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.
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hehe the memories, our kids were also very impressed with the banana fibre dolls the girls make. Very ingenious and realistic, keep an eye out I think you will love them. Oh and one time a saw a kid make some stilts and was very proficent at stilt walking- unlike myself hehee fun trying tho
ReplyDeleteOh! Can you bring be back a rusty hoe for my xmas present next year? I've wanted one since I was a lil' Magor.
ReplyDeleteHey darlin'! Needless to say, I've always wanted a machete of my very own... Not sure what I would do with it, but I'm fairly certain that my landlady wouldn't appreciate my efforts at redecorating.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the potential projects! Thinking of you and wishing you great adventures of the non-dysentery kind!
Muchos smootchos, Scott
Ah the bricks! I have a hunch that the brick section was aimed at me? thanks for the brick info. Have you seen people or heard of people making utilitarian ware?
ReplyDeleteGood luck ali! somehow i missed this update, but i'm glad i found it eventually!
oh, and do children ever line the road with bananas or anything? sarah and i used to line the road with apples and watch the cars run them over...that was great... but i guess maybe the goats and ducks might eat the bananas...