24/12/2023
Fort Portal 📍
The start point of my journey - but not before meeting some amazing people and having some unexpected adventures. My plan was just to spend one night here, unpack my bike and start cycling the next day, but in that one night I met two people that were so interested in what I was doing in Uganda that they both wanted to show me what they do.
Peter (pictured first), works in insurance but also runs a popcorn stand in the evenings as a side hustle, which is where we met. Each bag sells for around 10p! He couldn't believe it when I told him the price of popcorn in the UK :) Peter also invited me to stay at his home just outside of town the night before I ended up starting my ride, and I loved how simple a life he and his family live. He grows bananas right next to his house and gave me some for breakfast - WOW I've never tasted any banana so fresh and delicious. Amazing fuel for the road 🔥 Thank you Peter for your hospitality!
Meanwhile Marsereka (pictured last), runs a not-for-profit foundation to educate his community in ICT and provide them with better future prospects. I witnessed first hand his generosity in providing and paying for food in the market for others and how he supports his family who live among the hills with him. I've never seen such a variety of plants, fruits, veggies and crops growing in one place. Papaya, avocados, Irish potatoes, arabica coffee, peas, beans, pumpkins, jackfruit and mango among others. All on the side of a hill with stunning views towards the town. Thank you for the time you took to show me all the work that you do.
Initially I said no to both these gents' offers.
And I'm not sure why.
Maybe it was the amount of travelling I had done.
Maybe it was the anticipation of getting on the road and cycling.
Maybe it was the discomfort of saying yes to people I'd just met.
But I'm so glad I did say yes.
I guess I like having my own space and time to myself, like a lot of people, but this taught me that sometimes you just have to get out your comfort zone and send it.
A mantra for this trip, I'd say :) 🚴