Letter from Kampala
Hi all 15 / 8 / 2013
Well there is nothing like 13 hrs in a plane to provide a bit of really needed downtime. A badly needed mail to friends and family worldwide. On my way to Casablanca at short notice as is most things these days - (with Sue ) – to our sister hotel in Morocco to stand in over a 6 week busy period between departing and arriving Exec Chefs. Was there last year chasing our elusive Ethiopian Sheik ( Al Amoudi– our group owner ) - who actually never arrived, but I must have built up a bit of staff loyalty then – despite my minimal French – as they (the staff ) asked me back when it became apparent the newly arrived Italian chef wasn’t cracking it. Flying via Dubai from Entebbe with a comp hotel room - as the layover is longer than 8hrs – these guys know how to look after you!!! Oh and BTW flying Business class!! Thanks to good connections back in Kampala!! I have flown a lot over the years but this is the first time ever in Business class. Bollinger Champas on tap and loads of leg room!! Have just finished a big Vintage Car Day carnival at the Sheraton the day before – a couple of beautiful looking old cars lovingly cared for – think I recognized an old Austin minor ( or what was it Dad ) -from a few of your old photos Mum / Dad. Always a pile of VW beetles turn up – don’t really know how they can be vintage even if they are 50 yrs old. The day has grown into a fun filled carnaival day over the years and this year was no exception, but anything off the premises is always bloody hard work. Second lying leg now and the business class connection doesn’t extend this far, so it’s back to economy – and after 20 min Sues decided I had better earn enough money to book her business class from now on.!! Don’t think that will ever happen!! We seem to be taking a big detour and exiting the African continent at Alexander and doing a loop across the top of Libya and Tunisia. But we’ve just flown straight over Cairo, without seeing any missiles?? Actually very nearly booked the ticket for Sue on Air Egypt to avoid the long wait in Dubai – until they told me that there is a good chance that the plane would be diverted, if the strife there continues. Sue has just noticed that the Bols we had in Business the day before, sells in econ for US$15/glass, good thing we made the most of it. The past few months have had their fair share of pleasure and strife. Had a brill week end on a houseboat on lake Victoria (Lake Kariba, in Zim style – built by a pioneering Zimbo of course ) Fishing, bird watching and general relaxation ( see blog for story ). We’ve bought ourselves a car which provides us with freedom of movement and has made life a lot easier – As sue will not put her life in the hands of the boda bodas ( 50cc Chinese motorcycle riders who provide the backbone of public transportation around the city ) An old Toyota Rav 4 Japanese 2nd hand import. They say 1998 with 68000kms on the clock – I say whatever. Seems to go OK but we need take it on a long African trip, to trash it a bit on the African dirt roads to see how it holds up. Had a great beginning to the year with a trip to Zanzibar – beautiful. Details on Blog. Then it was back to a freezing SA over Easter. (I forgotten how cold Jhb is in winter) Went to Dubai in March to attend the biggest hospitality trade show on the planet. Thousands of exhibiter’s, food equipment and services. Bought up equipment for the seafood restaurant and most importantly tied up a few fresh seafood suppliers for us. Great to meet up with a couple of colleagues – one whom has landed himself a great job as hospitality industry adviser for Fonterra, based in Dubai SuDid a bit of house sitting for SA friends who have gone back to SA for a couple of weeks. Good to be out of the hotel and in a garden and the outdoors etc. A typical expatriate house, massive, very colonial, with staff, guards etc!! For only 2 people - most of the expat housing here is v big. Work is a challenge as usual; staffing and an inconsonant supply of essential stocks are a never ending source of frustration. Had a few foreign donor and NGO related scandals here recently (in fact permanently ongoing scandals), funds from donors finding their way into African politicians’ pockets? Why are they (the donors) sooo surprised when their money ends up in a politicians pocket – hello this is Africa after all – it’s not like you donors haven’t had years to learn from???!!! Anyway as a result, donor and foreign aid related conferences and training has dropped of, so business at the hotel has been affected. But no doubt the guilt ridden European mindset will get back on track soon - ie, that our poor troubled African brothers need our help and that we owe it to them - God knows why we owe it to them. And the lucrative handout business will soon get back on track soon!
Had a great visit from Morgan a few weeks ago – went to Lake Imburo for a couple of days 4 hrs south west of Kampala. A great few days with brilliant weather (as usual) Highlight of the weekend was spotting two leopards in one night drive. Were told that the ranger who came out with us was an expert – and he certainly was – 2 within 20 mins of each other. First young one sat around us for a while providing perfect photo opps, while the second more mature adult was on a mission and not at all interested in entertaining us. Beautiful scenery and wildlife once again as usual. But not cheap if you need comfort (as my wife does these days )!! Pics to Follow and Sue’s story!!
Shane an ex-kiwi from SA came up for a while and went on to see the migration in Masi Mara. Was good to get out and around a bit with a fellow back packer. What a great game the super 15 final – and the Wimbledon tennis with Andy Murrey winning easily. Oh Boy – what drama with Fonterra. All over the news – but seems to have been contained but the proof will be told long term – this sort of thing can break a multinational. Actually meet up in Dubai with an old mate now in Dubai working on marketing Fonterra to the hotel and Catering business- that’s the sort of job I want – too old now for this kitchen lark!!
NZ earthquakes keep popping up on the international networks, recent being Friday last week. How’s the feeling? We actually had a big tremor here a few weeks ago – quiet scary 12 storeys up a hotel – shook in the middle of the night and woke most of us up and sent some scared guests into the lobby in their nighties !! First one I’ve felt for a long time – as we don’t experience them in SA. Heard that Zinzan Brooke was coming in Oct – doing a fund raiser here - for whom - don’t know. Saw Valarie Adams in the Moscow Athletics Grand Prix shot putt event – great news after the mess up she endured getting to the Olympics.
Signing off. As I’m sure it will be balls to the wall as soon as we arrive in Skhirat - 20mins south of Rabat. Beautiful spot on a remote part of the coast. Google it L Amphitrite palace Skhirat On arrival back in Kampala hopefully the long awaited seafood restaurant will be ready for opening! Will try and get another mail away maybe on the way back.
Been here a week - yes balls to the wall. 3 hr notice for a 200 pax functions – the sheiks private plane pulls in with catering order of foie gras, lobster and others - enough to feed 50. A kitchen brigade badly in need of motivation, and checking me out. But a beautiful turquoise sea and blue Moroccan skies. As they say in Yorkshire – Ah!! It’s a grand life if you don’t weaken!!
