This morning (Thursday 6th) we packed up our bags and after a lovely breakfast we sadly left the safari behind, we were all going to miss the elephants and giraffes but maybe not so much the frogs that lived in our shower.
We embarked on a long journey with a filling lunch stop in between at the kabalega but in all it lasted around 9 and a half hours which was a long sit through bumpy roads, I can’t tell you much else about it because I had a long nap through most of it.
We were then warmly welcomed back at the Abaana guest house with spaghetti bolognese and a selection of ice cream, it also meant being reunited with our turkey.
Friday was bittersweet as it meant it was our final day in Uganda. The morning began with a delicious birthday cake for Daniel and Mr McClements, followed by the collection of clothing items our team graciously donated to the boys at Abaana New Life Homes. Then came words of appreciation, with both the Abaana staff and Rainey showing our thanks for all the amazing work that has been completed over the past two weeks.
In the afternoon, some much needed relaxation was in order in preparation for our 24 hours of travelling to come. This involved getting the opportunity to use the pool at the hotel beside our guesthouse. With some of us opting for a nap by the pool instead. After dinner the awards ceremony by Mrs McAlister and Mrs Francis was a welcome suprise for all of us and can only be described as the perfect way to end our stay in this amazing country. 11 o’clock came and it was time to hop on our quirky green bus for one last time and begin our long travel back home.
Today we said our emotional goodbyes to all the Abaana staff and left to arrive at the Entebbe Airport at 12.45am to ensure we made it for the plane back home.
We had passed through security by 3am and split into groups for essential final gift shopping. We all met up again to get checked in for the plane to Turkey and after tried to get a few extra minutes of rest. We had finally boarded the plane and had taken off for our journey back home.
We had landed in Turkey after 6 and a half long hours and were on our way to our connecting flight to Dublin. After a long flight we had finally touched irish soil. We all boarded the bus and we arrived back at the rainey to meet family.
On behalf of all the students I would like to thank all the Rainey staff for making this trip so enjoyable. Also, we are very thankful for all the Abaana staff who organised every aspect of the trip and were very accommodating. I think everyone on the trip has new memories that will last a lifetime.
Harry, Anna & Callum
