Yesterday, Lance started his trek up Mt. Margherita, Africa's third highest peak. The trek is too technical for a novice, so I will be flying solo for the next week. Admittedly, I am a bit nervous for what the week will bring, as this is my first experience traveling alone. If that weren't enough, it is quite obvious that I am not a native, but a tourist.

After leaving Lance at the base of the mountain, I traveled to nearby Fort Portal. Most of my day was spent acclimating myself with the town and arranging day trips.

Today, I traveled to Semuliki National Park. The ride here was breathtaking, cutting through the mountainous terrain, overlooking Uganda's rainforests and savannahs. I hiked for a few hours through the rainforest before reaching the national park's claim to fame: the hot springs. It has both male and female springs, both violently boiling and emitting a thick fog of steam. The terrain at the springs resembles something that I would picture from outer space. My lunch was boiled in the cooler female springs. Eggs, potatoes, avocado and bananas. Mmmm!

After a bit more hiking, I reached a series of caves. My tour guide told me much more about stalagmites and stalactites than I ever cared to know, but he was very pleased to show me around. The admission to the caves helps to fund a nearby school. There was also a really beautiful waterfall. They're my favorite, so I lingered here a while before making my way back to Fort Portal.

Let's see…cheese sandwich or vegetable curry tonight? Regardless of what it says on the menu, I think all meat is mystery meat in Uganda, so I steer clear of it! My vegetarian options have been few!