Having a great time here, it's gonna be really hard leaving the kids on Saturday for safari I've got so attached to them and don't wanna leave them. Love you guys lots and miss the dogs a lot, saw someone pick up a puppy by the back legs today and it made me feel horrible and miss the dogs here. I don't know what your talking about with the bugs, I'm basically the bug exterminator here and still don't have a single mozy bite so all is good. Love you and Adam lots and thank you for the comments, Auntie Rosie as well it's cool to see you are following as well."

Alannah - Tell Freddie I miss him more and peestain the penguin is fine, love you all xxx

Photos from yesterday

Day 11: Back to Two Bridges

So today we went back to project work after a couple of days rest. It was lovely getting back to the kids and continuing with the construction and creative work. 

We all really loved rotating between dance, poetry and singing classes, finding out what each lesson involves. 

The morning English lessons are continuing to develop, as does the relationship and friendship between the students and children.

I can't believe we only have a week left, time really has flown by. 

Thank you all for the comments, they are lovely to read and hear what you're up to. Keep them coming!

Ben says 'Mum can I get a lift home from the airport from one of my friends instead of waiting 2 hours for Maya?'

Lucy says 'Mum can we give Ben a lift home from the airport? Also a request from Skyla, Alannah and I, please please please can you bring some chocolate biscuit cake 😀'

Skyla says 'Hope you enjoyed the BBQ! Get Ellis out of my bed! Love you'

Days 9 and 10: Mosques and Music

Sorry for delay- the team were up late at the dance show last night and didn't get the chance to send the blog until this evening!

>>> 

This morning we went to the second largest mosque in Africa. When we arrived the girls were dressed in hijabs. It had a very picturesque view from the top of the tower and you could see most of Kampala.

We then stopped back at Papaya where we chilled out for a few hours, which was followed by lunch.

After that we took a trip to a craft market where we all had our fair share of haggling with shop owners, with some having a lot more success than other (E.g. Ben vs. Mr.Rocca). 

When we finished up there, we travelled to the Ndere cultural show, where we all had lots of fun laughing with the presenter and marvelling at the amazing dancers. We had even more fun getting involved later on when we all went down onto the stage and danced with the dancers.

Everyone really enjoyed having a nice bed in the evening and a warm shower at the Ndere centre!

Lucy says 'Thank you for your comment mum, how is your collarbone?'

Day 8: Olympic Sports Day

Today was one of the best experiences so far, we arranged an olympics day for the children of the school we are helping.

We got to the Olympic grounds and set up our events we had come up with the evening before. There were 65 kids brought by the school for the olympics. 5 events were run in the morning by the Royal Russell community, everyone enjoyed running their events and seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they were participating. 

After the events were finished we decided to move on to some sprinting races. There were 6 races. 5 done by the kids and the year group they're in and the final race was ran by the teachers of the school and Luc, Ben and Alex. 

We then proceeded to go for lunch which was a delicious traditional Ugandan buffet, portions were slightly limited as we had to make sure the children also ate, which was enjoyed by all. 

The children were given 4 hours to run around and have the time of their lives in an environment which is unlikely for them to be in before. Volleyball was played with mixed teams of us and the children, unfortunately the ball was hit into the lake nearby so the game was short. Luckily a boat was available and the ball was fetched shortly after. When the kids had zero energy left, which was shown by one of them who fell asleep in Alannah's caring arms they departed from the Olympic site in a slightly cramped bus back to school. 

We were given an extra hour to relax in the open sun, play some more volleyball (after the ball was fetched and dried). It was hit back into the river, meaning another short game. We got back to the house in good time after leaving the site and were able to go straight into dinner. 

The day was enjoyed by all, everyone is doing well.

Lucy says she's missing you Sue, Daniel and Bertie. We are all enjoying reading your comments and we hope some photos are coming soon! 

Tell Freddie I miss him very much and I love you all, can't wait to see you! - Alannah 

I'm glad you're having fun on your exotic relaxing holidays, my shower better be ready when I'm home and all work has finished, miss you and love you all Ben

Day 7: Secondary School

Today we were all extremely happy to have a bit of a lie in even though it was only till 8 o'clock (except Luc and Isla who had to cook breakfast). 

After a well cooked breakfast we proceeded to get ready for our visit to London College of St Lawrence one of the best boarding secondary schools in Uganda. 

Paul, Georgie, Skyla, Isla, Lucy, Alannah and Alex J went first as the minibus hadn't arrived for the rest of them. It was great because Nigel, Rachel, Iyanla, Jess, Luc, Bogdan, Alex H and Ben stayed behind to play nomination and top up their tans. 

When the first group arrived they were amazed by the enormity of the school campus and by the number of students which is in the thousands, much bigger than RRS. Also some of the Two Bridges kids joined the trip to see what a secondary school was like to motivate them to work hard.

Two hours later the others arrived and were greeted and directed to the enormous hall where there were performances of singing, poetry, speeches and acting. After this it was lunch time and to our surprise and delight they gave us KFC chicken and chips and a slice of Dominoes pizza after 8 days of no meat (we want more). After we had all "finished" Ben proceeded to eat the scraps of anything that everyone left! 

Then, some of the students of a similar age took us on a tour of the school. It was interesting to talk to them and see how similar they are to us despite the large cultural differences. 

We then had a long drive back to our house which we were greeted by 20 litre water cans which we had walk to the well with to fill and carry back up the hill to the house (much to the amusement of the locals.) which we all agree is the worst part of the day! When we got back, we all went for our well deserved showers, as it was hottest day so far and decided what games to play for tomorrow's olympics with the Two Bridges students with the help of some of the local children to test them out. 

Ben-"I'm all good, I was disappointed about the Euros (not EU). There is bad wifi so we have trouble replying. P.S. The Hagons and Sweetings, Skyla and I didn't spell your kids names wrong it was autocorrect" 

Skyla-"Great day today! Really missing the boys tho, especially Ellis's hugs. Love you"

Jess-"Really missing Adam, you and the woofas (even Tinker) but don't want it to end. The construction is hard work and we come back filthy everyday but it's good fun and exercise. Love you guys a lot give the dogs, cats and Adam a hug from me. Love you (please comment)."

Alex H-"Love you all and miss you. The food has been so good even though it's all been vegetables. I'm having a really great time and love working with the kids" 

By Alex H, Alex J and Jess

Blog Comments

Dear all

We have just been made aware there has been a technical fault with the blogsite and it hasn't been allowing all of you to post your comments. We do apologise for this. 

We have now sorted this out and everyone should now be able to post comments on each update.

We can then pass these comments on to the team. 

Once again, apologies for this technical hitch and we look forward to hearing from you over the rest of the trip!

Best wishes

All at Team Inspire 

Day 6; Duck duck goose

Today we taught the children again in the morning, me and Isla taught them a few games from home! This included 'duck, duck, goose' and 'Simon says', however we changed it to 'Luc says'. Isla has made stronger bonds with our class and I have established my group, as well as being given a nickname 'guppy Luc'!

In the afternoon, Isla, Alannah, Lucy, Alex Jenkins, Iyanla and Luc all took part in a singing class for a couple of hours with our classes. We learnt national songs, nursery rhymes and also some fun singing games. 

The construction crew worked extremely hard and have made large amounts of progress in all planned ideas for the water supply.

The creative crew have finished all windows and are making great progress with all doors. A very important shout out to Skyla and Alex Haigh with their spotty door and of course Lucy and Alannah for recovering their door too!

Here are a few individual messages from the team:

'Thank you Mum! Miss all loads! I know who won love island by the way!' Skyla

'Can all parents reply to the blog and comment please!!' Lucy

'Hope dogs are settled back in the UK, that Phoebe is having fun in Peru and is riding up mountains on lamas! Also, I hope you are enjoying your relaxing holiday in Italy!' Luc

'To the Pearces, you probably won't see this as you are awful at technology but I hope all is well with the family and that Aunty Joon is doing okay. Love you loads' by TD junior (Isla)

Day 5: Everyone's Day

Bogdan enjoyed today's food and did a brilliant job at cleaning the house and toilets today! He's also taken some amazing photos we can't wait to see put up! 

Alex J was involved in construction he really got stuck in and helped to create a hole his height - six foot! It was big enough to hold a water filtration system for the whole village!

Iyanla was hoping to increase the length of the river and enjoyed watching the school kids playing with the wheelbarrow.

Jess was helping the construction team mainly extending the river. She enjoyed watching the kids get stuck in with the construction when after school had finished.

Alex had fun teaching the children English especially with the pronunciation of words. In the afternoon she helped Skyla paint the most amazing cloud door! And loved seeing the end result showing her hard work paid off. 

Isla enjoyed going to the market in the morning with Skyla. She did a great job bartering especially for the garlic! It was a great experience! In the afternoon she liked seeing and being a part of the progress that we have made on the project. 

Lucy had fun at lunch learning new songs and games with the school children. Working on her and Alana's orange door! 

Alana also loved starting on the orange door which will look great when finished. In the morning she enjoyed teaching our usual class and they gave her some homework! 

Luke loved teaching his class with ben making the kids smile just by ticking that work their work with smiley faces! He was also part of the construction team and played a massive role in the digging of the six-foot hole. 

Skyla: I really liked going to the market and doing something different. Also I love seeing the outcome of mine and Alex's door which is the best! PS tell the boys I miss them. 

Ben: I was the third member of the construction team - I'm glad about the work out I'm getting from the shoveling! I'm enjoying my time - please tell freed the work is keeping up my fitness. I was very disappointed about the EU result, and hope Maya and the rest of the family are well.

By Skyla and Ben.

Day 4: Mud!

We have all had an extremely good day in Uganda! We began by arriving at Two Bridges to another brilliant welcome, where five of us were made to play musical chairs in front of everyone, a hilarious experience. 

We then started lessons with the children, which was very enjoyable. Skyla, Isla and I (Lucy) ended up having nursery children grabbing onto every limb. Everyone is definitely beginning to be more confident with them and we are all building strong relationships with them. 

At break time, we all decided to bring out balloons and bubbles, which made the kids go mad. It was an amazing thing to watch.

After lunch we continued project work. The creative team continued colourful designs on the doors and window and the construction team did an astonishing job digging out the stream. This caused masses of mud which the children jumped straight into, drenching themselves in mud. However it wasn't just them, Iyanla and Jess came back covered from head to to toe in dirt, so much so that we had to hose Jess down with a shower bucket in the garden!

Overall, we have had a special and successful day, but are now extremely tired and off to bed, but not before beating Mr.Rocca at a game 

of cards!