Rusumo Falls, Rwanda
Posted by: Ewan McGregor | Date posted: 15/07/2007
Pictures
Ewan reflects on another day's hard ride ©
During their time in Uganda, the guys took a tour of a Fairtrade coffee co-operative.
Charley explains, 'We're here at this coffee consortium where there are 3,000 farmers who send all their coffee here and they get a decent price for their coffee. These are all workers here, and they've just been giving us a fantastic musical display, and it's been really nice after a really, really long day, it's been a really nice experience, and it's lovely here.
'It's our first experience of Uganda and I'm really enjoying Uganda, I think it's going to be a really good experience. I've got a good feeling about this place.'
Ewan is equally excited, as he introduces their guide. 'So this is Willington, who's in charge of this incredible coffee... you explain it, you're much better than I am, it's a consortium..?'
'I'm the manager, like a team leader, of the workers, all these workers,' he explains. 'I'm their team leader, so I am their boss or their manager. We all work together, and the place is called Gumutindo Coffee Enterprise.
'We get coffee from farmers and prepare it for export. The milling, the removal of the husk, the hand sorting, the bagging, the loading onto the trucks, the cup tasting to find the quality, all is done here.'
Ewan asks, 'and it looks after small farmers with tiny farms, and you've got thousands?'
'We don't have plantations,' he continues, 'they are small farmers who wouldn't be able to access the Fairtrade market, and in this they are together, forming a cooperative.'
'That's brilliant,' says Ewan, 'and they've just done this brilliant singing and dancing for us that was fantastic, here in Uganda.'
David later checks in with Ewan to see how he is feeling about their schedule. Is he still concerned that they need to be pushing on?
'No,' Ewan replies, 'I think Africa has slowed us down with the necessity of going a bit slower on the roads, and things to see. It's a much better pace now, I'm happy.
'My only worry is to meet up with Eve at the top of Malawi when we're there, I don’t want her to be hanging around for days and days and days. Because I'm just, mainly, so desperate to see her, you know? It's been eight weeks since we were at home and I just... I'm very lucky that she's coming out, I'm aware of that, that I feel… I just can't wait to see her.'
The team were after suggestions for places to visit in Zambia and Botswana. Head into the fact files to find the recommendations you sent in.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 33
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At 08:24:43 PM on 13/07/2007, Matt Robinson (Hackney, London) wrote:
Jupiters Travels
One of my favourite passages from the book is when Ted Simon is riding down red mud track and the storm clouds are in front of him and the great expanse of wilderness touches his soul with emotions of sheer terror and undescribable elation at the same time. Is it the same for you guys? Repect of the highest degree to all of you. You are doing a job at the same time, and have tv content and deadlines to worry about, (not to mention the perils and pitfalls of riding through extreme terrain), you really are 21st century Adventurers. Gonna sell the Landy and get me a 50cc Honda!!
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At 11:29:59 PM on 13/07/2007, Ute (Stuttgart, Germany) wrote:
Botswana
Not quite there, but right across the border into South Africa there's Madikwe Game Reserve. It is very natural, not yet overrun by tourists. I just loved it!
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At 11:41:09 PM on 13/07/2007, Jen (Marshfield, MA, USA) wrote:
So sweet!
I think it is adorable and so sweet that Ewan wants to see Eve so badly, and that she is going to go on part of the trip! Nice of Charley to consent to that too, hee!
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At 11:58:32 PM on 13/07/2007, Jodi (Scottsdale, AZ USA) wrote:
Whew...
Hi everyone, I almost commented the other day when Ewan took a spill and smacked his head on the ground. But after watching these clips today I couldn't resist. The mud...I almost didn't think you would make it without some outside help. Then I went to an aaawww moment after watching Ewan's clip about meeting up with his wife in Malawi. Poor Charley, it's too bad his wife couldn't make the trip! You guys have definitely been through a lot and you're all still in such great spirits. Sending my well wishes your way for a safe journey to the finish.
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At 04:55:16 AM on 14/07/2007, Michelle (Ringwood Australia) wrote:
Again Russ is not dirty
How is it with all the mud Russ remains squeeky clean again. Look at poor Jimmy? Danksy
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At 09:52:25 AM on 14/07/2007, Jenny Croft (Kinross, currently Kande Beach, Walawi) wrote:
Mushroom Farm!
I'm travelling in Malawi with my Family for one month, and found out we only just missed Euan and Charley by two days and only because you are slightly behind schedule! GUTTED! We come from Kinross in Scotland, so were very excited about the prospect of seeing you on your travels. Anyhow, we checked that your cabin was Ok when you get to the Mushroom Farm - it's great. Sure you'll love it. The shower is quite an amazing experience as well! Good luck with the trip! Jenny x PS: Left the team a wee note at the Mushroom Farm - hope you get it!
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At 10:20:26 AM on 14/07/2007, Amy McLaren (Canberra, Australia) wrote:
Team Work
Surprisingly enough, seeing that mud brings back some great memories of Africa to me. Trying to get vehicles through it is bloody hard work but it's like the world's best team building exercise don't you think?! It's great watching you guys get through it. Just like in Siberia you've got a brilliant team and you get the job done, working hard and cheering each other on. Makes for excellent watching! Keep up the good work guys and thanks for keeping all of us (LWD fans)posted!
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At 10:30:28 AM on 14/07/2007, janet (wigan) wrote:
love the show watch all the time takes me to places i only dream of
love watching the scrapes you both get in you both get on so well i can only dream of the pklaces you go to please keep traveling to far out places janet
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At 10:30:06 AM on 14/07/2007, Michelle Brunton (Kasane, Botswana) wrote:
Chobe River
The Chobe River connects Botswana to Namibia on the Caprivi strip and has some of the best wildlife in the whole of Botswana. Taking a boat trip on the Chobe is an amazing experience. From Kasane its a 10 hour drive south to the capital Gaborone, but watch out for elephants!
At 07:27:43 PM on 13/07/2007, Andrea LaRock (Santa Rosa, CA) wrote:
Uganda
I recently saw "Last King of Scotland" and it was an amazing film. It really inspired me to want to take my own adventure there. You are remarkably lucky and get to see such sites! Ahh, saw the mud you're dealing with too. Other than prying the wheels out of the mess or towing them with a larger wheeled vehicle, I'm afraid I don't know what else you could do. Ewan, would it lift your spirits at all if I told you: Despite all that grime, mud & dirt, you are still looking quite incredibly gorgeous. ;) Keep fighting and keep going guys! You're almost there! XXX Andrea
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