IN THA CITAYYY

Right now my scavenger hunt team and I are sitting in an internet cafe, sweating, full of rice and maybe unfriendly chicken. Everyone here has been very helpful and smiling towards our strange questions and requests. "What is that fruit called?" - "One killogram."
We've been running and dodging flying motorcycles, while trying to keep our feet dry. We were surprised by the bustling locals in collared shirts and clean pants and skirts. We've gotta go, can't wait to get back out there!

MISS YOU ALL, Lizzie, Kathryn and Ian.

Great first day in Africa. Spent most of the day safe and sound in the hostel. We got a chance to play pool, some card games and enjoy an African rain shower. Also we saw two monkeys who live outside the hostel! Can't wait to get into Kampala.
- Zach

Yesterday our plans to visit kampala were delayed because of unexpected rain fall. The rain here in Uganda is an intense. Kaan and myself were the first of our group to take a magical picture in the rain(not the smartess idea,but well worth it) will post soon. Anyway my team members are great I enjoy spenting time with all of them.Most of our day yesterday was spent bonding with each other and practicing team building excrises. Today is a big day for us we finally get a chance to explore the city(kampala) wish us luck. P.S Uganda is extremely beautiful,and so rich with culture and Life.
-Dan(Dantastic)Smith

Wow, what a great start to the trip! Yesterday the group relaxed in the Backpackers Inn having group discussions, playing games and setting goals for the trip; it was a lovely way to get over the jet lag of nearly 2 full days of traveling. I've made some great friends so far; there is no doubt this group of students and leaders will become a wonderful Jamii (family in Swahili), I am very excited for the days and months to come! Today we start our adventures into Kampala for a scavenger hunt and traveling through the city, can't wait!!!!
-Kirsten

Apologies

Sorry folks,

Our AWESOME group of students did, in fact, update the blog today. Unfortunately, however, they didn't realize they needed to click "publish post" in order to allow you to be able to read what they wrote. Since they didn't know how to ensure the blog was published, you have yet to hear from them personally. Sorry about that.

Rest assured that we are all still safe and sound in Kampala, that the group is bonding well, and that we're all still in high spirits.

Britt and I are very impressed by the way they were all 100% engaged in today's team building meetings and exercises. We really do feel like we've been blessed with a fantastic group of young adults.

They're pretty wiped out from jet lag and the day's activities, so they're all in bed already. But I've told them what steps they need to take to ensure the blog is published tomorrow. So please take solace in the fact that you WILL hear from your loved one tomorrow. Just a little more patience please. =)

We hope you are happy, healthy and loving life. I think I can safely say, despite the fatigue, that we all are.

Peace,
Zik & Britt

Safe and Sound in Kampala!

The students will all be updating the blog tomorrow, but Britt and I just wanted to take a quick minute to let everyone know we've arrived safe and sound, and without incident, to our Backpackers hostel here in Kampala.

We are all in high spirits to be a part of such a great group, and psyched to have gotten the adventure underway.

We're also pretty tired after so many hours of traveling. So we're having dinner and hitting the sack.

Thanks to everyone who has made this possible for us!

More Tomorrow,
Zik & Britt

Leave none behind!

A middle-of-the-night text message has assured us that the whole team is now together and the Lizzie/Devon contingent successfully met up with the rest of the group. They are now en route to Entebbe to begin their adventure.

....And They're OFF!

It's official: 8/10 of the group is about to board their flight to Amsterdam, and they'll meet up with Devon and Lizzie there. What a great, grounded, crew--if folks were nervous they hid it well!

Next time you hear from them they'll be in Kampala, Uganda.

Until then, this is Carpe HQ signing off....


-Nannette

Habari!

Habari!

Welcome to our East Africa blog. This blog will be our way to share our adventure over the next few months with everyone back home - please pass on this link to everyone you want to keep updated. After this first entry, we pass it over to you, and at least once a week a different student will get to upload an entry (and hopefully some fabulous photos as well!)

We arrived in Portland a few days ago. After a few phenomenal days camping out with the Carpe Diem leadership team below Mount Hood, we're in the office putting the last details in place. Now that we're getting ready to leave, looking over our final itineraries, and dreaming up some fun details, we're getting even more excited for our trip and to finally meeting all of you in person!

We have an incredible semester ahead of us. Our itinerary is spectacular and we have a kick butt team of students: all of the right ingredients to dive into every experience,
and be challenged, inspired, and, together, have the adventure of a life time. Get ready!

Enjoy your last week at home and be in touch if you have any questions.

Tutaonana baadaye (we'll see you soon)!

Britt and Zik