SOPHIE N
26. toukokuuta 2025
During a recent business trip with my company Safari Lux Travel accompanied by photographer partner Tom, we were warmly welcomed by Opio at the historic Masindi Hotel in Uganda. To our surprise, we even caught a glimpse of the Queen Mother of Bunyoro during our stay. Opio, a passionate storyteller with a deep knowledge of the Bunyoro Kingdom’s rich history, immediately began sharing tales of King Kabalega, the British colonial era, Hemingway, and the filming of The African Queen. The Masindi Hotel has hosted great kings, queens, and adventurers—and the walls seem to echo with their stories. We specifically requested Room 8, famously known as the Hemingway Room. This was where Ernest Hemingway recuperated after surviving two plane crashes in the African bush in 1954. Bruised, burned, and mistakenly declared dead, Hemingway emerged days later—alive, battered, and reportedly celebrating with gin and champagne. He spent time here healing, reflecting, and writing. As I sat at the same reading table where he once crafted his legendary prose, I felt his presence. I was reminded of two profound truths: great stories often arise from what didn’t go as planned—and every setback, no matter how dramatic, might become part of the greater narrative we’re meant to tell. If you want to be part of a great chapter of history, I encourage you to stay at Masindi Hotel. The staff are friendly and professional, the atmosphere is rich with heritage, and the dining was a pleasant surprise—we enjoyed a Chinese dinner, and it was great to see such a diverse menu.
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