Yep, it's that time of the year again. Time for snow days, egg nog, long nights by the fire... oh wait, none of those things exist in my Ugandan style Christmas. Oh well, we'll make do, like we did last year. This time I'm going to be spending my holiday at Kabulasoke Primary Teacher's College, where another volunteer in my group works. There's going to be lots of Holiday cheer involved, as well as a Christmas day soccer match, I believe. It should be a good time, and like the good southwesterner I am, I'm bringing the cheese (good midwesterner as well). If nothing else, at least we've got cheese.
I'm a little nervous about leaving my dog for the holidays, despite the fact that he's survived multiple times without me there, including when he was a little guy and much more vulnerable to whatever it is I fear is going to happen to him. But after I attended the Japan vs. America sports extravaganza in Ndegya, I returned to find him not eating and then he slept for two straight days. He's back to his old self now, so don't you worry your pretty little faces, but I don't know what caused the lapse. This morning he shied away from a furry caterpillar, so perhaps that was what happened to him. They might look and seem innocent enough, but the furry caterpillars here will break off their hairs in your skin if you touch them, and it doesn't feel good. They may even be poisonous, I don't know. Spencer really likes hunting crickets, probably because they are the only things he can actually catch, so I fear he may have tried hunting a caterpillar with adverse results. At least he now knows not to do it again.
Other than that, not a whole lot else going on around these parts. Just waiting for my younger brother to arrive here in the UG so I can cart him off to Kenya. That should be a fun vacation, several other volunteers are going to come with us so we will have a good time. Laying on the beach beside the ocean is a good time no matter who you're with, so we really can't go wrong. Let's just hope I remember my sunscreen:). I got burned the other day just sitting outside and playing soccer, on a very overcast day, so fortune is not on my side. I'll just go prepared.
Well, I guess that's enough for now, despite the lapse in entries, there just isn't much to talk about during the breaks from school. I'm off to make some chocolate chip cookies now, so eat your hearts out.
Peace
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Used to be Commander in Chief of my Pimp Ship Flying High...
Ok so I really just like that lyric, I think Neyo is brilliant and should probably get an award for that one. So rap lyrics aside, I should update you on my life. Since the title has nothing to do with the content, which is terrible weather, here you go. It's getting to be the heavy part of the rainy season, and the roads by me are paying a high toll. I could hear from my house last night the bus that goes by me struggling through the mud and muck, and that was around 10pm. It usually goes by at about 8 or 8:30, but the rain was heavy yesterday and apparently it had to be pushed by the passengers for about 5 miles or so because it could not get through it on it's own.
I say pave the roads. I know it's not an incredibly well traveled traffic artery or anything, but there is bus service and plenty of taxis venture down that way, and it would just be safer. Sure, we'd lose some of the bucolic charm the dirt roads provide to the area, but the safety of paved roads in the rainy season and the lack of dust during the dry season would more than make up for the loss in atmosphere. I'm sure it will not happen for many years, however, because we are so far away from the capital and the workings of government, I sometimes think those in charge forget we're here. Oh well, at least they give us a tractor that looks like a giant snow plow (I'm from Wisconsin, after all) to try to rid the roads of the quagmire. When it is in use, it works, but the rains do not care about the travel needs of us villagers, and so whether or not the plow is in use the rains come again and re-muck up the roads.
The vehicles still attempt passage, however and it makes for a hair-raising ride. We fishtailed through it for the couple of miles of boggy road from yesterday's rains, and I did not enjoy my front row seat. I would have preferred to have been located in the 2nd or 3rd row of the taxi, exactly in the middle, pinned between multiple bodies with no view whatsoever of the outside world. It used to make me claustrophobic, now however it makes me feel safe, wedged in with plenty of cushion in case anything happens. Oh well. We made it through with no dire consequences. Let's hope my lucky streak continues.
Peace
I say pave the roads. I know it's not an incredibly well traveled traffic artery or anything, but there is bus service and plenty of taxis venture down that way, and it would just be safer. Sure, we'd lose some of the bucolic charm the dirt roads provide to the area, but the safety of paved roads in the rainy season and the lack of dust during the dry season would more than make up for the loss in atmosphere. I'm sure it will not happen for many years, however, because we are so far away from the capital and the workings of government, I sometimes think those in charge forget we're here. Oh well, at least they give us a tractor that looks like a giant snow plow (I'm from Wisconsin, after all) to try to rid the roads of the quagmire. When it is in use, it works, but the rains do not care about the travel needs of us villagers, and so whether or not the plow is in use the rains come again and re-muck up the roads.
The vehicles still attempt passage, however and it makes for a hair-raising ride. We fishtailed through it for the couple of miles of boggy road from yesterday's rains, and I did not enjoy my front row seat. I would have preferred to have been located in the 2nd or 3rd row of the taxi, exactly in the middle, pinned between multiple bodies with no view whatsoever of the outside world. It used to make me claustrophobic, now however it makes me feel safe, wedged in with plenty of cushion in case anything happens. Oh well. We made it through with no dire consequences. Let's hope my lucky streak continues.
Peace
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween, Mwahahahahahaha
Happy Halloween all, and I hope it's a great one. Dave, I hear your costume is quite interesting, I must see pictures. I'm sure you are the bell of the ball. No real Halloween plans here, last night we watched Hocus Pocus and Trick'r'Treat while eating chili and sugar cookies with orange and brown frosting, so it was quite an eventful evening. Oh and I can't forget about the caramel corn with g-nuts, which was very tasty, somewhat like cracker jacks. No costumes this year, could just be because I'm lazy and never looked for one, or there is no celebration to attend, either one. Take your pick.
We just finished midterms the other week and are fast approaching finals, only two weeks left before they begin, and then it's the holiday which will go until the first week in February. I'm excited for this break because Dan will come for a visit, and hopefully we'll do something incredibly fun and interesting, because that's just how we are. Fun and interesting I mean.
I don't have a whole lot else to talk about, I had running water for most of this week, which was very exciting. I got to take a shower and wash my hair, do lots of laundry which skinned my fingers raw, mop my floor, and do lots of dishes. It was all great fun. It's amazing what you look forward to when not much else is happening. I also read three books this week, and enjoyed them immensely. Of course two of them were Harry Potter (2 and 3, I'm starting again, for like the 15th time) but the third was the Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood, which was very good and I highly suggest you read it. I'm only trying to improve your literacy, so take my advice and pick it up.
Well, that's all for now, but I'll try to write again soon, and everyone else should write to me as well. I demand it. And Jenni, thanks for the card, cause it was one of 2 that I received, the other one from my mother. But I'm not bitter, so don't worry:)
Peace
We just finished midterms the other week and are fast approaching finals, only two weeks left before they begin, and then it's the holiday which will go until the first week in February. I'm excited for this break because Dan will come for a visit, and hopefully we'll do something incredibly fun and interesting, because that's just how we are. Fun and interesting I mean.
I don't have a whole lot else to talk about, I had running water for most of this week, which was very exciting. I got to take a shower and wash my hair, do lots of laundry which skinned my fingers raw, mop my floor, and do lots of dishes. It was all great fun. It's amazing what you look forward to when not much else is happening. I also read three books this week, and enjoyed them immensely. Of course two of them were Harry Potter (2 and 3, I'm starting again, for like the 15th time) but the third was the Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood, which was very good and I highly suggest you read it. I'm only trying to improve your literacy, so take my advice and pick it up.
Well, that's all for now, but I'll try to write again soon, and everyone else should write to me as well. I demand it. And Jenni, thanks for the card, cause it was one of 2 that I received, the other one from my mother. But I'm not bitter, so don't worry:)
Peace
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Close Call
Well, it's official, I'm now 26 years old. It's hard to believe, but true. I think that means I'm finally supposed to figure out what I'm doing with my life, but it may take a few more years yet. At least I have a beginning, I have started the applications for grad school, so eventually I may have something figured out. Oh well.
It was an exciting birthday. Kind of. I went to Kampala for the weekend, and everything went fine, I even got a lot of work done for the applications, but the return journey was a little different than what I'm used to. Everything was going fine until we hit the dirt road that goes to my house. I was pretty excited because the bus had made good time up to this point, and I thought I would be home at 7, or just before it gets dark. Well, something always happens when I get cocky and think that things are going to continue to go well for me, and so things obviously had to go wrong.
It's the rainy season, so the roads aren't in the best condition at the moment, and rains were heavy recently. I noticed something was wrong when we were on a slight incline but seemed to be slowing considerably. Eventually we stopped, and this was not a steep part of the road, let me tell you. But we could all feel the tires skidding and losing traction, and knew what the problem was. This particular stretch of road is incredibly prone to landslides and bad conditions, so every able bodied passenger (except for myself because I wasn't exactly sure what everyone was saying) got off the bus to try to help push the thing up the hill. The driver tried to accelerate, and everyone else was pushing, when suddenly the bus fishtailed and the rear end slid towards the edge of the road. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if there was a barrier of some sort, or no 30 foot drop on the other side, but only a small ledge of earth existed between the wheels of the bus and the drop. So the last passenger, an old man, and myself decided it was time to also vacate the bus. We got out, and the bus workers grabbed a hoe from the locals and began to dig out the areas in front of each of the tires and place dry dirt and sand in front of the tires. I stood beside the road watching helplessly, hoping something would go right. I was only 20 km from home, but it was getting dark and I didn't want to make that walk at night with all of my luggage. So I watched on as the bus continued to slide further and further to the edge, but luckily the ledge kept the bus on the road, it being lighter from having no passengers. The people pushing got the thing up the incline, and eventually we all jumped back on, although I was quite alert for the remainder of my ride. A little excitement in an otherwise calm and eventless 8 hour ride.
I got home safe and sound, and am here to tell the story, so no harm done. I probably would have survived if the thing had gone over the edge anyway, since the drop was only like 30 feet. But at least I didn't have to go through that! And sorry mom, for worrying you. Dan told me you were kind of freaking out, it wasn't that big of a deal, I was just worried because I didn't want to walk home in the dark:). I hope they can do something about that part of the road, because even in small cars you fishtail through the entire thing, and the rainy season has barely begun. I could be in for some more hair raising adventures.
It was an exciting birthday. Kind of. I went to Kampala for the weekend, and everything went fine, I even got a lot of work done for the applications, but the return journey was a little different than what I'm used to. Everything was going fine until we hit the dirt road that goes to my house. I was pretty excited because the bus had made good time up to this point, and I thought I would be home at 7, or just before it gets dark. Well, something always happens when I get cocky and think that things are going to continue to go well for me, and so things obviously had to go wrong.
It's the rainy season, so the roads aren't in the best condition at the moment, and rains were heavy recently. I noticed something was wrong when we were on a slight incline but seemed to be slowing considerably. Eventually we stopped, and this was not a steep part of the road, let me tell you. But we could all feel the tires skidding and losing traction, and knew what the problem was. This particular stretch of road is incredibly prone to landslides and bad conditions, so every able bodied passenger (except for myself because I wasn't exactly sure what everyone was saying) got off the bus to try to help push the thing up the hill. The driver tried to accelerate, and everyone else was pushing, when suddenly the bus fishtailed and the rear end slid towards the edge of the road. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if there was a barrier of some sort, or no 30 foot drop on the other side, but only a small ledge of earth existed between the wheels of the bus and the drop. So the last passenger, an old man, and myself decided it was time to also vacate the bus. We got out, and the bus workers grabbed a hoe from the locals and began to dig out the areas in front of each of the tires and place dry dirt and sand in front of the tires. I stood beside the road watching helplessly, hoping something would go right. I was only 20 km from home, but it was getting dark and I didn't want to make that walk at night with all of my luggage. So I watched on as the bus continued to slide further and further to the edge, but luckily the ledge kept the bus on the road, it being lighter from having no passengers. The people pushing got the thing up the incline, and eventually we all jumped back on, although I was quite alert for the remainder of my ride. A little excitement in an otherwise calm and eventless 8 hour ride.
I got home safe and sound, and am here to tell the story, so no harm done. I probably would have survived if the thing had gone over the edge anyway, since the drop was only like 30 feet. But at least I didn't have to go through that! And sorry mom, for worrying you. Dan told me you were kind of freaking out, it wasn't that big of a deal, I was just worried because I didn't want to walk home in the dark:). I hope they can do something about that part of the road, because even in small cars you fishtail through the entire thing, and the rainy season has barely begun. I could be in for some more hair raising adventures.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Back to School...
Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad I'm not a fool... so the wise Billy Madison once said. Third term has begun and I'm teaching my senior ones math once again. They always enjoy the beginning of the term because I hand out the candy and prizes for doing well on the exams from the previous term. It's kind of a bribe for my kids to keep liking me and continue to listen when I speak to them. So far its working...
I missed a few days of teaching due to getting stuck in Kampala during the riots over the Kabaka's (King of the Baganda) visit to Kayunga, but otherwise things are going well. I'm getting used to being back in Uganda, and used to teaching again. Not a whole lot is new, I'm still trying to train Spencer to behave properly, and now the new puppy Elf too, and living on a farm is always interesting. We have two new calves and two more on the way, which is always exciting. I also recently removed two little lizards from inhabiting my bathroom and dirty dishes basin. While I do enjoy lizards due to their bug eating habit, I don't enjoy them crawling around my bathroom while I"m bathing (or other bathroom duties) and I don't enjoy running into them while I'm cleaning my dishes. But luckily lizards aren't poisonous and these ones didn't even try to bite me as I removed them with my bare hands (I'm incredibly brave if you didn't know that about me, considering they were less than an inch long).
Again it may be a while before I write another blog, simply because my weekends are now going to be spent trying to apply to graduate school, which could be interesting considering the amount of computer time and internet access I have. Oh well. You'll hear from me again soon.
Peace
I missed a few days of teaching due to getting stuck in Kampala during the riots over the Kabaka's (King of the Baganda) visit to Kayunga, but otherwise things are going well. I'm getting used to being back in Uganda, and used to teaching again. Not a whole lot is new, I'm still trying to train Spencer to behave properly, and now the new puppy Elf too, and living on a farm is always interesting. We have two new calves and two more on the way, which is always exciting. I also recently removed two little lizards from inhabiting my bathroom and dirty dishes basin. While I do enjoy lizards due to their bug eating habit, I don't enjoy them crawling around my bathroom while I"m bathing (or other bathroom duties) and I don't enjoy running into them while I'm cleaning my dishes. But luckily lizards aren't poisonous and these ones didn't even try to bite me as I removed them with my bare hands (I'm incredibly brave if you didn't know that about me, considering they were less than an inch long).
Again it may be a while before I write another blog, simply because my weekends are now going to be spent trying to apply to graduate school, which could be interesting considering the amount of computer time and internet access I have. Oh well. You'll hear from me again soon.
Peace
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Back In the UG
Hey everyone,
I'm back in Uganda, safe and sound after 4 hours of car travel, 12 hours of bus travel, and 16 hours of plane travel, not including layovers and just plain waiting around. It was a lovely journey I can tell you, and my ankles won't go back to their normal size for weeks. I'm lucky I didn't get deep vein thrombosis. I'm not sure exactly what that is, but the airline cards in the seat pockets warn you about it, so don't you worry, I did plenty of ankle stretches to prevent it from happening.
That's all I got for now, cause I'm tired and want to sleep, but rest assured that I have returned safely and will get back to saving the world in short order.
cheers
I'm back in Uganda, safe and sound after 4 hours of car travel, 12 hours of bus travel, and 16 hours of plane travel, not including layovers and just plain waiting around. It was a lovely journey I can tell you, and my ankles won't go back to their normal size for weeks. I'm lucky I didn't get deep vein thrombosis. I'm not sure exactly what that is, but the airline cards in the seat pockets warn you about it, so don't you worry, I did plenty of ankle stretches to prevent it from happening.
That's all I got for now, cause I'm tired and want to sleep, but rest assured that I have returned safely and will get back to saving the world in short order.
cheers
Friday, July 24, 2009
Impulse Buys
We've all done it. Picked up that last minute candy bar, ice cold soda, trashy gossip magazine at the check-out counter in the supermarket. I love impulse buys. They're fun and always unneccessary. Here in Uganda, specifically Kabale for me, the impulse buys are a little different.
Last time I was at the supermarket, my impulse buy was the delicious looking new brand of peanut butter, which had caramel crunchies embedded throughout the peannutty goodness. It was a successful purchase, although I'll gain about 20 pounds if I buy it any more, because I ate a jar in about 2 days.
The time before that it was the pretzels I saw for the very first time here in this country, and was so excited I couldn't stop myself. I bought 3 bags. I shared them, and they got old because they were flavored which was wierd, and I haven't bought them since, but it was a fun time and I enjoyed the purchase.
The lastest impulse has been different even for my standards. A boy came to the back yard of my and my neighbors house last week with a chicken. I saw the chicken and couldn't help myself, I wanted to buy it. They're only about 10,000/= ($5.00) for a whole live chicken, and let's face it, everyone's got one. I see them in the buses, crowding the overhead luggage compartments. On the floor of the taxi's under the seats, pecking at my feet. Tied to the tops of sedans in packs of 30 or more. Laying out front of stores with their feet tied, they're everywhere (ubiquitous, GRE word, look it up) and I wanted one too. I inquired with my neighbor as to whether or not the chicken the boy was jabbering over was for sale, but alas, no. He had found it wandering around and was looking for it's owner, not trying to sell it.
It's probably a good thing, because I really don't need impulse buys that squawk, eat my dogs food, and shit all over my floor.
Last time I was at the supermarket, my impulse buy was the delicious looking new brand of peanut butter, which had caramel crunchies embedded throughout the peannutty goodness. It was a successful purchase, although I'll gain about 20 pounds if I buy it any more, because I ate a jar in about 2 days.
The time before that it was the pretzels I saw for the very first time here in this country, and was so excited I couldn't stop myself. I bought 3 bags. I shared them, and they got old because they were flavored which was wierd, and I haven't bought them since, but it was a fun time and I enjoyed the purchase.
The lastest impulse has been different even for my standards. A boy came to the back yard of my and my neighbors house last week with a chicken. I saw the chicken and couldn't help myself, I wanted to buy it. They're only about 10,000/= ($5.00) for a whole live chicken, and let's face it, everyone's got one. I see them in the buses, crowding the overhead luggage compartments. On the floor of the taxi's under the seats, pecking at my feet. Tied to the tops of sedans in packs of 30 or more. Laying out front of stores with their feet tied, they're everywhere (ubiquitous, GRE word, look it up) and I wanted one too. I inquired with my neighbor as to whether or not the chicken the boy was jabbering over was for sale, but alas, no. He had found it wandering around and was looking for it's owner, not trying to sell it.
It's probably a good thing, because I really don't need impulse buys that squawk, eat my dogs food, and shit all over my floor.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sand and Sun
Oh the Sese Islands. What a wierd and wonderful little place. It's an island chain in Lake Victoria, and well worth a visit, even if you have to let your comfort bubble be invaded a little bit in order to get there.
It's nothing too different from normal travel around Uganda, the usual hassles are involved; obnoxious conductors, overcrowded taxis that stop every few minutes, hot buses with lots of smelly exhaust, etc. But there are some new and wonderful things to deal with once you reach the shores of Lake Victoria.
The boats that travel like water taxis to all of the islands are large and cannot come all the way to the shore, and are anchored probably 20 to 40 feet away from the waterline. To get to these boats you have to hire a porter, which I didn't really understand until I got there meant a human porter to porter you from the shore to the boat. Oh how I love being carried by Ugandan men, especially since they are quite unafraid to tell you just how heavy you are. But they are strong and reliable, and could even carry my ass along with my backpack, no easy feat I assure you.
So after that embarrassment, I'm finally in the boat with those going as well, and we get to ride about 3 hours to reach our island. It would be a nice and beautiful ride, except you can't see over the sides of the boat, and so stare at the wooden sides of the boat, trying not to think about what would happen if that patch over there started to leak heavily and also avoiding thinking about how sore your butt's going to be after riding on these wooden benches.
But despite all of the problems, the trip was totally worth it (including the 7 hour bus ride to get to Kampala prior to the taxis, etc. to get to the boat). The island was amazing and relaxing, and I enjoyed the 4th of July weekend sitting around a bonfire, so besides the lack of explosive fireworks, it felt rather like home. And then 6 am Sunday morning rolls around, and I have to repeat the entire traveling process again...
Oh well. That's life (in Uganda).
Cheers
It's nothing too different from normal travel around Uganda, the usual hassles are involved; obnoxious conductors, overcrowded taxis that stop every few minutes, hot buses with lots of smelly exhaust, etc. But there are some new and wonderful things to deal with once you reach the shores of Lake Victoria.
The boats that travel like water taxis to all of the islands are large and cannot come all the way to the shore, and are anchored probably 20 to 40 feet away from the waterline. To get to these boats you have to hire a porter, which I didn't really understand until I got there meant a human porter to porter you from the shore to the boat. Oh how I love being carried by Ugandan men, especially since they are quite unafraid to tell you just how heavy you are. But they are strong and reliable, and could even carry my ass along with my backpack, no easy feat I assure you.
So after that embarrassment, I'm finally in the boat with those going as well, and we get to ride about 3 hours to reach our island. It would be a nice and beautiful ride, except you can't see over the sides of the boat, and so stare at the wooden sides of the boat, trying not to think about what would happen if that patch over there started to leak heavily and also avoiding thinking about how sore your butt's going to be after riding on these wooden benches.
But despite all of the problems, the trip was totally worth it (including the 7 hour bus ride to get to Kampala prior to the taxis, etc. to get to the boat). The island was amazing and relaxing, and I enjoyed the 4th of July weekend sitting around a bonfire, so besides the lack of explosive fireworks, it felt rather like home. And then 6 am Sunday morning rolls around, and I have to repeat the entire traveling process again...
Oh well. That's life (in Uganda).
Cheers
Friday, July 3, 2009
Mama I'm Coming Home!
But only for a visit, don't worry. I just like those words because they are immortal words spoken by the wise Ozzy Osbourne. Times have changed, and times are strange, etc.
The ticket is bought, the vacation request is approved (I believe) and I'm making my plans. I'm keeping it fairly open, but I know for certain I have to do the following things:
1. Eat good pizza.
2. Have a burrito
3. Eat bread that isn't stale
4. Drive a car
5. Bake something
6. Use fast internet
7. See my dog
8. Drink some GOOD Wisconsin tap beer
9. Oh, and I guess I'll have to put in an appearance with my friends too.
You get the picture. I'm pretty excited, but I hope I don't say too many strange Uganda-isms while I'm there. Just look at me strangely when I say something funny, and preferably make a comment, and I'll get back to normal quickly.
I arrive in Madison the evening of the 14th of August and am leaving the 31st. So get ready, and prepare yourselves. I know you all can't wait to see me.
Peace
The ticket is bought, the vacation request is approved (I believe) and I'm making my plans. I'm keeping it fairly open, but I know for certain I have to do the following things:
1. Eat good pizza.
2. Have a burrito
3. Eat bread that isn't stale
4. Drive a car
5. Bake something
6. Use fast internet
7. See my dog
8. Drink some GOOD Wisconsin tap beer
9. Oh, and I guess I'll have to put in an appearance with my friends too.
You get the picture. I'm pretty excited, but I hope I don't say too many strange Uganda-isms while I'm there. Just look at me strangely when I say something funny, and preferably make a comment, and I'll get back to normal quickly.
I arrive in Madison the evening of the 14th of August and am leaving the 31st. So get ready, and prepare yourselves. I know you all can't wait to see me.
Peace
Friday, May 29, 2009
I Got Wheels!
Hello Everybody!
I hope all is well in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I just wanted to write a blog since it's been a couple of weeks and to let everyone know that I finally bought a bicycle. I've been debating about it for about a year now, but finally a volunteer near me just decided she wasn't riding her bicycle enough and that she would sell it to me, so I finally did it.
I've been riding around the village a bit, and am learning that while I assumed the roads were not hilly because walking small hills is not difficult, hauling your ass up those same hills on a bike isn't so easy. And then there's the going down the other side part of it. This is incredibly scary for me, because my roads are not what you would call smooth. They are made of packed dirt and have many potholes and rocks all over the place. So cruising down a hill at a speed faster than the cars go is incredibly frightening, although don't any of you worry, I always wear my helmet. It makes me look really good too.
I'm working up my strength on the bike so that hopefully I can ride all the way to Kisiizi Falls (16k) on it to use internet and possibly do some good vegetable shopping. That could take awhile though. I might be able to make it that far by the time Casey gets here in 2010. That would be good though too, because then I can ride my bike to visit her.
Well, that's pretty short, but it's all I got for now. Keep me in your hearts and minds, hopefully picturing me in my lovely bike helmet cruising crazy downhill slopes or puffing on the uphill side. It's a pretty picture, I know.
Nothin but love for ya.
I hope all is well in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I just wanted to write a blog since it's been a couple of weeks and to let everyone know that I finally bought a bicycle. I've been debating about it for about a year now, but finally a volunteer near me just decided she wasn't riding her bicycle enough and that she would sell it to me, so I finally did it.
I've been riding around the village a bit, and am learning that while I assumed the roads were not hilly because walking small hills is not difficult, hauling your ass up those same hills on a bike isn't so easy. And then there's the going down the other side part of it. This is incredibly scary for me, because my roads are not what you would call smooth. They are made of packed dirt and have many potholes and rocks all over the place. So cruising down a hill at a speed faster than the cars go is incredibly frightening, although don't any of you worry, I always wear my helmet. It makes me look really good too.
I'm working up my strength on the bike so that hopefully I can ride all the way to Kisiizi Falls (16k) on it to use internet and possibly do some good vegetable shopping. That could take awhile though. I might be able to make it that far by the time Casey gets here in 2010. That would be good though too, because then I can ride my bike to visit her.
Well, that's pretty short, but it's all I got for now. Keep me in your hearts and minds, hopefully picturing me in my lovely bike helmet cruising crazy downhill slopes or puffing on the uphill side. It's a pretty picture, I know.
Nothin but love for ya.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
18 Hours From Home...
Hey everyone,
Sorry it's been so long since my last blog, but internet is being stubborn in Kabale, and I haven't been able to access it long enough to complete one. But not I'm in Soroti, which is in eastern Uganda, visiting the other volunteers who are on the completely opposite side of the country from where I live, approximately 18 hours by bus if you wanted to go straight from one to the other. Uganda is such a small country, but apparently it takes forever to cross it.
Here is quite different from Kabale, as it is hot and dry and very dusty. Right now I am the color of the roads because I'm so gross and dirty, but hopefully that will change after I bathe a bit later today. You never know though, because this dirt is pretty tricky, and can stick with you for days or even weeks.
I just was in Kampala this week for our midservice conference, which marks one year of our Peace Corps service. It's an exciting landmark, and now I feel like our group is on the downhill slide of this thing and very soon we'll be finished. It's crazy, I never thought I would feel like my time here was short, but 2 years goes incredibly fast when ... well I'm not exactly sure why the 2 years is going fast, but I'm reading a lot of books and learning how to sit still and stare at the wall for hours at a time. Silences being awkward? Doesn't exist here.
Anyway, I've been hogging another volunteer's computer for awhile now, and its time to pass it on and share with others. See mom? I did learn something from you.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Let Me Live Here, You Will
I had an interesting couple of weeks. I was sitting in my living room, minding my own business and reading a book, when my nieghbor called my name. "Megan, come out here and look at this." I didn't know what he wanted, but figured I'd go take a look. I go out behind my house, and there at my back door is a 4 to 6 week old puppy, skeletal from lack of food and covered in 20 or more ticks. "Spencer produced!" was my nieghbor's comment, because this little thing did look somewhat like my current dog. I felt so bad for the skinny little thing and so gave it a can of tuna to perk it up a bit. It then walked into my house, ate Spencer's leftover bones, and laid down in his bed. When Spencer returned from wherever he was, the little thing decided he was going to protect me from the evil giant and began barking and growling at him. This little puppy is the size of Spencer's head, but doesn't lack any gumption, based on his bravado throughout the situation.
I left for Kampala the next day, and decided that if the dog stuck around I would at least feed it and take care of its ticks until I could find it a home, because it seemed that he had adopted me as his human. Besides, his ears stick out and he looks a lot like Yoda, so I had already named him, which we all know is a bad sign. Well, I got back from the weekend in Kampala and he was still there. My neighbor tells me Spencer took to protecting the little bugger from the other big dogs in the area, who have a propensity to kill unattended puppies. So by the time I got back, these two were best friends and Yoda was following Spencer around like his own little Mini-Me. And after over a week of good food and a comfy place to sleep, the little guy is perking up and has even started to lift and wag its tail.
So now I'm pretty sure the neighborhood dogs are talking to each other and telling each other that my place is a good spot for a free meal. I'm guessing that soon I'll be running a dog kennel. I guess I always knew it was only a matter of time before I became a crazy dog lady, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. Luckily I have a taker for this current puppy, and soon I'll just be back to my one dog, which is more than enough.
I left for Kampala the next day, and decided that if the dog stuck around I would at least feed it and take care of its ticks until I could find it a home, because it seemed that he had adopted me as his human. Besides, his ears stick out and he looks a lot like Yoda, so I had already named him, which we all know is a bad sign. Well, I got back from the weekend in Kampala and he was still there. My neighbor tells me Spencer took to protecting the little bugger from the other big dogs in the area, who have a propensity to kill unattended puppies. So by the time I got back, these two were best friends and Yoda was following Spencer around like his own little Mini-Me. And after over a week of good food and a comfy place to sleep, the little guy is perking up and has even started to lift and wag its tail.
So now I'm pretty sure the neighborhood dogs are talking to each other and telling each other that my place is a good spot for a free meal. I'm guessing that soon I'll be running a dog kennel. I guess I always knew it was only a matter of time before I became a crazy dog lady, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. Luckily I have a taker for this current puppy, and soon I'll just be back to my one dog, which is more than enough.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Chewmonster Spencer
It finally happened. Spencer's good behavior couldn't last forever, I knew that, but I was waiting for the fall. It is here now. I think Spencer must have reached the teenage rebellious stage, because suddenly I cannot leave him alone inside my house anymore for any length of time. Not only does he jump on my bed, furniture he knows he's not allowed to be on, but he now chews my blanket while there. Granted I probably spilled some food on it at some point, but still, you'd think he could leave the sanctity of my bed in tact.
He also has discovered he has a shoe fetish. At first it was just one of my flip flops I use to walk around behind my house. Then it was a pair of my neighbors shoes that she doesn't wear anymore. But it's gotten a bit ridiculous. He chewed up a pair of shoes that the younger brother of my neighbor wore around while doing house chores, and since those are gone now he has to wear his big sisters high heeled sandals to do the work. Then he chewed one each of two different pairs of my flip flops again. This time, he luckily went for the left foot of one pair and the right foot of the other, so at least I still have one pair; they might be mismatched but who cares? I can still wear them around as long as I don't go out in public with them.
Spencer has always like to chew on my wooden furniture, so there's no surprise that every chair leg and bed post has teeth marks in it. But I just bought a new mat for the floor, and what does he do? Chews the papyrus reed to shreds. At least it was only about 3000/=, which is about $1.50. And I wanted this monster in my house? The joys of dog ownership.
He also has discovered he has a shoe fetish. At first it was just one of my flip flops I use to walk around behind my house. Then it was a pair of my neighbors shoes that she doesn't wear anymore. But it's gotten a bit ridiculous. He chewed up a pair of shoes that the younger brother of my neighbor wore around while doing house chores, and since those are gone now he has to wear his big sisters high heeled sandals to do the work. Then he chewed one each of two different pairs of my flip flops again. This time, he luckily went for the left foot of one pair and the right foot of the other, so at least I still have one pair; they might be mismatched but who cares? I can still wear them around as long as I don't go out in public with them.
Spencer has always like to chew on my wooden furniture, so there's no surprise that every chair leg and bed post has teeth marks in it. But I just bought a new mat for the floor, and what does he do? Chews the papyrus reed to shreds. At least it was only about 3000/=, which is about $1.50. And I wanted this monster in my house? The joys of dog ownership.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
There Actually IS a Reason...
So there are a lot of strange superstitions and cultural norms (at least to me anyway) here in Uganda that I'm not used to. I used to think they were ridiculous, until I found out the reason for one of them recently.
Everyone tells me not to eat while walking. If that were the case in America, I think half the population would starve because we're all so busy running around often the only time we have to eat is when we're moving. Not here though. And every time I asked why you aren't supposed to eat while walking, I got a different answer; it's rude, it's bad for your digestion, you might spill, you'll drop your food, etc. I finally know the real reason.
I was walking along chatting with Scott while eating a meat samosa, which I know is against cultural norms here, but I was hungry. I was gesticulating, of course, and holding the half eaten samosa between us, when I felt something hit me in the head and realized my samosa was no longer in my hand. Then I saw it, the dirty samosa thieving hawk that the samosa vendors always warn me about but I thought was just silly. It flew down, hit both Scott and me in the head with its wings, and stole my breakfast right out of my hand. Evil rotten thing.
Anyway, now I'm keeping my mind open to all the other things that don't exactly make sense to my American sensibilities. After all, we have some pretty strange superstitions as well; don't step on a crack, black cat crosses your path, don't walk under a ladder, dont open your umbrella indoors, etc. Anyway, things make sense, sometimes.
Everyone tells me not to eat while walking. If that were the case in America, I think half the population would starve because we're all so busy running around often the only time we have to eat is when we're moving. Not here though. And every time I asked why you aren't supposed to eat while walking, I got a different answer; it's rude, it's bad for your digestion, you might spill, you'll drop your food, etc. I finally know the real reason.
I was walking along chatting with Scott while eating a meat samosa, which I know is against cultural norms here, but I was hungry. I was gesticulating, of course, and holding the half eaten samosa between us, when I felt something hit me in the head and realized my samosa was no longer in my hand. Then I saw it, the dirty samosa thieving hawk that the samosa vendors always warn me about but I thought was just silly. It flew down, hit both Scott and me in the head with its wings, and stole my breakfast right out of my hand. Evil rotten thing.
Anyway, now I'm keeping my mind open to all the other things that don't exactly make sense to my American sensibilities. After all, we have some pretty strange superstitions as well; don't step on a crack, black cat crosses your path, don't walk under a ladder, dont open your umbrella indoors, etc. Anyway, things make sense, sometimes.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
I Know, I Know, It's About Time
Hey everyone, and sorry these blogs keep getting farther and farther apart. I've had a busy couple of weeks, what with traveling all over southwestern Uganda and seeing the sites with my mom and school starting again, things have been a bit hectic.
I wish I had pictures to post here of the amazing things my mom and I saw, especially the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and all the wildlife at Queen Elizabeth National Park, but unfortunately internet here is a bit slow for such luxuries. You'll just have to talk to my mom and see if she'll be willing to show you her stuff. I don't think you'll have any problems, she likes showing off:) We got to see the gorillas after a short 2 hour hike, and a slippery 60 degree jungle slope which had to be traversed. It was all worth it, once we met Safari (the silverback) and his family of gorillas. The hike back was even good, even if I got tired first and was the slowest one among us. At least we made it back by afternoon, and didn't have to walk for 7 hours prior to finding the great apes like some horror stories I've heard.
So like I mentioned earlier the new school year has begun, and it is a bit chaotic. New schedules, new classes, new students, new teachers all add up to a hectic start to the new year. But we're getting into the swing of things, and I'm teaching physics to the entire year of senior two students. It's kind of nice sticking to one subject, because then I don't get confused writing two different lectures and trying to mark two different subjects work. I'm hoping to get to do some practicals with my students in the near future, which should be fun. I might even try to do a science fair type deal with the students, and see what they can come up with. There are some pretty creative kids out there.
Well, I hope this has been a sufficient update on my life. Spencer is doing well and sends his greetings to everyone. Thanks Jenni for sending the dog bones! I know he'll love them, and I definitely appreciate the time and effort put into sending me a package (hint hint to all you bad friends out there). Anyway, that's all for now, and happy hunting.
I wish I had pictures to post here of the amazing things my mom and I saw, especially the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and all the wildlife at Queen Elizabeth National Park, but unfortunately internet here is a bit slow for such luxuries. You'll just have to talk to my mom and see if she'll be willing to show you her stuff. I don't think you'll have any problems, she likes showing off:) We got to see the gorillas after a short 2 hour hike, and a slippery 60 degree jungle slope which had to be traversed. It was all worth it, once we met Safari (the silverback) and his family of gorillas. The hike back was even good, even if I got tired first and was the slowest one among us. At least we made it back by afternoon, and didn't have to walk for 7 hours prior to finding the great apes like some horror stories I've heard.
So like I mentioned earlier the new school year has begun, and it is a bit chaotic. New schedules, new classes, new students, new teachers all add up to a hectic start to the new year. But we're getting into the swing of things, and I'm teaching physics to the entire year of senior two students. It's kind of nice sticking to one subject, because then I don't get confused writing two different lectures and trying to mark two different subjects work. I'm hoping to get to do some practicals with my students in the near future, which should be fun. I might even try to do a science fair type deal with the students, and see what they can come up with. There are some pretty creative kids out there.
Well, I hope this has been a sufficient update on my life. Spencer is doing well and sends his greetings to everyone. Thanks Jenni for sending the dog bones! I know he'll love them, and I definitely appreciate the time and effort put into sending me a package (hint hint to all you bad friends out there). Anyway, that's all for now, and happy hunting.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year everybody, although I'm a couple of weeks late with that one. Welcome to 2009 as they like to say here in Uganda. Actually I'm in Rwanda right now, waiting patiently for my mom to arrive today, but you get the picture.
I celebrated my New Years in a very PC way, as in I had food poisoning. And again 8 days later. The second episode was much more violent, and I'm not sure if I'm just become more blase about food preparation and what I ingest, or if this is what the new year has in store for me. Oh well. I learned I have some real friends, who make being sick so far from home not so bad. Thanks to Scott for being my errand boy, Jackie for being my nurse and chicken noodle soup maker, Maria for mothering me (and lending me a bed and toilet to vomit into), and Stephen for making sure I made it to my home safely, brought my dog down from the hill, cleaning up my puke bucket and any puddles of regurgitation that may not have made it into the toilet. Not many people would do that for you.
Things are looking up now though, as I have no gastro-intestinal issues at the moment and am going to meet some UW - Madison folk who happen to be in Rwanda on an EWB trip for lunch. It'll be nice to talk to some fellow Wisconsinites as I'm chilling and waiting for mom's plane to arrive. Well, I suppose that's enough for now, but thanks everyone for the comments you've been making. And Nikki, I do enjoy the novelas, so keep them coming. I need updates on your life.
I celebrated my New Years in a very PC way, as in I had food poisoning. And again 8 days later. The second episode was much more violent, and I'm not sure if I'm just become more blase about food preparation and what I ingest, or if this is what the new year has in store for me. Oh well. I learned I have some real friends, who make being sick so far from home not so bad. Thanks to Scott for being my errand boy, Jackie for being my nurse and chicken noodle soup maker, Maria for mothering me (and lending me a bed and toilet to vomit into), and Stephen for making sure I made it to my home safely, brought my dog down from the hill, cleaning up my puke bucket and any puddles of regurgitation that may not have made it into the toilet. Not many people would do that for you.
Things are looking up now though, as I have no gastro-intestinal issues at the moment and am going to meet some UW - Madison folk who happen to be in Rwanda on an EWB trip for lunch. It'll be nice to talk to some fellow Wisconsinites as I'm chilling and waiting for mom's plane to arrive. Well, I suppose that's enough for now, but thanks everyone for the comments you've been making. And Nikki, I do enjoy the novelas, so keep them coming. I need updates on your life.
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