So we are now just four days out from the trip to Uganda and at this point, all of the important planning has been completed.
That said, this is the point to double-check everything because it is still possible to correct mistakes such as hotel booking dates, transport times and event flight details. It is also possible, though not convenient, to get a hold of last-minute medication such as anti-malaria tablets and malaria test kits.
It is often the case with these international trips that I will take out items for people I am visiting. In this instance, I have a second suitcase full of various bits and pieces that have been requested. You need to be careful with any medical equipment or medication and it is also worth checking that certain food items are allowed. Generally, I can get away with English tea bags, dressings, PPE and test kits of one sort or another on a commercial flight.
You cannot get away with certain medicines –controlled drugs, of any sort, so don’t even try them in small quantities, or you could be having a very difficult conversation with various security personnel at any number of airports that you travel through. There are official channels that you can go through to have these shipped and there are circumstances under which these can be taken with you, but this involves a lot of paperwork and unless you have these procedures in place and understand them well, it is generally better to purchase any necessary items in the country that you are travelling to. One essential thing is that even if you have had the suitcase delivered to you all nicely packed up so that it is full to its weight limit and you couldn’t fit another thing in, you have to repack it. This is so that when you are asked that essential question at check-in "Has anyone packed anything into your case that you have not checked?" or "Did you pack your own case sir?" You can honestly answer correctly… they know when you are fibbing! They can tell! So rather than wither under the glare of the check-in assistant, check the bag yourself.
Over the next few days, I will be confirming the timings for meetings and the various road trips. Fortunately, with modern communications such as email and WhatsApp, this has become much easier.
The day before I will check in online and confirm the airport pickup with the first hotel. Always a good idea because there is nothing more frustrating than waiting around after a long flight to be picked up from the airport. Make sure you have the telephone number of the hotel to hand, just in case they mess up and you have to remind them.
I always try to arrange to have a day at home before I travel and at the end of the trip. Family time is important and if you are taking time out of your weekend to travel for work because it is more convenient or cheaper, then it is a good idea to try and make that up. My wonderful wife, who just happens to also be the Mayor of Chipping Norton, negotiates hard for family time and you really don’t want to end up on her naughty list!
And that is it. We are ready for our trip.
My next report should be from Kampala on Sunday.
Geoff Coleman
Chief Executive
Mildmay Hospital
See Geoff's previous Muzungu blog posts here:
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Mzungu, also known as muzungu, mlungu, musungu or musongo, is a Bantu word that means "wanderer" originally pertaining to spirits. The term is currently used in predominantly Swahili-speaking nations to refer to foreign people dating back to the 18th century. The noun Mzungu or its variants are used in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mayotte, Zambia and in Northern Madagascar (the word changed to "vozongo" in Malagasy, but locals will still understand the word mzungu) dating back to the 18th century.
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