Wheels In Uganda

I like traveling by road, preferably when I'm driving but even as a passenger I enjoy being in a car.  Except when that car is on the road between Entebbe and Kampala.  Dark, scary, fast and not fun!  Sometimes it was just better not to look.  Our taxi driver seemed to know the rules, making all sorts of complex flashing-light, left-right-left-right indicator maneuvers which were met with similar signals from oncoming vehicles.  The fact that one for the local driving schools is called "Lady Luck Driving Instruction" probably says a lot.  One strange observation is that people generally didn't seem to drive that fast compared to SA speedsters.

The roads are potholed and congested.  They are crumbling completely in some places so many drive 4X4s.  Toyota Prado Landcruisers predominate with a host of Japanese double-caps also common.  I spotted a number of Suzuki's, mostly Vitaras and Samurais.  Very few Landrovers although I did see a few Discovery 2's and 4's.

The taxis are mostly Toyota Hi-ace equivalents but most seem to be diesel engined and they are even more battle scarred than the oldest Gug's Zola Budd.

My car-of-the-trip, the little Suzuki Samuri in the pictures of course!

Uganda May 2012

I have just returned from a trip to Uganda to do some training with the Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP).  We were invited to so some training in providing healthcare to men who have sex with men (MSM).  This was an amazing invitation; homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and a recent bill has been debated promoting the death penalty for gay men.  Many MSM live in fear and remain hidden which of course makes them invisible to the healthcare service.  The staff we trained were an inspiration.  They were open minded, lively in debate and willing to expand their horizons.    Everyone we met was friendly and generally very helpful.  Uganda has a long way to go in this particular sphere of human rights but our on-the-ground experience was fabulous.

Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera, so I have only a few mobile phone pics.

This is the entrance to the training site.

My hotel room was at the Villa Kololo which shares space with one of the best restaurants in Kampala, lot of ambience, lots of noise, little sleep.

The traffic is nuts, I suppose there must be rules, but I could't work them out.  "The bravest has right of way" seems to be the primary rule.  Size matters too.  The motorcycles are for hire, are un-lisenced and seem a quick way to loose life or limb.

I tried to take some "street shots" from the back of a 4X4 double cab on potholed roads which has made for some blurry pics.  Lots of color, activity and industry.  Poverty and lack of infrastructure planning evident everywhere too.

We were taken to see Mulago Hospital, Makerere University Campus and the School of Veterinary Science; a mix of beautiful vegetation and crumbling, neglected buildings.  Nature is definitely more inspiring than man in this site of learning.

Overall a unique and enjoyable experience.  I would love the chance to go back and spend some time touring.  So close but so far, no time to visit the bush!

Mini Models

I have a huge collection of Mini models which I have collected over years (and a few non-Minis too).  Some of them are toy store cheapeis but some of them are pretty rare and collectable.  The pics below show only about a quarter of the collection and a few tin signs outside my workshop.

Mini Homes - Old and New

My Mini is currently squatting in a good friend's garage in Fresnaye.  I hope to get him home soon but first I need to take down a wall so he can be driven into my workshop.

Both cars are kept topped up with electronic battery chargers which are an absolute boon.  First time starting after months of sitting.

The first pic is of his current garage and the second is his new place!  An indoor, heated, dry, well lit workshop - a dream come true!

Tail-light Snap

I never realized that the tail lights on Mk3 Minis were the same as for Wolsley 1100's. Snap!

Beautiful Austin Cooper

Derrick brought this magnificent '67 Austin Cooper S to the show this Sunday.  It is a South African built car which has almost all of its original features intact.  The owner has completely restored the car and it is really beautiful.  I believe the car will be offered for sale shortly - someone's going to get a fabulous toy.

I have included some pics below - note the South Africa specific Cooper S seats, the unique speedo in miles and kilometers, the original spec upholstery, carpeting and headliner.   I love the gold miniite copies but the owner has the original Cooper steel wheels.