by Richard | Jan 5, 2012 | Africa, Democ. Rep. of Congo, Podcast, Travel
Up at 04h30. In Entebbe airport by 06h00. On a plane by 08h30 and starting the long trek home. It’s all so managed. So clean. In your seat. Eat your meal. Listen to music or fall asleep for distraction. I feel awry in the whitespace. My clothes are filthy, and probably smell a little.
by Richard | Dec 22, 2011 | Africa, Democ. Rep. of Congo, Reflections, Travel
It’s undeveloped, and it has crap roads – these things are true. But it is also full of really friendly people, to whom we have not had to pay a single bribe, who have really gone out of their way to show us a great time.
by Richard | Dec 15, 2011 | Africa, Journalism, Photography, Travel, Uganda, Uncategorized
There are twenty four minutes left on this laptop battery. Power to the plugs in ‘hotel’ Tropikana (don’t ask) has failed, though the lights work absolutely fine. Outside is a little dark, and slightly infused with the smell of burnt trash and...
by Richard | Dec 10, 2011 | Africa, Travel, Uganda, Uncategorized
This post should have gone up two days ago. But packing can be such a demanding mistress. Have I put in too little? Too much? Do I really need an extra bandage in the first aid section? (yes) Have the extra batteries for the camcorder arrived? (No). And so it has...
by Richard | Oct 29, 2011 | Africa, Democ. Rep. of Congo, Journalism, Travel
I’ve been holding my breath a lot the last fortnight or so. Catching myself needing to stop, unclench and breathe a little easier, over and over again. The invitation letter I need for my visa came through today. The fixer is confirmed. A thousand ephemeral...
by Richard | Oct 1, 2011 | Africa, Democ. Rep. of Congo, Travel, Uganda
Two years and some some change ago, on a dark rooftop in Addis Ababa, I recall having my thousandth Ethiopian espresso with Jonathan, a friend and adventuresome soul who had come to join me for my days in the country on my slow road north to Cairo. I can’t...
