So I did end up going to the Kakamega forest, and it was quite nice. I saw many monkeys and just walking through the forest was really pretty, although still expensive! Then I wanted to go straight to Uganda through Malaba border, but I only had 200 KSH (less than 3 USD) and it was not enough for the ride back. So I headed to Kakamega again to switch some money at the bank, but when I got there at noon all the banks were closed! So to make a long story short I got stuck in Kakamega town with no money for the weekend! It was a good thing in the end. For one, I really like Kakamega and made some friends there at the hotel where I stayed. Also, it let me save some money which I later needed for the Uganda visa. So I returned to the hotel where I had stayed and after begging from the owner to let me stay and promising to pay him monday morning when the banks opened (payment is always made in advance here)I had a place to stay. the 2 dollars I had then (after paying for the ride back to town) I was able to eat and survive the weekend only running out of money late on Sunday night. Monday I ran around to several banks to try and find one that carried dollars. I knew I didnt need too many shillings (kenyan) because I was coming to Uganga and it would be difficult to change, so I wanted to give a 100 dollar bill and change only 20 USD, but no bank had 80 dollars to return to me. Finally I found one, but they took a hefty commission of 3 dollars, or 15 percent of what I was changing. Whatever. After paying my bill at the hotel I was off on my way to Uganda!
I crossed the Uganda border and decided to come to Mbale, as I heard it was quite beautiful and close to the border. The visa cost 50 USD, so I am probably going to chill here a few days till I can save back the money I spent on the visa. I have found a nice hotel to stay in and there is a lot to do in the area, and I can plan my next move from here. I have decided to skip the main tourist attractions, as they are one tons of money and two I have found I enjoy them less than the things which come for free (or at least in my budget!) Hiking the in Elgon national park for 5 days: 350 dollars. Going to a forest to look at animals: 50 dollars. Taking a bus ride and seeing wild animals while holding a little baby girl in my lap while chickens flap about the car: Priceless!
More to come from Mbale, Uganda!
