July 26, 2009 - “Ancient ice caps melting, a prophecy of what’s in store…”

Today was a travel day. We began with a really nice breakfast at our hotel in Kampala with Patrick, the Executive Director of CPAR Uganda. He then drove us from the hotel to the airport.

Our first flight was from Kampala to Nairobi (approx. 1 hr). Then after a 2 hour layover there we took another flight of about an hour to Kilimanjaro Airport near Arusha. That plane was a small one, a propellery type…obviously I am an aviation expert LOL.  I was a bit nervous at first but as we neared Mt. Kilimanjaro I realized that we never would have had such a magnificent view from various angles if we were on a jet. It was amazing to see it in person but was also alarming to see how little snow remains on the peaks. Dwight was here in 2004 and noticed a significant difference in just that short time.

(Above) Mt. Kilimanjaro from the airplane; Note how little snow is left on the peaks. 

I was particularly interested in seeing Mount Kilimanjaro for myself after co-writing ‘Mercury Rising’ with my friend Kim Cole. For those of you reading this who are not familiar with the song, it is about the effects of Global Warming on this country. This song and others I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts will be on our new CD, which is coming out in September. Most of the songs were inspired by our last visit to Africa so they come to mind frequenlty throughout this trip. Both Dwight and I are each working on a new song. Travelling is very inspiring.

Mohammed met us at the airport and took us to our hotel in Arusha. A drive that should take half an hour, takes twice that long because of speed bumps all along the route…not as jarring or frequent as the ones being used during road construction in Uganda though.

When we arrived at the hotel shortly after 8pm, the parking lot was full and the place was a hive of activity. There was a big wedding reception underway on the grounds, under huge white tents, and a church meeting/dinner in the dining room of the hotel. Some tables were set up in the entrance of the hotel where other hotel guests were eating so we had dinner there. Dwight and I split a small vegetarian pizza; it was getting late and neither of us felt like a heavy meal. It was delicious. I realized tonight that I am Fanta Oranged-out after drinking it daily for the past week so will have to choose another bevy tomorrow. I haven’t drunk this much soda in years. Interestingly, the menu had an impressive offering of Italian dishes, presumably to cater to tourists that frequent the area…Arusha is a popular place for safaris and of course mountain climbing.

As I write this (11pm) the wedding dance is in full swing…sounds like everyone is having fun. Just heard some Lionel Ritchie and now they are playing dance music. Sounds just like a wedding back home.

It is much cooler here than it was in Uganda so we should sleep well tonight.