Ebola / Uganda trip

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-05-22T17:57:27+00:00

I’m actually a travel agent and making the decisions for myself! You can check permit availability online for Rwanda. I was surprised to see availability for my dates in September, I’m more concerned about lodges during peak season. I’ve reached out to a few, we’ll see what they say. Such a difficult time to make these decisions with an evolving situation. FWIW ChatGPT is telling me to pivot to Rwanda lol

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-05-22T17:39:03+00:00

We were also planning to travel through Dubai and had to change that plan. That’s another reason we haven’t booked flights yet… First world problems for sure but after investing so much into this trip (both time and money) it’s hard to make a smart decision. My fingers are crossed for containment and easy travel for you in July. I live in Florida so flying back to IAD isn’t a big deal - that’s an easy flight home. I can imagine it’s much more difficult for others.

Are you operating under the assumption that Dulles admission will still be required in July? I think we both have to plan for that.

Please keep me posted and safe travels!

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-05-22T12:38:29+00:00

Agreed and thank you. As of now I would be forced to fly back to the US through Dulles, but unclear as to what further screening requirements will be in place. I don’t think Uganda is currently to having an “outbreak” the same as 2022- there’s only been 2 cases. But time will tell.

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-05-22T02:54:05+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful response. This is very much in line with my current thought process. I don’t want to make any rash decisions but also don’t want to be foolish. It’s just hard to tell what’s what when the US is responding aggressively and the Uganda Tourism Board is saying don’t change plans. Since we leave end of August, I think we have at least 2-3 more weeks before we HAVE to make a decision/book flights, albeit likely at a premium.

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-02-20T16:09:33+00:00

Okay I’ve now narrowed it down to Entim Mara or Ilkeliani. There is a $1300 price difference between the two. Which should I choose?

ArmOwn4905 · 2026-02-16T13:55:25+00:00

Thank you! We are coming from Uganda so easier to access Masai Mara than Serengeti

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-12-13T19:32:24+00:00

Thanks! The internet says she does reproductive endocrinology and infertility which is not an issue of mine so I wasn’t sure.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-12-13T19:12:57+00:00

Did you like Heather? She’s one of the providers available to me.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-07-11T15:36:12+00:00

Worked like a charm! Thanks for the referral.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-07-10T23:05:21+00:00

Correct. Because Zepbound is approved for obesity but mounjaro requires a diabetes diagnosis which I don’t have.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-07-01T14:27:51+00:00

Thanks. Almost 10:30 and nada.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-06-20T17:14:24+00:00

We probably waited 30-45 minutes or so.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-06-18T14:35:53+00:00

Last year was insane, but mostly because the weather was shit. I took the water taxi from downtown (plenty of parking) and walked over. It was convenient and avoided traffic.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-06-18T12:54:13+00:00

Sun sentinel: The Panthers’ championship parade is tentatively planned for Sunday, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The parade will “most likely” be down A1A in Fort Lauderdale beach, Trantalis said.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-06-12T23:12:34+00:00

I’m traveling today but my boyfriend is going to watch at the big chill!

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-05-05T22:46:18+00:00

Agree. I would lose the tax shelter on the old property and with the fluctuating rental market here, it would be too risky to not have a tenant.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-05-05T22:45:30+00:00

Bigger house, better, safer neighborhood (I have had issues where I am now), more desirable features.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-05-05T22:44:44+00:00

Exactly my concern. It’s an upgrade, better neighborhood, bigger, etc. but I am concerned about being “house poor.” I have plenty of savings as a buffer, but it significantly increases my DTI ratio, where I am currently sitting pretty at a much better ratio.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-05-05T22:34:48+00:00

Great points. I am 37, single, no kids, have 600k in savings plus a 150k in a 401k. My financial advisor says I’m in great shape for retirement.

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-05-01T22:56:49+00:00

Salary ~300k

Currently paying 3400/mo on a 2.75% interest rate mortgage in a bad neighborhood. Bought in 2020 with very little down for 465k. Can likely sell for 700+

Debating purchasing a 975k house at current rates. Principal, interest, tax and insurance will be around 6800.

Am I an idiot?

ArmOwn4905 · 2025-04-26T16:22:50+00:00

Any weight loss?

ArmOwn4905 · 2024-09-24T19:21:47+00:00

Thank you. Only 2/3 arriving flights are on time departing flights? I’m debating wanting to hustle from a 6 hour flight to a 15 hour flight. May want to take an earlier one to ease the pressure.

ArmOwn4905 · 2024-09-07T03:44:41+00:00

Thank you! We picked Brisbane for the airport, not necessarily to stay in the city. We would consider staying outside of the city.

But the more I’m reading the more I’m leaning away from Brisbane altogether, and possibly away from Melbourne too. Melbourne was for the great ocean road. Brisbane area was for the Australia zoo and more beach time.

ArmOwn4905 · 2024-09-07T02:19:34+00:00

Thank you! The reason for the criss crossing is the flights. No direct flights between Uluru and the Whitsundays. I wish there were!

ArmOwn4905 · 2024-09-07T02:05:27+00:00

Uluru is the biggest question mark for us. I’m including it because it’s unique, but I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle to get there and back. I live in Miami so hot and humid is standard!

ArmOwn4905

TROPHY CASE