We left Kigali about 8.30 in the morning. We were passing the College site yet again, so we decided to do some more measuring before we meet the district surveyor tomorrow, for the final decision re the exact area of the site.
The particular issue is the road to Nonko which runs beside the land. This has to be 9 metres wide. At the top it is 8 metres, and we will have to give one metre away, but at the bottom we should gain quite a lot
Anyway, after 2 hours drive we turned off the main road, and bumped for another half hour until we came to the lodge. Cost of entrance was £20 - so not bad really. We were both pretty concerned because we were the only car there. You see most of the animals go further north because it is pretty dry where we were.
The first half hour we saw some eagles, and buffalo and baboons, but it was pretty quiet generally. When we came over the crest of a hill there was a tremendous view towards Tanzania, and as soon as we hit the lakeside we started to see lots of interesting animals.
We were able to get out a couple of times to take pictures, and walk along the lake side. The temperature locally is really pretty comfortable, about 30 degrees which is because Kigali and the surrounding area is about 4500 feet up, and although it is close to the equator the height reduces the heat.
We drove for about 80 Kms around a very small part of the park. There is really quite a large number of lakes around here, and for those who like bird life it has loads to see. It would have been nice to see large herds of elephants and giraffes, but we were very pleased to have seen what we did.
The trip back was in the dark, pretty wild with lots of people on bikes and walking at the side of the road. Had to stop because the car overheated, but passers by helped find some and we were soon sorted - the people here are so friendly - always a smile and a hand shake - have not seen a scowl since leaving Europe, except the one on my own face when I heard of the land deed problems
Anyway I am much less grumpy today, and eager for the work tomorrow, when it is back to work for the next 7 days. There will be little spare time as we complete our meetings with the district surveyor, a builder, an architect and a quantity surveyor, Pete Andrews again, the Vice Mayor, Albert director of WDA, Rosemary in charge of careers, Abraham from KIST, representatives from business, Callum and Emma who arrive Tuesday, final meetings with Paul and his team, and John Mutesa.
Apart from all that, we have to get the final plans submitted, the engineering drawings completed, add in the College costings and print the 3D plans.
Sorry about the list - my brain was just going over all that we have to do - oh, and there is a possibility that Paul wants us to preach on Sunday, and neither Rog or I have done anything to prepare for that - though in Paul's usual way, it is difficult to know whether we are expected to preach or not - something was said about us doing that last Sunday but then it got dropped.
Well we will just have to see what happens, and its better than having to dance. I have warned Rog to prepare something, as will I.
Its good to be busy - (must not forget to buy some presents)
Hope you enjoyed some of our many photos from safari. Love to you all. God bless.
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