Life & Times in Uganda

So things are still crazy here, but I have some time to write some general notes so far:

Shops
-Store keepers come up with some very innovative signs to get at the western market. Who wouldn't want to enjoy an arresting dinner at "finger-linking chicken" or bite into something delicious from the bakery next door: "Hot Loaf"?

Toys
-As a former toy expert, I feel obligated to report on Ugandan toys. So far I've seen approximately 3 toys in my travels.

1. the most popular and probably the coolest is a wheel attached to a stick--a homemade push toy basically. Other variations include a cardboard wheel instead of metal or a hunk of circular plastic.

2. rolling an old tire with a stick and trying not to hit stuff. I guess this is considered a toy, it's cool nonetheless and I think is popular round the world.

3. a belt buckle. Ok, i've only seen one of these in action, but it was well-enjoyed by two 2-year olds on a blanket. pretty simple.

In general-- most American parents would tweak out a bit at the lack of obsessive parental hovering and safety measures. In the village that I recently stayed, Simatico, a 2-3 yr old was often seen playing with a rusty old hoe or, occasionally, carrying a machete. I'm fairly certain these things aren't approved for his age bracket.

Bricks

Well, not everyone is that interested in bricks, brickmaking or clay, but I'm certain there are a few die-hard fans who care, so I will report on them.

People make a ton of bricks here. The vast majority of houses are made of local bricks which are then covered with a layer of cement. (unfortunately). Traveling thru rural areas or even just ouside of Kampala you can see people forming bricks in molds. Once formed, they are set out to dry for a bit under some grass. Then, at some point they are stacked into a sort of kiln shape, sometimes very tall, and covered with a layer of mud. The brickmakers leave a few holes in the bottom which they then light fires in. Fire away and after a while you've got yourself fresh bricks.

I was going to write a bit about the food here but I think that will have to wait as my time on this computer is nearing the end. Hopefully more updates will follow. I'm heading to a village near Masaka on Wednesday to check out a new project that I hope to work with so wish me luck.

Ahh! What Am I Doing!?

Well hello everyone. I have a bit of time so I thought I'd post an update of my Ugandan situation. Because things here have not gone quite according to plan.

I've been here for about 2 weeks now and have had moments of being super sad and moments of complete happiness and excitement. I suppose that's not unusual for any traveller though. The most difficult part of my time here has been trying to decide whether or not I can actually do the project I came to work on. I travelled to the village where I would be staying and saw some gardens and some schools. I stayed with the poorest family I've ever met, who also happened to be some of the most open-hearted people I've met. My time in the village was very nice, but was overwhelmed by my inability to understand anyone around me or communicate with anyone except for my host, who is not always on top of updating me. In the end, this issue, coupled with a few other things led me to the decision that I wouldn't be able to swing it in the village for 4 months by myself with no one to really talk to. It was a really tough call.

So I ended up back here in Kampala, living in a hostel and attempting to figure out a plan b. This week I will be heading back to Masaka district to try out a program called the Uganda Rural Fund for a week or so. (www.ugandaruralfund.org) So wish me luck as I venture about and search for some way to contribute my time while I'm here!

I'm sorry this post has not been more exciting and really hasn't said much about what I've been doing/experiencing here. I promise to update at some point, either here or through email.

I miss everyone very much. Hope all is well!