Greetings from Kampala, Uganda

I arrived in Kampala again yesterday. It has been almost 3 years since I was last here and it is interesting to see how this place has progressed since then. There are some good signs around, especially the presence of new buildings, and it is good to catch up with those who still remember me (favourably)! I like the Ugandans: they are very friendly and very capable too, and often willing to work towards a better future.

I guess that for many African countries, it is just good to see the place remain peaceful and not to degenerate back into chaos and economic collapse, as sadly seems to be all too common in this part of the world. I just hope that the economic growth here (and elsewhere) will be strong and long enough to create a critical mass of 'middle class' people, who are sufficiently well educated to understand the wider implications of their actions, and sufficiently well off and confident in their futures, to be able to look beyond their own personal and immediate needs. However, I was reminded yesterday (by a local) that Uganda has never seen a peaceful transition of power in its history. It is sad to see how common it is for political leaders to hang onto power well past their "sell by" date, through various shenanigans, fair or (more usually) foul, with the sad result that the good that they often do in their early days of power (and their reputations) is overwhelmed and undone by their later years. We can but hope for the best and help.

Uganda, here I Come!

Yes, having spent 2 hectic weeks in the UK, I am now about to leave for Kampala in Uganda, a country that I have visited 3 times previously (between 2001-4) and that is OK! Given that it is surrounded by lots of rather unstable neighbours (e.g. Congo and Sudan) and is landlocked, it is doing ok for itself, although it seems that the economic growth is somewhat skewed towards Kampala. Still, it is a really beautiful, lush green country and the locals friendly and competent (although alas, like so many other places, it suffers from corruption and weak governance too).

This photo is of the Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon, near the Kenyan border. It was taken at sunset. Well worth a visit. There are lots of other places to see too in Uganda. (I hope I'll get a commission from all this free advertising on behalf of the Ugandan government!)

Next blog will be coming from Kampala - Inchallah!

The Netherlands & Amsterdam

Visited Amsterdam last week: boy is that a beautiful and civilised place?! Indeed, I thought that the whole country was (even if it is flat!). SO many folks cycle and the tyranny of motor cars is tamed in the cities, many of which retain their stunning, beautiful and ancient centres.

Amsterdam is well worth visiting (for those who have never been before), especially if you can chose a nice day to go (which fortunately, I got). It's all very walkable and of course, the Red Light district is fascinating! Oh yes, I do so like their relaxed and non-judgemental approach to one of life's most important pleasures! It's a pity that so many other places appear to have such an outdated and often hypocritical attitude towards sex. But I guess I ain't gonna change the world!

I'll try and post some photos here...!