Fort Patiko!

July 18, 2009

Today, we invited our partner teachers and families to join us at Fort Patiko. My teacher was able to join which I was excited that she had the opportunity. I really enjoyed the day. On first glance, Fort Patiko just looks like a bunch of rocks. But, it has interesting history and it is a hiking spot. At Fort Patiko, Arabs traded African slaves. Samuel Baker came there and ended the slave trade. I’d really like to read more about him, esp. because my partner school is named after him. Initially, I had though oh this is just some British explorer and naming the school after him is a remnant of the colonial system in Uganda. Hearing this about Samuel Baker adds an interesting, more positive element to this man whom my school is named after.

Upon arrival, we wandered around and then begin preparing lunch. Lunch was potluck style and though the chicken was gone by the time I went through the line, because I served sweets in the line, it was really good. The guacamole was definitely my favorite. Then, we cleaned up a bit before heading out on a hike, while others took a tour. My past history of hikes in Africa (all from my experience in South Africa) have always included some sketchy aspect or some element that has really added an adventurous aspect to the hike. It never is easy breezy or what I expect. We set out on this hike without a clearly marked path or official tour guide. We were following path, but didn’t know if it was the right one. Then, some local children joined us and essentially became our guides. I was really wondering if we were doing the right thing as we walked through field/garden of corn and cabbage and through the bush (more pathless bush than I’ve done before) as we made our way to the mountain/rock hill. There was no actually hiking going on for most of this hike, it was rock scaling/walking/climbing all over most of the way. At times it was a bit challenging and I’ve got the scraps to prove as much of the time I was on my hands and knees climbing over rock. In the end and at the top, the view was totally worth it. I felt like the way down was easier than the way up. I’m sure a lot at that point was mind over matter, and getting used to balancing without fear and just doing. I love that feeling of accomplishment as well as the great view from on top. Beautiful!