Hilary!

I love it when people have to come to Uganda for conferences. A couple weeks ago, Hilary, one of my nearest and dearest from grad school, was in town for the International Family Planning Conference (so were 1400 others, but Hilary gets special attention, since she stayed with me).

After nearly poisoning her with some homemade waffles on Saturday morning (I know - I didn't think you could mess up waffles, either), Hilary, Leanne and I went to Entebbe for the day, where we hit up the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, the botanical gardens, and Anderita Beach for Entebbe's famed fried fish. I'm not sure Hilary was prepared for this level of excitement. Highlights included....

Stunning viewing points:

Pre-historic birds:

Muddy feet:

and the medicine garden, with cures for ailments as curious as lactation, frigidity, and placental expulsion:

After tossing a Frisbee in the botanical gardens, we did have some tasty fried fish by Lake Victoria, but forgot to take any pictures until after it was already in our bellies. Our plans for a Saturday night bowling extravaganza faded with our naps, and turned into a lovely pajama'ed night of Bananagrams and chat.

Although less documented, Sunday was equally as enthralling. Who wouldn't love overheating on a morning run, turning into popsicles after jumping fully clothed into the pool, brunching at Java's with Ian and Leanne (I learned my cooking lesson), watching Neilos take home Biggest Dog and Best in Show at the USPCA dog show, picking out Leanne's new dachshund puppy, getting ice cream, and watching dancing/drumming/the loquacious MC at Ndere Center?

The conference, presentations, happy hours, and dinners with past, present and future classmates and colleagues filled the next few days. She nearly escaped with a forgotten birthday, but we managed to embarrass her appropriately with cake and song at Khana Khazana the night before she left. Happy birthday, Hils!