6/10/15
Day 2
Today was extraordinary in several ways. We visited a Batwa group that I had never visited before. It is located on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in a place that is physically different than the others. We drove until the road ended and continued on foot down a path alongside a river deep in a ravine. Our side of the ravine was below fields planted with crops and the other side was towering trees of the forest.
The settlement is at the top of a tall hill/mountain with a million dollar view. The only way up is straight up. The Batwa wanted to show us their crops, which required walking up through the fields for about 2000 Feet with no path or footholds. I used a walking stick that was kindly lent to me by one man. Once at the top of the fields, we followed a path to another steep path to the settlement.
I learned that I was the first white person “muzungu” to ever visit this village! It is an honor that makes me very happy. We learned that this group is doing the best of all ten of the groups and the success they have found, through their hard work and cooperation re-energized me about why we are doing this work and all of our hard work seems like nothing in comparison. I was also happy to find out that the chairman of this village is a woman, which is not common. I had a moment, standing in this village overlooking a gorgeous vista, of pure joy.
A group of ladies accompanied us all the way down the hill to our car. They were asking me to stay a couple of days with them. They were so warm and welcoming, I almost wished I could. By the time we reached the car, we were hugging and laughing. It was a wonderful visit.
Your descriptions are wonderful Carol! Looks like quite the climb. Everyone must be very fit in that area! Lovely scenery! And they sound like lovely people!
It is amazing how strong the Batwa are, Jan! Even the older people climb the hills with ease. It is a very special place.