After some relaxed days in Fort Portal, we ride out to the crater lakes just south of the city. Once we leave the center we immediately drive in a rural area along green fields and many bright green banana trees. The road winds up and down over the round hills. Here and there are small brown houses, sometimes right on top of such a round bump. The rain of the last days has done nature well, because everything sparkles in dozens colors of green. Lees meer (Read more)
Peter and I are not married, but if anyone asks I introduce Peter as my ‘husband’. First, because “boyfriend” or “partner” sounds a little funny, but mainly because it is easier and avoids complicated questions. Where it is generally accepted in the Netherlands that we lived together as an unmarried couple and are now travelling together, it certainly is not the case in Africa. When we fill out forms, we can often only choose between “single” or “married.” Anything in between does not seem to exist. In order to share a hotel room we fill in that we are married. And on the streets, when a little too pushy African wants to take a picture with me (his “white European girlfriend”), I hold up my ringed finger and I point to ‘my husband’. Although we never officially said “yes” to each other, we are marries if any one asks and -in line with that- we enjoyed even an unexpected honeymoon …. 
To go from Kenya to Uganda we can choose between different border crossings. The most commonly used border crossing is in Malaba on the main highway from Nairobi to Kampala. A busy checkpoint where the freight traffic to the Ugandan capital also crosses. Further north, on the slopes of Mt Elgon, we can also cross the border at the little town of Suam. A gateway that is not used by many travellers, because the road to the border is not paved. In the rainy season the dirt road turns into a slippery mud path that is impassable for most traffic. Although the rainy season should have started a month ago, there has been almost no rain. The road should therefore still be in good condition. And when we look at the blue sky we hope it will stay dry the next few days. 
Essential for a motorcycle trip around the world: a running motorbike. Call it a wise purchase, proper maintenance or just good luck, but the only problem that we have experienced so far is a leaking gasket between the tank and the fuel pump (knock, knock, knock***). Not everyone has the same experience. Ross practically had to rebuild his bike in Ethiopia and now Irish has problems with his bike. Halfway through the Turkana route the alternator of his bike stopped, as a result of which his battery stopped charging after which his bike stopped. To repair or replace the alternator along the way was not an option. The solution? The battery of a Toyota Land Cruiser…. 
On Tuesday morning we pack up our tent. We will go out of the city and into the country to see some other parts of Kenya. First Mount Kenya and from there we’ll see where to go. We say goodbye to Chris of Jungle Junction and Pim. Although we left well after the morning rush hour, we are still stuck in traffic. It takes us over an hour to get out of the ever busy Nairobi. As we leave the city behind us, we drive onto a busy road heading north. A beautiful route that winds through green hills, tea plantations and even rice fields. Yes, I want the newsletter!
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