The retreat feedback

So the retreat….. Very interesting three days..


It started pretty hectic as my taxi driver never showed up (couldn’t take a boda-boda as I had a tent and all). So Vik took me downtown and from there found a taxi… The guy (Jason) confirmed he knew where he was going only to find out half way through that not only he has not one clue where we’re going but also, he has zero notion of English. So after stopping at a couple of Bodaboda stations, ask for someone who speaks English to explain to Jason what I am looking for and translate directions.


Hornbill (photo taken from Wikipedia)



I arrive at this place (just a bit further south than Entebbe in a village called Garuga); a unbelievably quiet place, lush green, the view on the lake, crazy place. So already you feel at peace just by being there. It’s on a high plateau overlooking the lake but before your eyes can hit the lake you have a thick green forest part and right behind the camping area, high trees full of monkeys (you know the ones with white crown around their heads?) jumping from tree to tree;

I saw hornbills which are impressive creatures and they are such heavy birds that when they fly above your head it sounds like a bicycle coming at full speed (the sound of the wind in the wheels!). I’ll find a photo online to attach to that…. Unfortunately because it was a retreat I didn’t take my camera thus have no photos of this peaceful haven…..

So the ‘noble silence’ was respected for 3 days and it taught me a lot; because I spent three days with the same people, not even knowing their names, but somehow you know them, you know their habits, you get a vibe of their personality; you already know the ones you’ll get along with once the silence is broken. And when we finally broke the silence, it was great to be able to exchange names and a couple of sentences (as unfortunately we had to leave 30mins after we broke silence). So it was nice having a couple of lovely girls giving me their numbers to meet up in Kampala if I have the time or stay in touch for the next time. It was great….

As for meditation, well, our first one was at 5.30 in the morning and I have to say, it was the best meditation sessions I had on both days. The first day was incredible, a high of colours, a buzz and y body started rocking back and forth; I was aware of it but was unable to control it. About the colours, ok, please don’t laugh but, it felt like a fountain of colours exploding from the top of my head and I could feel each colour falling back to its respective chakra. Then, I was exhausted for the rest of the day; this first 45 minute meditation drained me. The rest of the meditations were ok, I couldn’t focus much and to be honest, doing 45 minutes mediation session 5 times a day (without counting the standing and walking meditation sessions) was too much for me…. I’m not big on meditation I realized… but great experience really enriching…

And yes, my closed pack of cigarettes was handed out to the retreat manager and I symbolically left it there (still closed!) when I left the center. So now it’s my third day with no cigarettes; it feels good, I am missing the habit more than the need for nicotine. But I’ll be honest, I feel a part of me is missing, sad but true; the cigarette was part of me… Hopefully to never come back in my life… I am not taking any with me to Ruhanga anyways so….

Tomorrow Hussein is coming to pick me up at 6.30am to be at the bus station at 7!! I promised him a Bounty if he’s on time!! I found his weak spot!!! Heheh So getting ready for a 5 hours drive tomorrow… Should be fun…