Saturday 6/28

Today we attended a reception for the scholars, that is, secondary students who are being sponsored, many of whom have a real chance at university. The function was at a Fort Portal Country Club - not swank but nice nonetheless, beginning with "interacting" i.e. some mingling and chatting, followed by speeches, dances, songs, and poetry. A nice lunch followed and many of us were struck by the heaping servings that the students helped themselves to - this may be the only full meal of the day for them.

The evening activity was magnificent. Trying to capture the beauty of Ndali Lake and the Lodge at the top of the ridge overlooking the lake is like trying to describe a fireworks display - only a picture can do this, so see the photos. :) There was spectacular scenery off both edges of the ridge, and the lodge was beautiful, intimate, and the food delicious. We met Bill Wirthlin of the Leakey Foundation which supports evolutionary biological research - in fact Mr. Leakey originally hired Jane Goodall to do her work. Rubbing elbows with eminent players in this type of research Like Mr. Wirthlin and Dr. Wrangham is causing us to want to pinch ourselves. In any event, a fabulous dinner and overall experience.