Romance on the shores of the lake

By Catherine Kigozi The wind blew in a cool and relaxing breeze. The clear blue waters reflected life as the water birds entertained patrons with their varied melodies. They had come for refreshment and had taken a break from the noisy and polluted city. For the majority of the people it was like being in another world. The place is Heritage Park. It is so isolated from the noise of commuter vehicles that it makes one forget one's worries. It is an ideal place for lovebirds. A fantastic spot for romance. The wild, singing birds provide free entertainment. Their songs a lullaby to couples dreaming in each other's arms. As you lie down to soak in the warmth of the sun, you also think of praising the unseen one for His wonderful creation. The park is ideal for those who want to have privacy. It is also a place for relaxation where one can get the peace of mind to ponder on a number of issues. The 70-acre park is well designed as a place of rest. It has beautiful scenery. Tom Buruku, the director, says he has not yet received a big clientele at the park. He says few people have discovered the park, but he asserts that those who have already been there often come back because of the place's setting. The gardens have well-curved pieces of art showing young energetic men and women singing and dancing, reflecting a typical African setting. The beautiful gardens adorned with flowers evoke happy teenage memories. It is a place where you will be tempted to overstay your welcome. The park is busy on the weekends, hosting a number of children, especially Asians, who steal some time with their parents to get a feel of the fresh breeze from Lake Victoria. Different from the rest of the parks around, Heritage takes many tourists back to their roots. For those in love with the mediaeval, Elizabethan and classic Greek entertainment, an amphi-theatre is already in place. Those who may feel bored after a long walk about the park can relax by watching classic plays acted. Buruku says though the park is not yet complete he aims at setting it to international standards. "I want to make this park similar to those I have been to in Rome, France, Switzerland and other places. I feel the park should have all the facilities one would want from life," he said. So far, the 10-room guesthouse is operational. He has embarked on finishing up a 100-seater conference room. He intends to set up another 30 cottages fully furnished to modern standards. Two young people found in each other's arms say they find the place very beautiful, and ideal for relaxation. They say they feel more at peace when they get out to such places. "While here, you feel so much relaxed both in the mind and the body. You are able to get uncontaminated air and fresh fish," one of them said. Once tired of continuing to offer free entertainment, the birds in a group invade the shores of the lake and start picking at objects washed up onto the lake shore. Other bids fly over the waters scavenging for small fish and fish eggs. Everything at the park goes with a coin. A medium fried fish with chips goes for sh7,000 and a soda is at sh1,000. Snacks like crisps cost sh500. Other edibles do not go below sh500.